5 Reasons Your Dog’s Hair is Turning White
- 1. Age Age is one of the most common reasons for pets going gray. This is a very similar process to the one we see in humans as we age. ...
- 2. Stress and Anxiety Stress and anxiety could also be potential causes for your dog’s hair turning white. ...
- 3. Genetics ...
- 4. Vitiligo ...
- 5. Health Issues ...
Why is my dog going gray?
Age is one of the most common reasons for pets going gray. This is a very similar process to the one we see in humans as we age. However, unlike humans, dogs don’t tend to go gray throughout their entire coat. The majority of graying will happen around the muzzle and face. Graying usually starts with a salt-and-pepper look in dogs.
Why is my Pug getting lighter in color?
According to Dr. Eric Barchas, the pigment on dark colored-dogs become lighter in color as a dog age. If your Pug has undergone extensive surgery or had an injury, you may have noticed a change in their coat color. This is most likely due to the medication you’re giving your dog.
Do Pugs hair turn white as they age?
A dog’s hair will not go all white to the extent of humans, but as they age, you will notice graying on their muzzle. According to Dr. Eric Barchas, the pigment on dark colored-dogs become lighter in color as a dog age. If your Pug has undergone extensive surgery or had an injury, you may have noticed a change in their coat color.
Is it normal for dogs to turn gray around their muzzle?
Gray hair on a dog's face and around his muzzle is a natural occurrence as he ages — just like turning gray is a natural occurrence for humans. Because dogs age faster than humans, they turn gray sooner than their pet parents. And just like humans, some dogs turn gray much earlier in life than others.
Why does my dog's coat turn brown?
Why is my dog's coat white?
What is the pigment in dogs hair?
Why does my dog turn bronze?
Why does my puppy's coat change color?
What medications can cause discoloration in dogs?
Why does my dog's coat look so rough?
See 2 more
Why do pugs go grey early?
Dogs with high levels of psychological stress or anxiety have been found to grey earlier, and the cellular stress that causes grey hairs has a genetic component in dogs. On average most dogs start going grey around 5 years old, though some start going grey before the age of 2.
Why is my pug so grey?
Like humans, dogs tend to go gray as part of their natural aging process. And just like us, as dogs get older, the pigment cells responsible for color (specifically, melanin) stop being produced; this causes the strands to come out at a lighter shade, like gray or white.
Why has my dog suddenly gone grey?
Genetics Even perfectly healthy dogs might be genetically predisposed to early graying. In fact, even puppies can have graying hair, and it can start to become more silvery with age. A few breeds are more likely to be genetically predisposed to graying.
Can dogs go grey from stress?
Not unlike humans, dogs see the detrimental effects of stress—including, a new study revealed, premature graying. Researchers at Northern Illinois University studied about 400 dogs between the ages of 1 and 4-years-old.
Why is my puppy getting gray hair?
Gray hair on a dog's face and around his muzzle is a natural occurrence as he ages — just like turning gray is a natural occurrence for humans. Because dogs age faster than humans, they turn gray sooner than their pet parents. And just like humans, some dogs turn gray much earlier in life than others.
Why does my dogs fur look grey?
There's no denying that by far, the most common reason for your dog's coat turning grey is age. Just as with humans, when a dog reaches a certain age his coat starts to turn white or grey. This usually happens when the dog is about ten years old.
Why is my dog's hair changing color?
Color changes can occur through regular hormonal fluctuations over time. For example, some dogs' coats get darker when they are in heat. Sometimes these can be cyclical coat changes that you will notice at different times of the year.
What dog breeds go GREY early?
Long-haired breeds like Poodles, bearded collies are meant to get grey hair at an early age. Some sheepdogs also get white hairs early because of the dominant early-aging gene. However, do a little bit of online research on your dog's breed type and find out whether your dog belongs to one of those or not.
Why is my dog aging so fast?
But irrespective of size, why do our beloved pets have lifespans so much shorter than our own? Well, dogs are in possession of faster metabolisms and hearts that work harder than our own. Because of all this extra work, dogs age faster and, consequently, live shorter lives. It also means they grow up more quickly.
How do you tell a dogs age?
As a general guideline, though, the American Veterinary Medical Association breaks it down like this: 15 human years equals the first year of a medium-sized dog's life. Year two for a dog equals about nine years for a human. And after that, each human year would be approximately five years for a dog.
