If dogs get a black crust on their teats, this is usually due to increased sebum production, pigment spots or blackheads. In rare cases, parasites, a tumor or even pregnancy can also be responsible.
There is usually only cause for concern if the stains cannot be wiped off, there is a strange smell, swelling and constant licking.
Below you will learn about the 6 most common causes. You will also learn how to recognize them and what to do in specific cases.
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#1 Increased sebum production
The sebaceous glands on the dog's body and teat naturally produce small amounts of sebum. If you will, this is a natural and oily skin cream.
If the sebum combines with dirt from rolling around in the dirt, black spots can appear on the teats. Typical causes here are:
- Increased testosterone levels
- Increased progesterone levels [1]
These two steroid hormones ensure that larger amounts of sebum are produced. The female sex hormone “estrogen”, on the other hand, has the opposite effect.
So it has similarities with acne in humans. Without regular washing, it can also happen that a black hard crust forms around the nipples.
Washing with warm water should usually remove the stains. It is important not to use aggressive soaps here, as it is a sensitive area.
If dogs' sebum production is increased and they are not bathed regularly, a black crust of sebum and dirt can form around the teats. This can be easily remedied by soaking and gently wiping.
#2 Blackheads
If the dog's pores are clogged, blackheads can also occur. In most cases, increased sebum production is also the deciding factor here.
Essentially, this is a combination of oil, dirt, bacteria, sweat and dead skin cells that combine to form a dark lump.
Since the pores around the teats are usually slightly larger, this is particularly common here. This also explains, for example, why people have blackheads more often on their noses.
It can usually be recognized by many small black dots at a close distance. Under certain circumstances, this can also become inflamed, causing pus and a crust to form.
However, that is not a reason to worry. Normally these points should resolve themselves. Under no circumstances should you squeeze out the blackheads yourself.
Dogs' skin is very sensitive in this area. You should also avoid other cleaning products, masks or alcoholic solutions. [2]
Because of the larger pores, blackheads can form more often around the teats. Typically it can be recognized by black dots. If the area becomes inflamed, pus or even a dark crust can form.
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#3 Pregnancy
In dogs, pregnancy is referred to as “pregnancy”. This can usually be recognized by the dog gaining weight and eating unusually much.
In addition, the breast and teats usually swell, she reacts more irritably and is exhausted more quickly. Among other things, this also starts milk production.
In most cases, the resulting pressure causes the milk gland to leak. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
The black spots only appear when the leaking milk combines with dirt. This type of dirt is also very stubborn to remove.
The same thing can also happen if your dog only experiences a false pregnancy. Here the hormones incorrectly signal that the four-legged friend is pregnant.
Symptoms usually only appear 3-9 weeks after the heat. This causes swelling, aggressiveness and constant licking of the teats. [3]
In rare cases, the black spots on the teats can also indicate pregnancy or pseudo-pregnancy. This is just a combination of dirt and leaked breast milk that can be washed off.
#4 Mammary tumor
When dogs develop breast cancer, veterinarians also refer to it as a mammary tumor. It occurs most often in unneutered old female dogs. The risk?
- 0.5% if neutered within 6 months
- 8% after the first heat
- 26% after the second heat [4]
In around half of the cases it is a benign tumor, in the other cases it is malignant. Even a malignant tumor is rarely fatal here.
According to statistics, poodles, dachshunds, Yorkshire terriers and all types of spaniels in particular are said to struggle with this. Typical symptoms of this are:
- Dog refuses food
- Black crust on the teat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lumps or swelling on the teat
- Dog seems weak
- Unexplained weight loss
- Listless behavior [5]
The tumor is usually surgically removed for treatment. Basically, the earlier the tumor is diagnosed and removed, the better the chances of recovery.
Dogs with breast cancer also experience visual changes on the teats. In most cases it can be recognized by unusual swelling. A black spot may also form around it under certain circumstances. In addition, the dog often behaves strangely.
#5 Parasites
If your dog has contracted parasites, you can usually tell by the fact that he is constantly scratching himself, constantly shaking himself or there are small dots moving on his skin.
Fleas in particular are known for leaving black dots on the skin after an infestation. This is the animal's feces. [6]
More precisely, it is a mixture of blood and the expelled waste materials. Visually it looks like coffee grounds, except that these black spots often stick firmly to the teats.
The first step you should take is to check whether your dog is currently still infested with fleas or not. You can then wash off the stains with warm water.
In stubborn cases, you can also use dog soap. Here, too, I advise against using aggressive agents so as not to further irritate previously irritated skin.
If you already have parasites, I can recommend this flea spray from Amazon. Not only does it have an immediate effect, but it can also prevent parasites in the future.
If dogs are infected with parasites or have previously had fleas, this can leave marks on the teats. Black dots are usually visible. A crust can only form due to strong friction or previous scratching.
#6 Pigment spots
A pigment spot is simply the umbrella term for a series of skin changes that differ in shape and color. The most common pigment spots include:
A mole, also known as a birthmark, is a benign growth on the skin. In most cases it is brownish, but black spots can also appear.
Too much friction or rough scratching can also cause moles to crust on and around the teats. This is especially true when using dog brushes. [7]
- Age spots and freckles
Age spots only appear over time and are usually caused by years of exposure to light. They can basically occur anywhere on the body.
Freckles are usually present from birth, but fade as the sun's rays decrease. In summer, however, they become even more visible. [8]
Under certain circumstances, the black spots on the teat may just be a form of hyperpigmentation. But these are mostly harmless. Raised moles in particular are known to form a crust when there is too much friction.
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