Why is my dog getting brown spots?
Brown spots on the skin of dogs with spotted coats are normal. But spots also occur because of age and sun exposure. Parasites, yeast, bacterial infections, and underlying disorders like cancer, Cushing’s, or Addison’s disease may also create brown spots or hyperpigmentation on the skin.
Let’s review the 12 major causes of dogs’ brown spots, freckles, and skin discoloration.
Changes in your dog’s activity level
In my own experience, there are two key areas to watch here. The first, a decline in daily energy, is fairly predictable; though some dogs exhibit this slowdown in more pronounced ways than others. Our Grant, for instance, still romps around like a puppy ― but where he used to have almost limitless stamina, now he tends to go all-out in shorter, more focused bursts. He also takes a lot more naps and rest breaks. To accommodate this, we generally take two or three brief walks instead of one long trek each day. During warmer months, we also modify the traditional morning jog to a more forgiving shuffle. And of course, his comfy throw pillow “snooze spot” is always ready and waiting when he returns.
The second area, overnight restlessness, may catch some pet parents off guard. In the case of my Sparky, he started pacing around during the night long before exhibiting any daytime loss of energy. We also noticed occasional overnight accidents on the carpet, and some random whimpering. There are a number of medical conditions that might contribute to this behavior, so always ask your vet if you notice changing patterns. If simple aging is truly the culprit, try putting pee pads or a towel down on any frequently visited “spots.” Placing pillow bolsters or a round infant play gate around Sparky’s general sleeping area also seemed to soothe him.
Clubs Offering:
Everybody gets old, including your dog. That adorable little pup that grew into your constant companion may be showing signs of getting old, both physical and mental. Different breeds and sizes of dog age at different rates. A large breed like a Great Dane is considered senior at around six years old. A small dog, like a Chihuahua, for example, may not be considered old until they are seven to ten years old. The more tuned-in you are to the typical signs, the sooner you can help your dog age gracefully.
Can Dogs Get Age Spots? | Wag!
Everybody gets old, including your dog. That adorable little pup that grew into your constant companion may be showing signs of getting old, both physical and mental. Different breeds and sizes of dog age at different rates. A large breed like a Great Dane is considered senior at around six years old. A small dog, like a Chihuahua, for example, may not be considered old until they are seven to ten years old. The more tuned-in you are to the typical signs, the sooner you can help your dog age gracefully.