Vitiligo in Dogs: Causes and Symptoms
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Vitiligo in dogs is a rare skin condition that causes loss of pigment, leading to white or light patches on the nose, lips, skin, or coat.
While the change in appearance can be surprising, vitiligo is typically cosmetic and does not cause pain or illness.
If you’ve noticed light spots developing on your dog’s face or body, here’s what to know about vitiligo, why it happens, and when to talk to your veterinarian.
Key Takeaways
- Vitiligo in dogs is a rare, usually harmless condition that causes loss of pigment in the fur and skin, most often on the face and head.
- The condition is believed to be autoimmune and genetic, with certain breeds more predisposed.
- Vitiligo is typically cosmetic and doesn’t require treatment, but dogs may need sun protection for depigmented areas.
What Is Vitiligo in Dogs?
Vitiligo in dogs is a condition in which the skin loses its natural pigments (depigmentation).
The affected skin will turn white or light pink, and the hair that grows from the area might also turn white. Other than the change in color, the skin should look normal.
When an animal has vitiligo, cells called melanocytes are destroyed. Melanocytes are found within the skin, eyes, and pink tissues of the mouth. These cells create pigment, specifically melanin, which makes the color of the dog’s skin and fur.
When a dog has vitiligo, the melanocytes within the skin, lips, and mouth may be destroyed. The eyes and other areas are not affected.
Vitiligo in dogs is usually considered harmless, though it can look similar to other autoimmune conditions like uveodermatologic syndrome, which affects the skin and eyes.
While vitiligo isn’t an emergency, it’s worth contacting your veterinarian for an appointment if you’re noticing changes to the color of your dog’s skin or fur.
Vitiligo is considered rare in dogs, though it’s possible the condition is underreported since it’s mostly a cosmetic issue.
Symptoms of Vitiligo in Dogs
When a dog has vitiligo, their skin loses its pigment, usually in patches on the face and head. The fur in those areas might also turn white. Aside from the change in skin and fur color, the skin should appear normal.
Vitiligo usually affects specific areas on the dog’s body, including:
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Gums and lips
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Eyelids
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Eyelashes
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Skin of the nose
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Ear flaps
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Muzzle
In most dogs, the depigmentation is only on the head, but depigmentation has also been noted on the footpads, paws, legs, scrotum, neck, trunk, and rump.
Color is usually lost in multiple patches. These patches can be somewhat symmetrical on each half of the body, though not always.
Causes of Vitiligo in Dogs
Though vitiligo in dogs is thought to be an autoimmune condition, the exact cause isn’t currently well understood.
Genetics likely play a role, with some breeds predisposed to vitiligo. These breeds include:
The condition is most likely to develop when a dog is around 2 years old, though they can certainly be younger or older.
Why these specific dogs get vitiligo isn’t well understood, outside of potentially inheriting a predisposition to the condition.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Vitiligo in Dogs
Veterinarians may diagnose vitiligo in dogs simply by learning a pet’s medical history and doing a full physical exam, including looking at the affected skin.
If the skin has other changes—such as scaliness, sores, or loss of the skin’s normal texture—other conditions need to be considered. If necessary, skin biopsies may help confirm vitiligo and rule out other conditions that can affect the skin.
Vitiligo needs to be differentiated from uveodermatologic syndrome, which affects both the skin and eyes. While dogs with uveodermatologic syndrome may have depigmented areas on their face and body, they’ll also have changes to their eyes.
Untreated dogs with uveodermatologic syndrome have worsening vision loss, eye discharge, excessive blinking or squinting, bloodshot eyes, and other eye changes.
The inflammation (swelling) in the eyes can be quite uncomfortable and lead to permanent eye damage and vision loss.
Treatment of Vitiligo in Dogs
Vitiligo in dogs doesn’t usually need treatment.
Pet parents should keep in mind that depigmented areas may have an increased risk of damage from the sun, so pet-safe sunscreen could be considered to protect the pet’s skin.
Options include Petkin Doggy Sun Stick and Gentle Creatures Pet Sunscreen.
If the pet parent wants to try a treatment, they can discuss topical immunosuppressive medications (such as tacrolimus), L-phenylalanine, and UV light therapy with their veterinarian.
Results will vary.
Recovery and Management of Vitiligo in Dogs
A dog with vitiligo is expected to live a normal life.
Their skin may be extra sensitive to sun damage, so pet parents may consider applying pet-safe sunscreen to the depigmented patches.
Vitiligo is a lifelong condition. Some dogs will continue to lose pigment in more areas, and some will suddenly get pigment back.
Prevention of Vitiligo in Dogs
Vitiligo in dogs is generally not preventable. To prevent the likelihood of passing on vitiligo, you can get your affected dog spayed or neutered.
Vitiligo in Dogs FAQs
What causes dog vitiligo?
The exact cause of dog vitiligo is not known, though it’s believed to be related to genetics and autoimmune destruction of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin.
What dog breeds are prone to vitiligo?
Examples of dog breeds that may be prone to vitiligo include Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Belgian Tervuren, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, German Shorthaired Pointers, Dachshunds, and Collies.
How do you treat vitiligo in dogs?
Most cases of vitiligo are not treated. The condition is considered cosmetic. Pet parents can speak with their veterinarian about whether immunosuppressive medications, L-phenylalanine, or UV light therapy would help their dog.
Can vitiligo in dogs go away?
Vitiligo is generally permanent, though some dogs occasionally have repigmentation of affected areas over time. The condition can also stabilize or stop progressing.
