Introduction
The most common symptoms of black skin disease in dogs are extreme hair loss followed by hyperpigmentation, or darkening, of the skin. The hair loss can be so extreme that this condition is also known as SHL or Severe Hair Loss.
Symptoms of Black Skin Disease in Dogs
Dogs with black skin disease most often begin to develop symptoms of hyperpigmentation and hair loss at a young age (in most cases around three years of age), though it is possible for no symptoms to appear until the dog is middle aged. The hair loss generally begins with the loss of long primary hairs leaving the soft wooly secondary hairs underneath. This is why black skin disease is also referred to as wooly coat syndrome. In time however, the skin becomes bald and the affected areas begin to spread.
Hyperpigmentation symptoms of the skin are generally in blotchy patches on the back, but in some cases the darkening skin can cover the entire back or sides of the dog. The areas of the skin that are affected do not cause any irritation or pain.
Implications of Black Skin Disease
The symptoms of black skin disease do not affect the dog’s health, and they are not considered to be a threat in any way to the dog’s health or well being. These symptoms are merely considered to be a cosmetic issue.
Stress can drastically increase symptoms of black skin disease in dogs, and neutering or spaying affected pets can help to decrease stress levels and reduce the hair loss and pigmentation affects of the disease.