The Pomeranian above was suffering Alopecia X. For many dogs with this disease, there appear to be no other symptoms, and the disease can be regarded as cosmetic. This is actually the approach many vets will take, suggesting that the dog wear a sweater to prevent getting a chill. The disease could be genetic, however, or rather, the tendency or susceptibility to contracting this disease may be part of the dogs genetic makeup. And it is true that some breeds seem more prone to Black Skin Disease than others, with Pomeranians leading the pack.

Black Skin Disease can manifest in other ways and other places also, often beginning on the belly and inside the back legs, as shown above. Generally, this type of disease is associated with overall itchiness and skin eruptions. A bad odor might be present, causing the owner to bathe the dog more and more frequently, making the disease worse and the dog even more itchy. When itching is present, veterinarians will often prescribe steroids (cortisone or prednisone) to reduce the inflammation. Please note that we never recommend steroids, as they may disrupt the dogs natural immune system and the disease will potentially become worse. Further, the use of steroids can encourage mange mites and bacteria to move in, with grave results.

A very early stage of this type of Black Skin Disease is shown above, where only small black or rusty-colored dots pepper the skin, usually on the belly and especially around the genitals and teats. In a way, it reminds me of the summertime joke about my freckles getting bigger until ultimately I'd have an even tan! However, these specks are an early indicator of a very serious attack on your dog by some infecting agent, whether it's a fungus (or yeast), bacterium, or follicular mite. It will not go away or get better with time, and is usually accompanied by mild, occasional itching. A single flea bite can give rise to this situation, that nasty flea injecting who knows what kind of pathogen just under your pets skin.