What are the small black spots on my dog's body?

The small black spots on a dog's body may be normal pigment deposits or caused by factors such as furunculosis, external parasite infections, and skin diseases. Dog owners can carefully examine their dog's fur and skin for any abnormalities. If there are only black spots on the skin surface without other symptoms, it is likely a case of pigment deposition, which is a normal occurrence. If the dog has symptoms such as itchy skin, redness, hair loss, and crusting, it is more likely due to furunculosis, external parasite infections, or skin diseases. In this case, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Pigment deposition

Some dogs develop pigment spots as they age, which are commonly known as age spots or liver spots. This is a natural phenomenon that occurs as a dog ages. These spots usually appear on the dog's belly, elbows, around the nose and mouth, and near the eyes, in circular or irregular shapes, with varying degrees of darkness. Although they may look unusual, these spots do not pose a threat to the dog's health, so owners should not be overly concerned.

Furunculosis

If a dog has a long-term diet of oily food, infrequent baths, or abnormal hormone secretion, it can lead to damaged hair follicles and develop furunculosis, resulting in black spots on the body and accompanied by symptoms such as hair loss, skin redness, and swelling. If left untreated, furunculosis can progress to severe pyoderma, so it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for medication as soon as possible.

External parasite infections

If a dog has not received external parasite prevention for a long time, it is prone to infections from external parasites such as fleas and ticks. These parasites lay eggs in the dog's fur and excrete feces, which appear as small black particles. To determine if a dog has fleas or ticks, owners can place these black particles in water. If bloodstains are found, it indicates that the dog may have fleas or ticks, and external parasite prevention is necessary.

Skin diseases

Some bacterial and fungal infections may also cause small black spots on a dog's body. In this case, the dog's skin will usually become red, swollen, and itchy, and the hair around the black spots may fall out. If these symptoms are noticed, it is advised to consult a veterinarian promptly for examination and subsequent treatment based on the results.