Why is My Black Puppy Getting White Hair

Gray hair is not something we normally associate with a young puppy.

So when your dog’s fur suddenly changes color, it’s understandable that this is a cause for concern.

Before we delve into the possible causes, let’s explain what gray hair in dogs is and why it occurs.

Like humans, dogs can develop gray hair as they get older.

This usually occurs around the muzzle but gray or white spots can appear all over the body.

Hair color is determined by the type and amount of melanin present in it.

When the production of this pigment slows or stops, individual hair strands will come out a lighter shade.

This is usually a natural aging process and nothing to worry about.

Let’s now find out how the same process can occur in a young puppy.

A dog’s hair can turn white or gray due to age, genetic factors, health issues, stress, or skin conditions. Premature graying can occur in dogs even younger than 2 years of age.

5 reasons why your puppy is getting white hair
Age is certainly the most common cause of aging in dogs, but if you have a very young dog, you can rule that out.

While there are several different causes of white hair in puppies, most cases are linked to genetics.

  1. Genetics
    When premature graying occurs in humans, we usually take a look at the person’s parents because genetics is a big influencing factor.

It also doesn’t hurt to take a good look at your dog’s parents.

If possible, try to find out more about your dog’s relatives to see if the graying process matches up in any way.

If their parents developed gray hair at a young age, chances are your dog will too.

Black dogs also tend to show gray hairs earlier than dogs with lighter coats.

Although this may be because gray hairs simply stand out on a darker coat and many owners never notice the gray in their yellow Labs.

  1. Strain readiness
    When looking for white hairs in puppies, poodles pop up a lot, and for good reason.

In dogs, there is something called progressive graying caused by a gene that can affect certain breeds such as the Poodle, Irish Wolfhound, and Bearded Collie.

It is mostly seen in long-haired breeds possibly because the hair loosens as it grows and will not become long enough in short-haired breeds.

A short-haired dog may be born with the gene without showing any signs.

Unlike “natural” graying where hair strands grow gray from the start, gradual graying means that the hair can’t hold onto the pigment as it ages.

Being a dominant gene, progressive graying can also be seen in mixed breeds.

  1. Health issues
    Underlying health issues may be the cause of your puppy’s white hair, which includes conditions such as hypothyroidism, liver disease, and kidney problems.

Among the underlying health problems gray hair appears as a symptom of hypothyroidism.

This is a condition in which your dog’s glands produce an insufficient amount of hormones.

It is a common condition in dogs that can cause weight gain, behavioral changes, and coat problems.

Hair loss occurs mainly on the dog’s torso and the backs of his legs.

You may also notice an overall thinning of the hair and it may lose its luster.

Hypothyroidism is usually treated with oral medications that must be taken for the rest of the dog’s life.

Furthermore, liver and kidney disease in dogs may lead to graying of hair or more commonly to abnormal skin and hair.

However, these are rare, and if you suspect something is wrong with your dog, definitely consider taking him to the vet.

  1. Skin diseases
    Vitiligo is a rare skin condition in both humans and dogs and is characterized by patches of depigmented skin.

Some areas may fade while others may lose their color completely.

These color changes are usually permanent but only cosmetic and not harmful to your dog.

Most dogs with vitiligo are less than 3 years old and some breeds seem to be affected more than others.

The Rottweiler, Dachshund, German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, and Old English Sheepdog may be genetically predisposed, but no gene responsible for vitiligo has been identified.

  1. Stress
    Stress has been linked to premature graying in humans before and it could also play a role in dogs.

A 2016 study found that young dogs who are more restless and impulsive are more likely to develop gray hair at a younger age.

The researchers photographed 400 dogs and asked their owners to fill out a detailed questionnaire.

Female gray dogs are also found to be bred earlier than male dogs.

What is the age at which dogs get white hair?

On average, dogs begin to develop white hair at around 5 years of age. This is highly dependent on the breed as each breed enters its senior years at a different point.

Small breeds are considered senior dogs at around 10-12 years old while large breeds enter this stage at around 6 years old.

Senior dogs tend to age more quickly and also have shorter life expectancies, so they earn their distinguished appearance earlier.

Even within the same breed, there can be differences and some dogs may develop gray hair at just a few years of age while others never rock a gray muzzle.

How to get rid of gray hair on dogs?

If you have ruled out medical issues, your dog’s gray hair is not something you need to get rid of and is only a cosmetic problem.

I get that the big dog appearance is not everyone’s cup of tea especially if it happens at a young age.

Getting constant feedback and having to explain to people that your dog is too small can be annoying.

However, it is these little strands of gray that make your dog truly unique and they are part of it.

If your dog suffers from anxiety, this can lead to premature graying.

Separation anxiety, for example, is a common behavioral problem in dogs that can be very stressful.

By working with your dog through these concerns, you may not only prevent further graying but also greatly improve your dog’s quality of life.

Being in a constant state of fear or stress is harmful to the whole body and can cause health problems, such as urinary tract infections, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and more.

Your dog can get stressed for several reasons:

new environment
loud noises
A change in routine
new people
Adding or losing a family member
Many owners tend to overlook that their stress levels can affect their dogs.

We suggest that, to a large extent, dogs reflect their owners’ stress levels.

Long-term stress levels in dogs and their owners are synchronized
The course of action will depend on your dog’s anxiety and your circumstances.

However, there are a few things every owner can do to make their dog’s life more comfortable.

Exercise is perhaps the greatest stress reliever in dogs.

Research your dog’s breed and make sure they get enough physical exercise as well as mental stimulation every day.

Try to stick to the daily routine as best you can so your dog knows what to expect.

Practice stress management by avoiding situations that make your dog anxious or uncomfortable.

If the problem persists or worsens, consult a veterinarian or behaviorist for more personalized advice.