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Ask the Veterinarian/Dark Hair Spots on Chihuahua
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Question
I have a 4-year-old, tri-colored Chihuahua. She is current on her vaccinations and has been spayed. She is mostly an indoor dog, although in warm weather she likes to sit outside for hours at a time. Most of her neck, front legs, back-end and hind legs are solid white, but recently over the past 2-4 months some black spots have started to appear. The spots are in her hair, almost as if the pigmentation of the hair is changing. When I run my hand through the hair, you can see that the hairs are entirely black. I understand that a dog's coloring changes as they age, but I've never had a dog go from a solid color to having spots so I'm a bit concerned. Is this normal or should I schedule a vet appointment?
Well first of all, white dogs can get two things: sunburned hair and skin, and skin cancer.
White animals, both cats and dogs, are susceptible to this and 4 years of age is the age that some dogs and cats will start getting spots of pigmentation that may or may not become cancerous.
I don't know where you live but I live in the Sierra Nevadas and white cats here get ear cancers on their ears quite commonly. White dogs are prone to skin cancers around the eyes (if the hair is white and skin is pink), the ears and the nose. We also see it along the back and neck and top of the head.
However, dogs can and do get pigment spots from just sitting in the sun that are harmless. Red cats start to get light brown freckles all over their mouth, eyes and sometimes the nose areas around the age of 4-5. It can be alarming to see none one day then suddenly there are plenty of them.
I would have the vet look at them only to be sure that they are NOT cancers. Melanoma is the cancer that white animals get and it's not a good thing.
She is probably just fine, but your vet may suggest sunscreen for her.
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Answers by Expert:
Jana Connell RVT, CVT
Expertise
PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!
Experience
I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.
I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.
Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT.
Certified Veterinary Dental Technician
Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).
Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.
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