What Are the Causes of Canine Skin Discolorations?

Discoloration of a dog's skin can have several medical implications. A diagnosis should be prompt because skin changes can be an indication of something serious. Veterinarians can often tell through examination why a dog's skin is discolored, but tests also may be necessary.

  1. Hotspots

    • The name "hotspots" can be misleading because they don't always occur when the weather is warm. A hotspot is a condition known as pyotramatic and involves an area of skin that has become red and inflamed. The affected skin often appears as a moist, reddened area that is painful and itchy. Anything that causes a dog to excessively scratch at his skin can cause a hotspot. Dog allergies are a condition called atopy, and they are common triggers for hotspots. Environmental allergies, such as grass, weeds and dust mites, are common causes. Food allergies, flea bites or any skin wound can initiate a hotspot.

    Burns

    • Dogs naturally shy away from heat, but many dog owners don't realize that dogs can be burned by the sun. Even dogs with fur can sustain a sunburn, but breeds with little to no hair can be seriously damaged by too much sun exposure. As with people, a burn from too much sun will cause a dogs skin to become red and inflamed.

      Mild burns affect the top layer of skin, and it will appear bright red. Second-degree burns go deeper and will look intensely red with blisters.

    Frostbite

    • Frostbite can be difficult to recognize because the characteristic gray, blue or pale-white skin can be hidden under the dog's fur. Frostbite is a condition that results when water in the body freezes and cells erupt. The extremities are the first to be affected and a dog with frostbitten toes will limp. A check of the dog's ears, tail, and paws for skin discoloration can provide advance notice of frostbite.

    Alternate Possibilities

    • A dog's skin color change can be indicative of dehydration, shock or anemia. Veterinarians advise checking to see if your dog is pale by pressing on an area of his skin that should be pink. The gums are often used, but if a dog has dark gums veterinarians recommend inside the ear or close to the genitalia. The skin should lighten by pressing with your finger, and immediately turn back to pink after releasing the pressure. If your dog's skin is white, seek immediate veterinary attention.