Why is my Brussels Griffon's back skin turning black and spreading?

Skin darkening can occur due to natural aging, low level irritation from infection or allergies, a healed wound or changes in hormone levels from hypothyroidism. Your veterinarian may be able to determine the exact cause after a thorough physical exam. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thinning hair and a darkening of the skin could indicate something like allergies, a diet that is not right for her, fleas or (less likely) and endocrine condition. There are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they may not address the underlying cause. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing her diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. If Zoey is wanting to itch the area, you need to protect the area from trauma by having your pup wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Make sure she is up to date on flea prevention. Diets and supplements take 2-4 weeks to take effect. If the changes are not improving after 2 weeks or if they are getting worse, have Zoey examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

It may be due to true skin problems like allergy or skin infection. However, if she doesn't show excessive skin itchiness or redness she may have hormonal problems (diabetes, underactive thyroid gland, overactive adrenal gland etc). You shoud get her checked by your vets. They are likely to recommend skin testing and blood test to find out what is going on.

Hi and thanks for your request. One of the most important reasons for darkening of the skin is a chronic type of inflammation. This is usually combined with more clinical signs (like other skin lesions, itch or alopecia). If no other signs are present then a metabolic or endocrine disease can be suspected. Please repost your question and give us more informations and ideally some pictures so we can give you more specific answers.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Sadly the dark pigment may not be reversible. I would have your Vet check Bentley for a yeast infection. Sometimes that can cause dark flakey pigmented skin. Also make sure he isn't hypothyroid. Some dogs have multiple endodrine diseases. You can try Bentley on Omega 3 to help over all skin health. I like Omega Benefits: http://vrshealth.com/canine-products/omegadog/. Also having his Cushings treated and under control will help further skin issues. I hope this helps and I wish you and Bentley the best!

Some issues such as metabolic illnesses can cause hair loss and skin darkening. You may also see changes in weight, appetite, water intake, etc. Other potential causes include parasites, allergies, skin infections, etc. Since there is both a change to skin and coat, having Trixie examined by your vet and samples taken or bloodwork done may help narrow down the cause so it can be treated.

The skin will turn black as a response to inflammation - it is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Most commonly this is from a yeast infection of the skin. I suggest you start bathing her with medicated shampoo 1-2 times per week and in between baths use this medicated spray on the affected areas. Be sure to read the instructions throughly. The shampoo must have contact skin with the skin to work. You can't just put it on and then rinse it off. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-6692-douxo-chlorhexidine-shampoo-for-dogs-and-cats.aspx?SearchTerm=chlorhexidine+Auto ) ( https://www.allivet.com/p-6677-douxo-chlorhexidine-micro-emulsion-spray-for-dogs-and-cats-68-oz.aspx?SearchTerm=duoxo%20spray+Auto ) The "skin tag" actually looks like a cyst or wart of some kind. That should be checked by your vet.