Liver Spots and Aging

Rascal asks:

Hey guys I don't write much but today I got that all inspired question. Do Bichons get liver spots as they get older?

My male Bichon rascal is 6 1/2 and i thought at first i wasn't washing well but the closer I look it looks like liver spots.

Has anyone else had this with their Bichon?

Thanks Linda and Rascal

ElliesMomPaula responded:

Hi Linda & Rascal,
Well I had the same kind of question. I noticed Ellie Mae has spots on her belly now too. But then I remembered my sister's dog who was also white but not a Bichon got the same thing and figure you probably notice it more on a white dog.

But in searching I found this answer:
It is possible it is from the sun as dogs can get them for the same reason people get freckles, from the sun. You really have to think back to what she has been doing and where she has been in regards to sun exposure.
Also do they bother her in any way, do they feel different in texture to the rest of the skin.
Most important of all is the shape or size changing in them.
Are they protruding above the normal level of the skin are they palpable.

If the answer is yes then get her to the vet immediately.
I am not sure if you are aware that the breed is white but some do have cream or peach markings and the skin is supposed to be darkish which does mean that pigmentation can and does happen.

Think about it, the halo round the eye is desirable so if it has a halo why should there not be other pigmentation on the body.
To confirm my last statement here I did a net search and came up with this:
The Kennel Club Breed Standard Colour White, but cream or apricot markings acceptable up to 18 months. Under white coat, dark pigment desirable.
Black, blue or beige markings often found on skin.
http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/discoverdogs/toy/y904.htm and Official Website for The Bichon Frise Club of America, Inc.

By the way, the dog that develops ''freckles'' or brown or black splotches on his body has skin pigmentation that is normal and that is actually a sign of very good pigmentation. http://www.bichon.org/faq.htm

Hope this helps, it made me feel better.
Paula & Ellie Mae

Rascal responded:

Paula and Ellie Mae, thanks for all your research. I really thought i was loosing it. Couldn't figure out if he had them before or not. They are freckles they don't protrude just flat oval shaped. Thanks again. Just discovered someone answered my post. Rascal

Nose Pigment Discoloration

Happy asks:

HI, Im new to this board. My little Mugsy is 1 year old and his nose is kinda turning pink.... can anybody tell me something about this.. I thought their noses were suppose to be black?? Just wondering??

Thanks for your input. :)

Melissa responds:

Hi, Happy!
It is not uncommon for the Bichon's nose to lose pigment in the winter months due to lack of sunshine. Some lose the colouration lining the eyes, and "spots" on their skin, too. During the hot summer months nose pigment and eye shadowing returns, so do spots of dark pigment on their skin It's perfectly normal and natural - like people who lose their freckles in the winter, only to have them bloom again come summer.

Dark Spots or Pigmented Skin

Yetta asks:

My 1 year old Bichon has big dark spot all over her skin. When I clip her close you can really see them. The hair that grows out of the spots is white. The spots are not raised at all.
Can Bichons have spots like these? Thanks for any help, Pam

Jillian responds:

All of my bichons have those spots...I think it is normal.
Not to worry.......Jill

DarStar responds:

Mine does too--I thought it was weird for a white dog too, but their skin isn't exactly like a pink skinned doggie--black nosies and tosies and all.

ShirleyMae63 responds:

My furbies have mottled skin also... My thinner haired female more so than the curly male...
My female also has warts...
shirley

Emlee1 responds:

I tried to find in one of my Bichon books about the dark skin pigment, but can't seem to find it right now. It does not take away from the Bichon, in the sense that it is not counted against the breed when they are in shows. My groomer told me that all the Bichons they groom have some of the spots. Both of mine do, and even though they are sisters, one has more and larger ones than the other. I can see it on one of the ears and lots on the tummies. Sure are cute, aren't they? Emlee

Melissa M responds:

Emlee is right. The dark pigmentation is perfectly normal. I've found that it fades in the winter when they aren't exposed to the sun as much and the spots darken on female bichons who have had a litter.
Speaking of litters.....my 2nd female bichon, Buttons, whelped a litter of 5 pups last Thursday. She has 3 wee girls, and 2 strapping (haha) boys. Gosh, they're small! Her pups are so small compared to Twinkie's! All are healthy, and mom is doing great.
One of Twink's pups went to her new home and the other will be with us until renovations are completed in her new owner's home. It's been busy around here, and sleeping-in is unheard of, but I wouldn't have it any other way

Aspen 97 responds:

My mother and I call them freckles. Aspen had them as a puppy but have disappeared now. My mother's bichon, Prissy, had them as a puppy and disappeared also, but have now come back.

Rascal responds:

Yes, Bichons have spotting on their skin. Mine has a lighter spotting. Also, as your Bichon ages if there is apricot in the blood line that will also show up. At first you'll think you missed a spot or that the whitener is not working but it is.

Freckles, Mottled Skin, Dark Patches

Several members were discussing mottled skin, dark patches or freckles on their dogs.
These spots could be seen if the dog fur was cut short on the body or on their bellies.
The question raised was -- Is this normal?

The synopsis was that yes it was and it was nothing to be concerned about.

Now if the spots/patches/freckles become raised or black, or turn crusty, then you need to see a vet right away.