Black Spots on Dog Skin

by Margaret
(Perth Western Australia )

My 8 year old Dog, an Australian Silky Terrier has lost her undercoat fur and has small black spots or dots over her skin. The fur loss is mainly around the sides and now is appearing in other places. A while ago she had an episode of a black like dandruff all over her body which took a while to go away, then this was followed by white scaly dog skin.

Can you help with any ideas regarding what this could be? Her fur was once a show coat as she used to be a show dog. She also scratches and bites herself.

Dog Health Guide Editor comment Regarding Black Dots on Dog Skin

Dog skin problems can be of different forms, and are usually identified by some typical signs.

An exact diagnosis can only be made after a detailed examination and laboratory tests. Based on your description, we can only make suggestions based on the symptoms you described.

Your dog seems to be infested with parasites, most probably mites. The development of symptoms on each side of your dog, alopecia (hair loss), itching, chewing and hyper pigmentation suggests a parasitic infestation such as dog mange. Symptoms such as darkened dandruff and then white scales suggest that it is walking dandruff.

Treatment of this condition involves the use of different drugs. An approved and the most effective treatment, is the application of several lime-sulfur dips.

Another way to treat mange in dogs is the use of different prescription drugs as fiprinol, ivermectin etc, but none of them are approved treatments, although they are effective.

Along with a specific treatment, supportive and preventive measures are also required.

You should start by bathing your dog with a herbal shampoo and proceed with several lime-sulfur dips. Both can be purchased online from Dermisil for Pet Mange. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer, which is based on the size of your dog.

For additional support, use a natural remedy such as Skin and Coat Tonic to support your dog's skin health and follicular hair strength. This will help with the alopecia (dog hair loss) treatment.

It is important to interrupt the lifecycle of any parasites that are still alive in the areas where your dog lives in the home. Otherwise, the condition may reappear as mites in the environment and larvae can re infest your dog. You should spray a quality disinfectant in your home and environment that is made for this purpose such as Benzarid. Be sure to treat all areas where your dog roams. Also, wash all of your dog's belongings with a quality detergent and hot water.

Though less important, any mites that infest your dog can cause mild itchiness and redness over human skin. Be sure to handle your dog with care. We suggest you use gloves while handling your dog.

Please keep us up to date on the dog mange treatment and dog black spots on skin problem.