Why does my dog look dusty?
Unhealthy coat's appearance: A dog with an unhealthy coat will have dry and brittle hair with lots of loose hair in the coat. The coat itself may also be greasy or have a dusty appearance and include bald spots and an unpleasant oily smell.
What is 5 years in dog years?
The Easy Calculation of Dog's Age For example, a dog which is 5 years old is 35 “human years.” This isn't a bad way to go from a health perspective because it helps us humans realize that our dogs aren't the same as children. As pets get older, they need extra care and attention.
Do black pugs turn grey?
Graying Hairs on Senior Black Pugs Just like humans, dogs can develop gray hairs as they age. It does not happen to all Pugs, but to a majority of them to some extent. While this will not be very noticeable on fawn Pugs, gray hairs on black Pugs stand out quite a bit.
Why do dogs go grey but cats don t?
Some cats will go grey as they age but not on the scale that dogs and humans do. As our feline friends mature, they retain enough melanocytes – the cells in the hair follicles responsible for the production of the pigment melanin – to ensure that the colouring process does not significantly diminish.
Do dogs go to heaven?
While religious views around the world vary, Christianity has traditionally held that animals have no hope of an afterlife. But Pope John Paul II said in 1990 that animals do have souls and are “as near to God as men are”.
Why is my puppy's fur turning white?
Age and genetics Dog whiskers turning white is a common sign of aging, and it usually means a dog has entered his senior years. Genetics is the main factor that determines exactly when hair starts to turn gray as a result of aging. Once hair starts to turn gray, those hairs won't return to their natural color.
Is Otto the dog black or gray?
Otto is also 4 and started showing some gray on his muzzle a bit before his second birthday. It's still more black than gray, but there is a good bit of gray. I tell him it makes him look distinguished!
Do pugs go gray early?
Stranger yet, they seem to be forming in a ring shape around her chin and up over her little lips where the two sides meet at the nose. Are pugs known to go gray early? And has anyone ever seen this ring-around-the-mouth pattern? Your comments are appreciated!! ~Melissa
Why do dogs get gray?
And just like us, as dogs get older, the pigment cells responsible for color (specifically, melanin) stop being produced; this causes the strands to come out at a lighter shade, like gray or white.
What are the signs of a dog getting gray?
Since the study found that the three biggest indicators of premature graying are anxiety, impulsivity, and fearful responses to certain stimuli—specifically, loud noises, and unfamiliar people or animals— the surest way to help a dog with gray fur is to tackle these underlying issues head-on:
How to help a dog who is scared of loud noises?
Help your dog conquer his fear of loud noises with gradual training exposure. If she's scared of thunder or fireworks, for example, find an audio recording of that sound and play it at an extremely low volume—just loud enough not to bother her. Reward her calm behavior with a special treat (one you don't use for anything else). Over the next few days, raise the volume slowly and keep doling out the special treat. Be sure to stop at the first sign of anxiety.
What breeds of dogs have progressive graying?
This is called "progressive graying" and is caused by a dominant gene that especially affects long-haired breeds. Poodles, bearded collies, and certain sheepdogs are typical examples of dogs with this particular gene. Because the gene is dominant, it's common in mixed breeds as well.
When does a dog start to gray?
The average dog starts to go gray—typically around the muzzle—around 5 years old. Premature graying also happens to pups: For humans, graying is considered premature when it happens at around age 30. For dogs, that translates to about 4 years of age.
How to stop a dog from being scared of people?
Reward her calm behavior with a special treat (one you don't use for anything else). Over the next few days, raise the volume slowly and keep doling out the special treat. Be sure to stop at the first sign of anxiety. If your dog is scared of meeting new people, first identify the types of humans that spook him.
Why Do Dogs Go Grey Early?
Is your dog doing grey around the muzzle? Just as it is with humans there’s a couple different reasons as to why some dogs go grey early while others don’t grey much at all.
Why do dogs get grey hairs?
Two major factors come into play when it comes to dogs going grey — stress and genetics. Dogs with high levels of psychological stress or anxiety have been found to grey earlier, and the cellular stress that causes grey hairs has a genetic component in dogs.
What is premature greying?
It’s the greying that’s associated with the aging process, the same one that happens to humans. There’s another type of greying that certain breeds go through called progressive greying.
What is the influence of genetics on greying?
