Pale lines on dog skin: Are they stretch marks or from rough play?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It's hard to say without a picture, but if she has a history of trauma in that area, it could be a thin layer of scar tissue. Or Sometimes loss of hair or a deep scrape seems to change the quality or pigment of the skin or hair (I don't know if there is a good medical explanation for that). Of course, there are also infections, auto-immune diseases, and other reasons skin color can change. If the skin is completely normal other than being a lighter shade, it's been going on for longer than a month without change, and Sissy doesn't seem bothered by it, its PROBABLY nothing to worry about. If it has come up suddenly or spread quickly, changed alot in any other way, there are other spots where it starts to happen, or Sissy seems at all bothered by it, it's time to seek a second opinion or pursue testing (skin scrape/impression or skin biopsy are reasonable next steps). Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Sissy!

The lesions on the belly do look like scars, but I can't tell about the ones on the back without taking a closer look. Sometimes pictures make things look a bit different than they do in person. If they really don't seem to be bothering Joker at all, it is definitely possible they are scars. I recommend monitoring the lesions over the coming weeks. If you notice any changes such as redness, flaking, increasing in size, or if he does become itchy, then definitely get him in to your veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi there, Thanks for the good photo. This looks like some mild pigment change, probably due to friction of motion in the area. This may become more pronounced as she ages. This is not of any medical concern. Skin changes that you should be concerned about would include but not be limited to: redness, swelling, crusting or flaking, itchiness, increase in greasiness or discharge from the skin, or growths. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These are likely patches of hyperpigmentation. However, continue to monitor them closely because sometimes skin cancer such as melanoma can start like that. If these ever become raised or seem to bother him or appear to be spreading, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check on it and sample to get a diagnosis. Best of luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to know for sure based on these pictures though this is likely a normal pigmentation change. If it is not associated with itchiness or discomfort, there is no need to be concerned about this. If you ever notice any discomfort or itchiness, have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I hope Maggie's litter did great and that she was a great mother. This pigmentation actually looks completely normal. Some dogs as they age, they will accumulate more and more pigment on certain areas of their bodies. As long as she is not scratching these areas, licking them excessively I would not worry about them. If these areas become red and chronically irritated, then I would advise treatment. Again this looks like normal pigment accumulation to me since the skin otherwise is not inflammed and looks normal. Good luck with Maggie

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Her skin looks like a normal skin color for an adult lab. It isn't abnormal for the puppy pink skin to darkened in these area to a uniform greyish brown color. the skin should still be soft and not "elephant" like which indicates excessive licking. Have a great day!