Our dog may have black skin for different reasons, including hormonal diseases, however, there are also to know that the explanation for why a dog has black skin does not always imply the presence of a pathology.
If we observe that our dog's skin is darkening, which is usually accompanied by other symptoms, we must go to our veterinarian to establish the diagnosis, which generally requires a blood test. On our site we will explain the different causes that explain why a dog has black skin, keep reading!
Hyperpigmentation
The term hyperpigmentation refers to a darkening of the skinwhich can have different causes. We will see the most common answers to why our dog has black skin below. First of all, if we look at dogs we will see that with age their skin takes on a darker color, not black. Just think of a puppy's pink belly, which will darken as it ages, being totally normal.
Other causes of hyperpigmentation will be the consequence of pathologies that suppose or have supposed pruritus Thus, if our dog scratches and has black skin may be facing some dermatological condition that has become chronic. In these cases, it is typical to see the skin black and thickened because the dog has been scratching and eroding it for a long time. Likewise, if our dog has had a dermatological problem that has caused skin inflammation, hyperpigmentation will be like result of healing of these affected areas.
Hypothyroidism
One of the causes that can explain why a dog has black skin is a disease called canine hypothyroidism, caused by a deficiency in the thyroid glandThis gland produces the hormone thyroxine, which is involved in the control of metabolism, which will be slower in these dogs. Hypothyroidism affects a higher percentage of middle-aged dogs.
In them you will observe changes in the skin and hair that appear bilaterally and symmetrically. In addition, the hair grows little, there may even be areas with alopecia where the skin will appear dry, thick, inflamed and black. The dog gains weight, is cold, females may stop being in heat and other non-specific symptoms appear. Our veterinarian can confirm this disease by requesting a blood test. Requires pharmacological treatment.
Hyperadrenocorticism
This disease, also known as Cushing's syndrome, is another one that explains why our dog has black skin. In this case it is an overproduction of glucocorticoids by the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, although this disorder can also have an exogenous origin, and can develop from of drugs composed of glucocorticoids that are being given to the dog as part of a long-term treatment.
Endogenous cases are usually related to the presence of tumors The excess of glucocorticoids causes alopecia following a symmetrical pattern, that is, equal to both sides of the animal. The skin turns black and the abdomen hangs. The dog is lethargic and loses muscle mass. You can also see an increase in water intake and in urine output. It affects in greater percentage middle-aged and elderly dogs. Through analytics, the veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis. Medication is usually administered.
Hyperestrogenism
Excessive estrogens is another cause that can explain why a dog has black skin. In this condition, the ovaries or testicles overproduce estrogen, often due to the presence of cysts or tumors This disorder produces symptoms such as what is known as feminization, which involves the enlargement of the breasts and, in females, of the vulva.
In addition, they may present irregularities in heat, false pregnancies or uterine infections. Regarding the skin and hair, it falls off, revealing a black skin, which, in addition, can present seborrhea The veterinarian must investigate the cause of this hormonal overproduction. Sterilization is recommended.