The Influence of Genetics On Going Grey. Genetics is a big influence in premature greying, in both dogs and humans. The pigment cells that give hair it’s youthful color are called melanocytes, and when they die off or grow incorrectly greying starts to occur.
What gene causes a dog's coat to turn silver?
Some breeds, such as Poodles and Bearded Collies, have the greying gene that causes their entire coat to turn silver.
How old is a grey dog?
On average it’s around 5 years old, but varies greatly. Premature greying is rarely cause for medical concern, but as always if you suspect something may be wrong please consult your veterinarian.
Why does my hair turn grey?
The pigment cells responsible for our hair color undergo levels of cellular stress that lead to greying. When they die off or develop in the wrong part of the hair follicle our hair goes grey. The blame lies on “genotoxic stress,” or stress from mutagens that can cause damage to DNA, such as ultraviolet light.
How do you know if a black pug is suffering?
You’ll notice that their breathing will be uneven. They may even experience rough lengthy gaps when inhaling and exhaling. This was one of the hardest things to see my black Pug experience because you know they are suffering and there’s nothing you can do about it.
How do I know if my pug is dying?
How do I know if my Pug is dying? There are several signs that a dog is dying, but the most common ones are loss of interest, extreme fatigue or loss of energy, bowel control loss, loss of appetite.
How to Comfort My Dying Pug?
Nothing is worse than seeing your dog dying. It’s important for you to stay strong mentally to help make their last days as comfortable as possible.
Why are my pooches' gums white?
If your pooches gums are white instead of a healthy pink, it’s most likely anemia. Also if your Pug’s gums are pink and go white when you press on them and stay white for several seconds it could be a sign of circulatory collapse, which is a precursor to death.
What does it mean when a dog dies?
Meaning that some will exhibit more signs than others. Keep reading to find out what the signs and symptoms of a dying dog are. As a Pug parent or prospective dog owner, you should first read about the average life expectancy for the Pug dog.
Why is my dog unsteady?
Your once coordinated happy go lucky dog becomes extremely unsteady on his/her feet and has difficulty moving from one point to another. The lack of coordination could be due to impaired brain function or lack of weakness from less food.
Why is my dog not walking?
However, according to PetMD, a dog that suddenly loses their coordination, could have become infected by an ear infection. ( source)
Why do dogs turn gray?
Gray hair on a dog's face and around his muzzle is a natural occurrence as he ages — just like turning gray is a natural occurrence for humans. Because dogs age faster than humans, they turn gray sooner than their pet parents. And just like humans, some dogs turn gray much earlier in life than others.
What does it mean when a dog's face is gray?
Typically, a graying muzzle or face is a sign your dog is entering his senior years. Typically, dogs enter their senior years between the ages of seven and ten, but depending on your dog's size it might be even younger.
When do dogs get older?
Small and medium breeds (up to 50 pounds) can be considered a senior at around age seven. Genetics plays a large roll in the graying process of your dog as certain breeds or lineages have a predisposition for graying earlier than others. It's also a lot easier to notice a gray muzzle on a dog with darker hair than say a West Highland white terrier.
Can a West Highland white terrier have gray muzzles?
It's also a lot easier to notice a gra y muzzle on a dog with darker hair than say a West Highland white terrier. Dogs that have reached their senior years may benefit from switching to a senior dog food.
How to tell if a pug has a dry eye?
A pug is considered to have dry eye if it fails to reach 5mm after one minute. To double check for a cataract, the vet may need to dilate your pug's eyes. The vet will stand back in a darkened room and shine a bright light directly into each eye. The opaque lens blocks light from casting a dark shadow on the retina.
How to tell if my pug is losing its sight?
If you are suspicious that your pug is losing its sight, for instance it is running into objects that it should be able to avoid, inspect its eye. Look carefully at the surface of the eye for deposits of brown pigments. These can range in size from small speckles to large patches. ...
Why do pugs have ulcers?
In the pug, the ulcer develops because of the large amount of cornea that is exposed to the air, making it more prone to drying and trauma. This means that ulcers are caused by a combination of genetics and injury. Look for the symptoms of hereditary cataracts. Pugs are prone to hereditary forms of lens cataracts.
How old is a pug when it has cataracts?
A cataract refers to a cloudiness of the lens. This genetic condition can develop in a pug anytime between 6 months and 6 years old. You may see signs of this as a whiteness or milkiness behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) which is normally black (the pupil).
