Can dogs change color as they age? What to Know

Can a dog’s fur change color?

Yes, your dog’s fur can change color for a variety of reasons. Pinpointing why is important. Most of these reasons are harmless, but it can indicate medical issues.

When a dog transitions from a puppy to adult dog, its coat undergoes changes. This can include color changes. Dog’s fur changes around 8-12 months old. If your dog is in this age range, this is likely the cause. Your puppy will shed, losing its puppy coat and developing its adult coat.

Some breeds are more likely to have color changes than others. A poodle’s fur will often lighten in color as they mature. Labradors may change from black to brown in certain areas as they age. If your puppy maturing is the cause of the color change, you won’t notice any skin issues. Just lots of shedding.

Agouti is the color of wolves, and other wild animals, including mice and rabbits. It’s often referred to as the “wild type” coat. This coat has banded hairs. They usually begin with black tips and then change to gray or yellow. Agouti coats often change colors as the dog reaches maturity.

Your dogs coat may change color with the seasons. If you want natural highlights, all you have to do is spend enough time in the sun. The sun will bleach your hair, which lightens it. This can also happen to your dog. If you notice your dog’s hair lightening in the sunny months and darkening in the winter, it is probably due to the sun.

A dog’s undercoat is often a different color than the topcoat. The undercoat usually isn’t visible, so it’s not noticeable. However, if your dog is experiencing a lot of shedding, the undercoat will show through temporarily. This will look like your dog’s fur is changing color.

If your dog gets injured, you may notice that the fur around the injury site is darker than the rest of its coat. Dogs have melanin just as people do. When they heal from an injury like a cut or surgery, the skin develops more melanin as it heals. This causes the skin and fur in the area to be darker.

A dog can lose color in part or all of its fur. This is called vitiligo. It typically affects the lips, nose, and face. It can be temporary or permanent. A dog’s fur is colored by cells known as melanocytes. The loss of color occurs because the melanocytes no longer function properly. This can be caused by a virus, genetic makeup, or an autoimmune condition. In some cases, the cause can’t be determined.

If you shave your dog’s coat, you may notice color changes as it grows back. It can also change the texture of the hair. Usually the hair will be softer and lighter as it grows back. The more often your dog is shaved, the more significant the changes can be. Some groomers now require a disclaimer because of the potential coat changes.

There are many potential medical reasons why your dog’s coat can change colors. Most are fairly rare, however. Infections, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and certain types of cancers can cause pigment changes.

Hormonal problems can also cause a change in colors. This is often the result of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can also cause hair loss, obesity, and fatigue. Female dogs may also have color changes when they reach sexual maturity.

Stress can also cause your dog’s coat to appear to change color. You may also notice its hair thinning or excessive shedding. In most cases, the loss of fur exposes the undercoat, which causes the coat to appear to be a different color. Stress can occur for a wide variety of reasons, and some dogs are more prone to stress than others.

If your dog has recently had a change of routine or environment, this could be the source of stress. You may also notice other signs of anxiety, including clinginess, frequent whining, or a change in appetite. Once your dog’s stress levels improve, their coat should return to normal.

Nutritional deficiencies can also cause your dog’s coat to change color. Dogs require the right mix of protein and fat, as well as vitamins and minerals. Your pet’s coat may lose color or become dull if they aren’t getting proper nutrition. Hair loss, skin lesions, and skin thickening and cracking can also occur.

Why is my dog’s fur changing from black to brown?

Sun Exposure. By far, sun exposure is the most common reason why a black coat turns red. … During winter months, most dogs’ coats will darken again due to limited sun exposure. Many professional dog grooming products offer detanglers that also contain sunscreen for fur, which will protect fur from damaging sunrays.

When a black puppy changes colors, it’s much more likely that they become lighter with age, rather than their coat faded to a light brown like the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. It’s not something that should be expected with all black puppies, but is common with certain breeds and mixes due to their genetics.

With the B allele being dominant over the b allele, a dog that has one or two copies of B – either BB or Bb – will be black. A dog that has two copies of the recessive allele, and is bb, will be brown.

Blue, gray, and silver are just some of the names for dogs that are a lightened black color, depending on the breed.

Dogs that are described as “black brindle” are dogs that have a brindle pattern that is barely noticeable due to the dark coloring of the dog. In a lot of dogs, brindle is fairly obvious black striping across a tan or red base coat, rather than a dark coat.

In most cases, puppies that are born black and change color in the future will be a gray or “blue” color. Your black puppy won’t end up with a red merle color and pattern, but less drastic color changes often occur with age.

After How long Do German Shepherd Puppies Change their Color? Why do they Change?

One of the most notable features of any dog is its coat. From long to short hair, moppy dreads to golden locks, curly to wirey fur and everything in between – all breeds boast unique and beautiful coats!

Unlike some other species in the animal kingdom, dogs cannot change their fur color at the drop of a hat to camouflage themselves. Because of this, you might not expect your dog’s fur to change colors at all! Now, your apricot dog won’t turn black or vice versa, but there might be some changes in their tone. So if your dog’s fur color does start to shift – you may wonder, “Why is it changing colors?”

If the color changes – don’t worry. It is most likely nothing to stress over! It is actually completely natural and somewhat common. But, some reasons might indicate a more significant health issue. Let’s talk about some of the reasons why dogs’ coats change colors.