Black Skin On and Around a Young Dog's Vulva
by Karen
Reader Question
I have a two and a half year old brown pom who's vulva has a large black spot (simalar to the black lab on this site) and the skin surrounding the vulva has also turn black. She previously was dx with a yeast infection and treated. This now looks exactly like it did with the infection but nothing comes off on the cotton ball when cleaning, and the treatment did nothing. The vet says it is just her skin turning colors like a mole or freckles on a person. This just looks so bad a it is hard to beleive that her vulva and surrounding area who just turn black when there are no other spots on her doing the same. She doesn't seem to be bothered and it doesn't seem it itch or hurt her. I don't think it is "black skin disease" because she is not losing any fur or showing any fur issues
Not sure who else to ask now that the vet says it's nothing to worry about.
Not sure who else to ask now that the vet says it's nothing to worry about.
Answer from Our Team
Skin around the vulva often darkens after a period of inflammation, such as the yeast infection she had. This change in pigment can stay after the infection has cleared, and it's usually harmless when the skin isn't itchy, sore, greasy or smelly, which fits what your vet told you.
Keep an eye on it. Plain warm water is enough to keep the area clean. See your vet again if she starts licking a lot, there's a discharge or bad smell, the skin becomes thick or raised, or a raised spot appears. Allergies and extra skin folds around the vulva can keep the problem going, and treating them helps.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