How do you know if your pug has an ulcer?
This is a sign that your dog is having discomfort and may need veterinary treatment. You may also notice a lack of shine in the part of the eye with the ulcer, or jagged reflections instead of a reflection with smooth edges.
Why do pugs have flat faces?
Their eyes tend to protrude from their faces and that flat face leaves a greater percentage of the cornea exposed to the air. This head shape, as well as genetic predispositions for specific eye problems, means that a pug owner should be vigilant about watching out for problems. Steps.
Why does my dog rub his head?
The dog may rub its head to relieve the itch and damages the cornea while itching. To protect itself, the eye produces a tacky, mucus like substance that has the effect of gumming up the eye. A dog with dry eye may squint, holding the eye closed because it's more comfortable that way.
Why do dogs get gray?
Age is one of the most common reasons for pets going gray. This is a very similar process to the one we see in humans as we age. However, unlike humans, dogs don’t tend to go gray throughout their entire coat. The majority of graying will happen around the muzzle and face. Graying usually starts with a salt-and-pepper look in dogs.
What does graying mean in dogs?
Graying usually starts with a salt-and-pepper look in dogs. Dogs that are naturally gray can also show signs of aging, but you might have a more difficult time spotting these changes. Generally, coat texture changes with age, so you might start to notice that the texture of your dog’s fur is different than it used to be.
How to reverse a dog's graying?
Treating the underlying condition can reverse the graying. If your pet appears to be graying prematurely, bring them in for a visit with your veterinarian. If liver or kidney disease or hypothyroidism are determined to be the cause of the premature graying, your veterinarian may want to refer you to a specialist.
Why is my Dachshund graying?
Dachshund. Vitiligo is also more common in purebred dogs due to the hereditary nature of the condition. 5. Health Issues. There are a few health issues that might cause your dog to start graying. One of these conditions is hypothyroidism.
What breed of dog is more likely to be gray?
A few breeds are more likely to be genetically predisposed to graying. Schnauzers are known for their gray beards, while greyhounds and Weimaraners are naturally gray in color. It is also common for black dogs to start showing gray earlier than lighter colored dogs. 4. Vitiligo.
Why is my dog's fur turning white?
Sometimes, the reason your dog’s fur is turning white is a condition call vitiligo. Vitiligo is a rare skin condition that can cause pigment loss in certain patches of skin and fur. While the causes of vitiligo are unknown, many scientists believe that the condition is hereditary. However, it is clear that vitiligo occurs when something happens ...
What happens when a dog has vitiligo?
Vitiligo affects all dogs a little differently. Some dogs will lose pigmentation on their entire body , while others will only be affected in certain spots.
Why does my dog's coat turn brown?
The discoloration is caused by a chemical known as porphyrin. Which is a breakdown of waste products from the red blood cells that are excreted in your dog’s saliva and tears.
Why is my dog's coat white?
If your dog is turning white, it most likely means that your dog’s cells are not producing any pigment at all. If your dog is experiencing a loss of pigmentation, you will want to contact your veterinarian.
What is the pigment in dogs hair?
Loss of Pigmentation. The pigment in your dog and most other mammals is what gives the growing hair its color while it is in the hair follicle. The color of canine hair is created by two basic pigments; eumelanin (black) and phaeomelanin (red), which are both forms of melanin.
Why does my dog turn bronze?
If your dog is not receiving the proper nutrients it can cause discoloration. A deficiency in iron can cause your dog to turn a bronze color. Foods that contain pigment such as; food dyes, seaweed, and sugar beets can cause discoloration. Dietary copper has also been accused of causing discoloration in dogs.
Why does my puppy's coat change color?
Surgery or Injury. If your Pug has undergone extensive surgery or had an injury, you may have noticed a change in their coat color. This is most likely due to the medication you’re giving your dog. As I mentioned above, some medications are known to affect a dog’s coat color. I’d recommend talking to your veterinarian to ask them about ...
What medications can cause discoloration in dogs?
According to the Veterinary Internal Medicine Textbook, certain medications such as Procainamide, Ketoconazole, and vitamin E can cause discoloration in dogs coats.
Why does my dog's coat look so rough?
Your dog’s coat and texture can also be affected by hormonal problems. There are several hormone-related skin conditions that can affect your pooch, such as Hypothyroidism, which is a medical condition that affects your dog’s pigmentation.
