Healthy Dog Skin Color

Changes in a dog s skin color or coat texture can be a warning sign of several common metabolic or hormone problems.

Healthy dog skin color.

Your dog s skin is unique just like their personality but there are lots of general things that should be the same for all dogs with healthy skin. There are numerous dog skin problems you re likely to encounter in your pup s. Skin dermatoses is a general medical term that applies to several types of bacterial infections or genetic diseases of the skin. Be sure to ask your veterinarian about any significant changes to your dog.

While there are some benign causes of hypopigmentation loss of skin color is more concerning if it stems from immune mediated infectious and neoplastic causes. They can also result from an infection or other skin disorder. Pneumonia congestive heart failure pulmonary thromboembolism and other respiratory problems can cause this blue gum coloration if the. The general condition of your dog s skin and coat are good indicators of its health.

Gum problems in dogs. Hypopigmentation or depigmentation results in a lightening of the skin e g. Some dermatoses are cosmetic conditions involving loss of pigmentation of the skin and or hair coat but are otherwise no harmful. Usually a simple blood test can identify the underlying cause.

Long chronic skin allergies causing the dog to scratch and bite will cause the skin to become thickened lichenified. Although your dog might like to believe a changing of skin color means he s turning into a super dog the true reason for his darkening pigmentation isn t very exciting. A variety of different skin conditions in dogs are the most common health issues that pet owners have to deal with. Dogs are exposed to vitamin deficiencies and other potential health issues that will often be tied with dogs skin and coat health.

Color or texture changes. If inadequate amounts of oxygen are being circulated through your dog s blood supply its gums may turn blue or purple this gum color is referred to medically as cyanosis. When a dog s tummy has turned black thickening of the skin lichenification and or hair loss can go along with hyperpigmentation making the skin and fur look sad indeed. Dog s skin turning black and losing hair.

From skin conditions to skin infections dark skin is a medical condition that you and your vet can probably easily manage. Your dog s skin should be pink or black depending on the pigments common to their breed or their individual genetic history both are entirely normal. Selective breeding has led to the development of dogs with a myriad of different coat characteristics requiring varying grooming needs. A healthy coat should be shiny and smooth not brittle or coarse and healthy skin should be supple and clear not greasy flaky or bumpy.