What causes my dog's black skin dots, low energy, and breathing issues?

These small black dots and missing hair could be caused by external parasites, such as fleas and mites, allergies, or illness. Itchy ears could be cause by ear mites or an ear infection. The only way to know for certain what is causing these issues in Lilly is to take her into your vet for a health check. I'd recommend taking her in to see your vet to get an exact diagnosis and correct treatment.

Those black spots look like comedones (aka: blackheads). I suggest you use this shampoo that contains benzoyl peroxide. Lather the affected areas (no need to do the whole dog), let it sit for 10-15 minutes and then rinse throughly. Do this every 2-3 days until they are gone. Then use this shampoo 1-2 times every month for maintenance. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-7130-oxiderm-shampoo-ps.aspx ) The loss of appetite is not related to the comedones. If she won't eat then you need to get her to your vet for an exam. If she is not spayed it may be due to her heat cycle. I would suggest spaying her.

She could have a skin infection, mites, fleas, ringworm, allergic dermatitis, etc. Your vet can do a skin scrape, cytology, or culture to help diagnose and then prescribe medications to treat the problem. She may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, corticosteroid, or other medications depending on the cause. Make sure to treat her with a monthly flea medication like NexGard, Frontline, Advantage, or Revolution to prevent fleas.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! They are likely comedones which are like black heads. They likely won't cause any harm in a puppy. If they have appeared suddenly you can try a medicated shampoo. Bathe 2-3 times per week and let the lather sit on the belly for 10 mins before rinsing. I am sure Barley will be seeing your Vet again soon for puppy shots, have them take a look as well. I've attached a shampoo link. I hope this helps and I wish you and Barley the best! http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=21564

This could be caused by an allergy or also endocrine condition. Hypothyroidism can cause hyperpigmentation, as can Cushing's disease or a liver condition amongst others. All of those disease can easily be diagnosed via a clinical exam by your veterinarian and blood work. Hypothyroidism can easily be treated with medication containing thyroid hormone. Treatment of Cushing's disease (overproduction of cortisone by the adrenal glands) is usually treated with medication that destroys part of the adrenal glands so they do not produce so many glucocorticoids. Liver conditions are treated according to their cause. And then there always is the possibility that this is just harmless hyperpigmentation without disease. Best schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for an exam.

These are comedones (black heads) and usually due to an underlying metabolic disease or a skin infection possibly caused by mites. Your veterinarian will be able to perform blood work as well as a skin scrape and cytology to check for any of these diseases.

Dogs can get blocked pores and blackheads, or what we medically call comedones These typically can be treated with a benzoyl peroxide based shampoo (i.e. Duoxo shampoos). In most situations these are benign, but it is always a good idea to have your vet do a general health exam on your pet to ensure no other underlying disease processes are occurring as well. Pets with hypothyroidism can be prone to this condition. Your vet can also provide an appropriate shampoo to help keep pores healthy. Adding an omega 3 fatty acid for pets can also help improve skin health. Best of luck.