Black Spots on Dog’s Belly

Have you ever seen brown spots on your dog’s belly? Were you able to notice the dog’s skin under discoloration? Does this part of the doggo’s belly look different compared to other body regions? Are you getting annoyed with this condition of your dog’s skin? It’s time to find out the cause and eliminate this problem.

It’s a playful and cherishable experience to have your dog around and enjoy the simplest moments of life with him. However, something as small as brown spots over the dog’s belly can be scary. What if it’s a sign of a serious disease?

There are a lot of reasons and conditions associated with the skin discoloration of your four-legged companion’s skin, especially on its abdominal area.

Firstly, many dogs have a color variation on the specific region of their skin which is normal and just pigmentation. It’s nothing to worry about.

Other dogs can have discoloration of the skin due to age. This is most commonly not related to any discharge or symptoms and again isn’t something significant. But if there is any kind of bloody, greenish, or yellowish excretion from the affected region that should ring warning bells in your ears! Your four-legged companion now needs proper treatment accompanied by medication as he’s having a medical condition.

If there is any suspected medical condition, it’s about time you rush the doggo to a vet. The only person who can now help you and your dog is a doctor.

Now, let us address what basically hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration is.

Hyperpigmentation                    

Basically, hyperpigmentation is a medical condition, in which the dark pigment of one’s body increases. This manifestation is found in both humans and animals.

In simpler words, Hyperpigmentation is the darkening and thickening of the skin. It appears as dark brown or black, in color, velvety and rough in texture, and located on non-hairy skin.

Have you seen a guy or any animal that is suffering from hyperpigmentation? If yes, then your mind might have a rough idea of it. Does it?

HYPERPIGMENTATION IN DOGS – PRIMARY OR SECONDARY?

Before we move forward, let me tell you that hyper-pigmentation in dogs can be primary or secondary.

Is your dog having brown spots on his body because of hyperpigmentation?

Primary hyper-pigmentation is a disease condition that can occur in any breed especially Dachshunds. Adding to it, signs are usually evident by age of 1 year.

In comparison, secondary hyperpigmentation is a condition that is very common and can be found in any breed of dog (no specification). However, it most commonly occurs in those who are obese, have any hormonal abnormality or any type of allergy. Dermatitis (a condition in which skin inflamed or irritation of skin), and any skin infection can give rise to Secondary Hyperpigmentation too.

Moreover, Secondary hyper-pigmentation can be triggered by any kind of inflammation or friction. What does this mean? Hyper-pigmentation is a secondary effect.

Additionally, it may be due to any trauma to the skin. Basically, inflammation such as redness or skin scratching can be a common cause of trauma.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HYPERPIGMENTATION IN DOGS

Hyperpigmentation or in other words brown spots on the dog’s belly may be related to one or more reasons.

Let’s have an in-depth look to find out what’s the reason for your doggo’s decolorized skin.

CUTANEOUS / SKIN INFECTION

Are there brown spots near a previously wounded site?

Your dog can suffer from hyper-pigmentation due to any skin infection. Sometimes open wounds or cuts can cause skin infection due to direct exposure to environmental pathogens. It can be due to any bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection.

Take care of your dog when he returns home wounded.

INFLAMMATION

Have you seen any sort of redness over your dog’s skin? Redness can be due to inflammation inside the body. Does it feel swollen on pressing it? Inflammation can trigger hyper-pigmentation and often leads to additional changes over the skin such as hair loss, skin irritation, thickening of the skin, and pain.

Talk to your veterinarian if your dog is suspected of any kind of inflammation or infection.

ALLERGIC REACTION

With an allergic reaction on the skin, most of us find relief with itching. Well quite frankly speaking, dogs also suffer from allergic reactions which can cause a rash on a dog’s skin more specifically on his belly.

Allergies can cause a wide array of symptoms like digestive upset, skin conditions such as redness, irritation, hair loss, or itching, and even brown spots on a dog’s belly.

If you can’t get over it with antihistamines, you should definitely visit your vet for proper medication.

INHERITED DISEASES SUCH AS ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS, OR FOLLICULAR DYSTROPHY. 

Some breeds of dogs are more prone to skin rash or specifically belly rash due to genetic ailment. Families that are more suspected of skin problems include Bulldogs, German Shepherd dogs, Standard Poodles, and more. These are at high risk of developing skin rash or any other problem related to skin.

If your dog belongs to any suspected breed for skin problems, regular vet visits are a must.

HORMONAL OR ENDOCRINOLOGICAL IMBALANCE.

Did you know? Hormonal imbalances are one of the major sources of many chronic diseases in humans? The same is the case with dogs they also get to suffer from endocrinological illness. Remember, endocrine problems give rise to many diseases.

There is a possibility that your dog’s rash may be due to any underlying hormonal condition such as hypothyroidism, Cushing disease, alopecia.

What do you see in such diseases? Along with brown spots on the dog’s belly, some of the obvious symptoms are thinning and changing in the skin, hair loss or damage, dry skin.

PARASITES 

Are there more reasons for brown spots on your dog’s belly? Pests and parasites can also be the reason for your dog’s belly rash.

Mites, ticks, and flea can cause skin irritation and will be the reason for spots over the skin. Moreover, all of this can lead to any sort of infection in the future.

So, honestly speaking, it’s better to visit the vet when you acknowledge any symptoms.

ENVIRONMENTAL OR PHYSIOLOGICAL REACTIONS.

Allergy can be due to environmental factors that act as allergens. As the doggo gets in contact with any sort of pollutant, chemical irritant, fertilizer, cleaning agent, or poison, an allergic reaction starts. And as stated earlier, Allergy can lead to hyperpigmentation.

Furthermore, it can also be due to dermatitis which can cause a rash over your pet’s skin and ultimately leads to brown spots on the dog’s belly.

This again needs immediate medical attention.

WHAT ARE THE SIGN AND SYMPTOMS OF HYPERPIGMENTATION

In the whole discussion, I have mentioned all the signs and symptoms. However, to detect the signs as early as possible, I’d list them in bullets. What are the signs and symptoms of hyperpigmentation in Dogs?

The main signs and symptoms along with hyperpigmentation are listed below:

• Black or dark brown spots all over the dog’s body.
• Redness of skin due to inflammation.
• Hair loss.
• Scaling of skin.
• Itchiness.
• Dry skin along with dandruff over the skin
• The skin may be more sweaty or soft than usual.

 HOW TO DIAGNOSE HYPERPIGMENTATION?

The best way to make a proper and correct diagnosis is obviously through an appointment with the Veterinarian.

What procedure will the Veterinarian follow? He will take proper history at first and then do a general physical examination of your pet, after that he will perform some basic tests to confirm the suspected diagnosis.

Medication and Treatment will be related to it.

Adding to your info, Diagnostic tests will be based on your dog’s age, breed, overall health, and symptoms.

HOW TO TREAT BROWN SPOTS ON A DOG’S BELLY? 

Treatment will be mainly based on appropriate antibiotics along with any medicated shampoo or lotion for the exterior surface. From there, your pet will greatly benefit but remember consistency and care matter. They are the key to solving all dog problems.

Moreover, treatment will be a bit long no matter what sort of case it is. So what should a pet owner do? A pet’s owner should be patient and consistent with the treatment. Signs will resolve slowly, and it may take a month or more to return back to normal.

CONCLUSION

In a nutshell, it can be concluded that brown spots on a dog’s belly are due to hyperpigmentation. Notice the associated signs and symptoms manifested by the dog and take him to the doctor before it spreads on the entire body.