Hi,

Over the last two week or so the normally pink tummy skin of my puppy (5
month old toy poodle) has begun to darken considerably. While he spends
some time licking it, it doesn't seem like too much time (though this is our
first dog, so it's a bit unclear). Further he doesn't seem tender or
anything.

Is this common? Any comments? Should I be taking him to a vet? (Neutering
is coming up in a month or so, should I just wait until then to press the
matter?)

Thanks in advance,

SM

"Savi's Mom" wrote in message
...
Over the last two week or so the normally pink tummy skin of my puppy (5
month old toy poodle) has begun to darken considerably. While he spends
some time licking it, it doesn't seem like too much time (though this is
our first dog, so it's a bit unclear). Further he doesn't seem tender or
anything.

Is this common? Any comments? Should I be taking him to a vet?
(Neutering is coming up in a month or so, should I just wait until then to
press the matter?)

Thanks in advance,

SM

This is normal. Many dog breeds have dark skin, even if the fur is white.
The dark pigment protects them from the sun. But as puppies, they will often
have pink skin which will gradually darken as they grow up. My sand colored
boerboel pup also had a pink tummy and private parts, but the skin darkened
to a slate gray within a year or so. Actually, his fur also changed color
somewhat, from whitish to reddish sand.

So, no need to take him to the vet. :-)

Rox