Question by proud nerd: dark spots on my dog’s lips?
I have a 3 year old weimaraner who, aside from some minor issues with food allergies, has always been very healthy. Over the past few days, though, I’ve noticed a spot on each side of her mouth (on the upper lip, about halfway down her muzzle) that has become very dark colored. It isn’t swollen, it isn’t bleeding, and it doesn’t seem to hurt her at all. Should I be worried? I generally stick to the rule that if she’s eating, drinking, sleeping, and pooping normally, I don’t worry too much about it. But this seems so odd, I was concerned that I should check into it. Thanks in advance for your input!

Best answer:

Answer by Jojo
If it’s on her fur, I wouldn’t be worried about it.
Something probably just stained her fur.
If it’s the skin beneath it, it could just be a developing mole or liver spot (yes, dogs get those, too).
I would suggest calling your vet and talking to them, but it’s probably nothing life-threatening.

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Question by Sherman L: Why does my dog have patches of dark fur and itching on her back?
Our two year old toy poodle mix has always had flea allergies and dry skin. The worst problem is itching on her back, where the fur has turned brown (she is off-white in color) in areas that she tends to chew the most. I don’t think the chewing is the cause of the discoloration because when we keep her back covered with pajamas she doesn’t tend to chew as much but the discoloration and itching remains. The skin does not seem to exhibit any discoloration except for the usual inflammation and irritation from chewing or scratching. Could this be some sort of yeast problem, and if so what can we use to combat it?

Best answer:

Answer by gud ole kuntry boy
Not sure what could be causing this. I would take her to the vet an see if there is something new going on with her.

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Question by Lay: My dog has dark patches of fur on his feet?
It is really agitating because I am trying to get him to stop. I don’t know if it’s behavioral or allergies. He’s a 2 year old bichon mix. He is constantly biting his feet. He has no fleas. He is drinking mineral water, with a 10mg benadryl a day [the vet recommended]. He is on natural foods with no wheat or preservatives in it. He gets bathed about once a month with oatmeal dog shampoo. He is in good health really but he keeps biting his feet. I also got him some chew toys that he does chew on and he loves. He still does it though. Any suggestions? Any suggestions on how to lighten the patches of fur as well without using bleach for human hair? Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by joanplus4dogs
He either has environmental allergies like to grass which is very common for bichons or it might be now obsession where he can’t stop himself. You can’t bleach the hair – once they stop licking/chewing it will grow out while again. Stains in the hair can’t be removed like in clothes. You may need to do allergy patch test to see exactly what he is allergic to & get shots to stop it. Or vet may have to prescribe something to break his obsession. You would do better to stop using oatmeal shampoo & use an antibacterial on the feet instead. Oatmeal helps hold in moisture & the feet need to stay clean & dry. By licking he is already making them moist/damp & will get bacterial infections/yeast. Use a good hypo shampoo for body.

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It is really agitating because I am trying to get him to stop. I don’t know if it’s behavioral or allergies. He’s a 2 year old bichon mix. He is constantly biting his feet. He has no fleas. He is drinking mineral water, with a 10mg benadryl a day [the vet recommended]. He is on natural foods with no wheat or preservatives in it. He gets bathed about once a month with oatmeal dog shampoo. He is in good health really but he keeps biting his feet. I also got him some chew toys that he does chew on and he loves. He still does it though. Any suggestions? Any suggestions on how to lighten the patches of fur as well without using bleach for human hair? Thanks!

Our two year old toy poodle mix has always had flea allergies and dry skin. The worst problem is itching on her back, where the fur has turned brown (she is off-white in color) in areas that she tends to chew the most. I don’t think the chewing is the cause of the discoloration because when we keep her back covered with pajamas she doesn’t tend to chew as much but the discoloration and itching remains. The skin does not seem to exhibit any discoloration except for the usual inflammation and irritation from chewing or scratching. Could this be some sort of yeast problem, and if so what can we use to combat it?