Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 3/28/2007

Question
My yellow lab for the past couple of years has a spot of hair that turns orange during the warm months, and she chews leaving small sores. The hair of course is very short there and now I'm seeing it in other areas as well. On her skin I can't see anything, can you give me an idea of what this might be and what I can do about it. Thank you for your time.  

Answer
There is an orange pigment inthe saliva of dogs, so when they are chewing in one spot, the hair will discolor.  You can have your vet check to see if there is sone type of irritant or bony prominence inthe area that is causin pain or itching and treat it.