As humans, we know how to take care of our skin, but what about our dogs? Many owners report a change to the color of their dog’s skin following sun exposure. The real question is whether it Is an issue if your dog’s skin turns black in the summer. Let’s take a look at what you need to know.
Before you scroll down to a more in-depth answer to this guide, “Why Does My Dog’s Skin Turn Black in the Summer,” you can check out these other dog-related questions answered by our team at We Love Doodles: Why Does My Dog Roll Around After Eating? and Why Does My Dog Suddenly Hate His Crate?.
Why Does My Dog’s Skin Turn Black in the Summer?
Just as the sunny weather can cause human skin to tan, exposure to the sun can also cause your dog’s skin to darken. This is especially likely if your dog has a thin or light-colored coat.
Many dog owners whose dogs like to sunbathe on their backs may notice a change in the color of their dog’s bellies in the summer months. This is because the belly is where a dog’s fur is typically the thinnest. That said, so long as you are responsible when your dog experiences sun exposure – this shouldn’t be anything to worry about.
Why Does My Dog’s Skin Have Black Patches?
Many dogs naturally have black freckles and patches of black skin or develop them with age. Generally, this is nothing to worry about. However, if your dog has newly developed patches, the location of these patches is important to consider. If they are in a place where their skin has been exposed to the sun, it’s more than likely related to sun exposure.
It’s also not uncommon for dogs to develop darker patches of skin in areas of friction, such as the armpits and under the legs. This is usually nothing to worry about unless they irritate your dog.
That said, dark skin patches can sometimes be related to health conditions – so watch out for other symptoms and make an appointment with your vet if you’re concerned.
Does Hyperpigmentation From Sun Exposure Fade?
Hyperpigmentation from sun exposure tends to fade with the changing of the weather, but it doesn’t always. Sometimes, the changes are permanent. Still, these changes are purely cosmetic and shouldn’t be anything to worry about unless they look abnormal or irritate your dog.
Can I Get Rid of My Dog’s Hyperpigmentation?
There is no reason to get rid of your dog’s hyperpigmentation, but if you really want to, you can use a dog-safe or vet-prescribed retinoid treatment (vitamin A) to help fade the hyperpigmentation on your dog’s skin. However, bear in mind that even with treatment some dark patches never fade entirely.
Can Dogs Get Skin Cancer From Sun Exposure?
Just like humans, dogs can get skin cancer. In fact, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in dogs. Although genetics are thought to play a more significant role in the development of canine skin cancer, sun exposure may be a contributing factor.
There are several types of canine skin cancer, and what it looks like can differ from dog to dog. It’s not too different from human skin cancer and is usually treatable with surgery or radio/chemotherapy.
Make sure to monitor your dog’s skin, especially as they get older, and ask your vet to check out any abnormalities.
Should I Protect My Dog’s Skin From the Sun?
Your dog’s skin can burn and develop skin cancer just like ours can. So, if your dog is exposed to the sun, has thin or light-colored fur, or is a hairless breed, you should take measures to protect them from the sun.
Here are some easy ways you can protect your dog from getting too much sun:
- Provide shade in outdoor areas where your dog can take a break from the sun when they feel too hot.
- Use dog-friendly sunscreen. For dogs with small patches of exposed skin, you may find it easier to use sunscreen to protect their skin from the sun.
- Have your dog wear protective clothing.
It’s important to use products that are designed for dogs with clean ingredients and fewer chemicals so as to not irritate your dog’s system or skin.
For dogs with thin fur or no fur at all, it may be best to put them in a lightweight T-shirt to shield their bodies from the sun. There are also t-shirts for dogs that are made with materials specifically for sun protection.
If your dog does get sunburnt, hold a cool compress against their skin and keep them out of the sun until their skin has healed. Oatmeal baths also make great treatments for sunburn, as well as aloe vera – so long as they don’t lick it off!
How Long Should I Let My Dog Spend in the Sun?
Prolonged exposure to heat and exertion in hot weather can be dangerous for dogs, so be sure to keep track of the temperature and supervise your dog in hot weather.
Take them out for walks early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun isn’t as strong, and if you let them out in the yard, make sure they have constant access to shade or shelter, water, and skin protection if needed.
Other Causes of Hyperpigmentation in Dogs
Although it’s most often caused by the sun, let’s take a look at some other common causes of hyperpigmentation in dogs.
Natural Causes
Certain dog breeds naturally have dark skin or patches of darker skin, such as the Mexican Hairless Dog, the American Hairless Terrier, the Chinese Crested Dog, the Shar Pei, the Dachshund, the Yorkshire Terrier, and the Pomeranian.
There are also a few genetic disorders that can cause darkening of the skin. Most commonly, Alopecia X, which is a condition that causes hair loss and patches of dry or black skin. It is most often a cosmetic disorder and doesn’t usually pose a threat to your dog’s health or well-being.
Hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin can also occur naturally with age. So long as there are no other symptoms, darker patches of skin on an elderly dog are usually nothing to worry about.
Health Conditions
Certain health conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, allergies, skin cancer, skin infections, and mange can also cause darkening of the skin. All these conditions will also have other obvious symptoms. Be sure to investigate further if other physical or behavioral changes accompany your dog’s dark skin patches.
Medication
Medications like steroids or diethylstilbestrol for urinary incontinence can also cause hyperpigmentation of the skin. So long as it’s not accompanied by any harmful side effects, it shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
Harsh Contact & Trauma
Shaving close to the skin or clipping fur in preparation for surgery can cause darkening of the skin, especially in fluffy Nordic breeds like the Samoyed and Akita.
Scarring from physical trauma and chronic licking due to joint pain, skin irritation, or emotional distress can also cause the skin to darken. However, this kind of hyperpigmentation usually fades, and any fur loss should grow back over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don’t need to fix your dog’s black skin if you don’t want to, as it’s usually not a threat to their overall health. However, if you want to fix your dog’s black skin, your veterinarian will most likely prescribe prednisone, cimetidine, ketoconazole, anipryl, or leuprolide.
Alopecia X, sometimes called ‘Black Skin Disease,’ is a common reason your dog may lose its fur and see its skin turn black. Luckily, Alopecia X is a cosmetic disorder and has no real impact on your dog’s physical health.
Cushing’s syndrome, allergies, skin cancer, skin infections, and mange are all diseases that often cause a dog’s skin to turn black. Alopecia X is also a common cause.
What to Do if Your Dog’s Skin Turns Black in the Summer
While a change to your dog’s skin may seem alarming, it’s usually nothing to worry about, especially when it’s occurring alongside sunny weather. However, if you are concerned about your dog’s skin, make an appointment with your vet, just in case.
If you find this guide, “Why Does My Dog’s Skin Turn Black in the Summer,” informative, you can check out these other dog-related questions answered by our team:
- Why Does My Dog Sound Congested?
- Why Does My Dog Sleep Between My Legs?
- Why Does My Dog Scratch the Carpet?
You can learn more about dog’s black skin diseases by watching “Black Skin Disease | Skin Disease in Dogs | Dr Pallabi Vet” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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