Worrying comes part and parcel with being a pet owner. You worry when you see them chewing on an unknown object out of the corner of your eye. Any notable change in their behavior can also cause alarms to go off in your head.
We haven’t even touched on the physical changes pets may exhibit. On one random day, you may notice that they have some unusual black spots growing on their belly. It’s easy to assume the worst when something like that happens.
In this article, we’ll talk about those black spots and what they could mean. We’ll discuss if you can disregard them or if you need to address them as soon as possible. Stick around so you can better understand those physical changes affecting your dog’s body.
Why Are There Black Spots on My Dog’s Stomach?
While giving your precious dog their customary belly rub, you may have noticed something weird. Right there on their stomach are several black spots. They weren’t there before so why have they shown up now?
Those black spots on your dog’s belly could have appeared for different reasons. Let’s use this section of the article to highlight those potential explanations.
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is in charge of producing a hormone known as thyroxine. In turn, thyroxine is a hormone that a dog needs to regulate their metabolism.
Unfortunately, there’s a chance that your dog has a thyroid gland that is not active enough. That could lead to them developing a condition we know as hypothyroidism.
The appearance of black spots is one of the telltale signs of hypothyroidism in dogs. Those black spots may show up on different parts of your dog’s body.
You can tell that the black spots are related to hypothyroidism if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as weight gain and lethargy. A case of hypothyroidism certainly warrants medical attention, but it’s not as immediately troubling as the other potential explanations for the black spots.
Infections
Try as you might to protect your pet from potentially harmful bacteria and viruses, you still cannot guarantee that they will be completely safe. After all, you’re fighting an invisible enemy that can strike at any time. You can only do so much to protect your pet against that.
Infections can cause all kinds of problems for your pet. Some of them can be life-threatening while others less so. Black spots are in the latter camp, but you still don’t want them appearing on your dog’s body.
The best you can do is to keep your dog’s environment clean so they can avoid those microscopic nuisances.
Parasites
Parasites could also be behind the appearance of black spots on your pet’s belly. You need to be especially careful of parasitic mites.
The aforementioned parasitic mites can wreak havoc on your dog’s skin. Once they get to your pet, they can cause extreme irritation and itchiness. Your dog may also start to lose their hair because of those parasitic mites.
Don’t forget about the dark spots that could emerge after the parasitic mites attack.
Allergies
An allergic reaction can also be the root cause of your pet’s discolored skin. After your dog has an allergic reaction to something in their environment, they may start to feel itchy.
As they continue to scratch or bite at a particular spot, that part of their skin may darken. You may see several black spots if the allergic reactions are more widespread.
Diseases
Your pet may also start to get dark spots because they are sick. Examples of diseases that count dark spots among their symptoms include Cushing’s disease and lupus.
Truthfully, the black spots may be the least worrisome symptoms of those diseases. There will likely be other symptoms that demand your attention more.
Is It Normal for a Dog to Have Black Spots on Their Stomach?
Are those black spots on your dog’s body worth worrying about or are they normal? Your answer to that question will depend on the cause of the black spots.
If your pet’s dark spots emerged due to hypothyroidism, you can consider that as a somewhat normal occurrence. Hypothyroidism is more common among middle-aged dogs. There are also certain breeds that are more susceptible to developing hypothyroidism compared to others.
Even if your dog is more likely to develop hypothyroidism, that doesn’t give you the option to just disregard their condition. Hypothyroidism can still affect the quality of life your pet enjoys. Give them a good chance to ease into their senior years by treating their hypothyroidism instead of ignoring it.
Dark spots that are caused by infections, parasites, allergies, and diseases are more troubling. They are not normal by any means.
You need to act immediately if you suspect that your dog’s dark spots were caused by those aforementioned ailments. Failing to act in time can lead to your pet’s condition worsening and they could even die as a result.
What to Do if My Dog Has Black Spots on Their Stomach?
What can you do for your dog if you see black spots showing up on their body? Allow us to detail the steps you need to take so you can effectively address those dark spots and the conditions that may be causing them.
Consult with a Veterinarian
To the untrained eye, a black spot may just be an unsightly mark. However, veterinarians may see them as something more.
Those dark spots could be indicators that your dog is dealing with a serious ailment. Allow the veterinarian to examine them so they can provide an accurate diagnosis and method of treatment.
Use Special Shampoos or Ointments on the Black Spots
After examining the black spots, your veterinarian may recommend using a medicated shampoo or a special ointment to remove them. Remember to use those products according to the veterinarian’s instructions so they produce the intended effect.
Treat the Underlying Condition
Treating your dog’s underlying condition is a must if you wish to get rid of those black spots for good. If the underlying condition is hypothyroidism, the vet may prescribe oral medication for your dog. Other forms of medication may be required for infections, parasites, allergies, and diseases.