As a dog owner, you’re probably aware that, like humans, dogs’ hair whitens with age. But you might be stunned to discover that puppies, too, can develop white hair! In this article, we will answer the question, “Why is my black puppy getting white hair?”
Why is My Black Puppy Getting White Hair?
There are numerous causes for your black puppy’s white hair, but the main reasons are genetics, vitiligo, medical conditions, and stress.
Genetics
Even if your puppy is born with beautiful black fur, genetics may cause them to get white hair. Genetics play a significant role, and black dogs are more likely to develop white hair than light-colored dogs. Genetics can also influence how much melanin a hair follicle produces. For reference, the less melanin a dog produces, the more likely they are to get white hair.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a rare skin condition in dogs that causes pigment loss in patches of skin and fur. The cause of vitiligo is unknown, but many people believe it is passed down through genetics. Vitiligo manifests itself in a variety of ways.
The most noticeable symptom is a loss of pigment in the skin and fur, resulting in white hair. Vitiligo can also result in skin abnormalities and an increase in dandruff. There is no cure for vitiligo, but it is a harmless condition that only affects your dog’s appearance.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions in dogs can cause hair to turn white. These can be caused by medical conditions such as liver and kidney disease and hypothyroidism. Toxins are not removed from the body quickly enough in liver and kidney disease cases, resulting in white hair. On the other hand, hypothyroidism is caused by failing thyroid glands and can result in skin issues such as white hair and weight gain.
Stress
It has been discovered that puppies who are stressed out are more likely to get white hair. The exact cause is unknown, but stress is thought to cause the dog’s body to stop making pigments in the same manner.
Puppies can become stressed due to loud noises, a new environment, being left alone, meeting new people, and so on. If your puppy is restless, panting at night, becomes aggressive suddenly, has repetitive behaviors, pees or poops inside despite being trained, or destroys an object in your home, it might be stressed.
If your black puppy develops white hair due to genetics or vitiligo, there’s not much you can do. That is how they were born; you must learn to accept it. However, if a medical condition or stress causes it, you should take your puppy to a veterinarian immediately to check it. It is worth consulting your veterinarian to rule out any potentially dangerous illnesses.
Aside from everything said, one of the most common causes of white hair in puppies is aging. As a puppy grows older, it will develop white hair, which usually begins around the face. While accepting that our little puppies are maturing is difficult, it is a natural process. Your puppy may also experience premature graying, which occurs when they get white hair at a young age.
Why do dog’s hair turn white when they get old?
Hair turning white is a natural part of the aging process. As a dog ages, the pigment cells known as melanin stop producing. Hair turns white or gray as a result of this. The hair contains more pigment if the dog produces more melanin, and the hair can turn white if the dog produces less melanin.
When do dogs start to get white hair?
White hair may appear in an average dog around the age of 5 years, but puppies can get it as well!
Conclusion
Black puppies with patches of white hair are still adorable. If you suspect that the cause of your puppy’s white hair is not genetics or vitiligo, you should see a veterinarian right away. Hopefully, this article answered the question, “Why is my black puppy growing white hair?” Good luck!
