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Sudden Black Skin on a Shiba Inu's Belly and Legs

by michelle

Reader Question
Hi, our 7 yr old shiba inu suddenly has black skin on his belly and legs. He has been spending a lot of time outside since theweather has warmed up. We changed is dog food recently as recommended by a local pet store owner. The only other change is that we had a baby e mos ago. the skin is slightly dry but there is no odor. Thank you


Answer from Our Team

Darkening of the skin on the belly and legs is usually a reaction to long-term irritation, most often from allergies, yeast or bacterial infection. More time outdoors in warm weather can bring on environmental or contact allergies, and the belly and legs are classic sites for both.

Your vet can check for yeast and bacteria with cytology, and may suggest an allergy workup or a food trial. If your dog isn't itchy, a thyroid test is worth doing at his age, because hormone disease can cause non-itchy darkening.

Most darkening fades once the cause is treated, but it can take months.

See black skin in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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