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As a dog owner, you may be wondering why some dogs have black lips and others don’t. While some link the trait of black lips on dogs to intelligence or hunting skills, others believe that black lips ensure the dog is purebred. But these are just century-old tales with no scientific authenticity.
Many dog breeds genetically have dark or black lips because of the pigment melanin produced by specialized cells in the skin. This darker pigment can help protect lip skin from UV-related damage, though it is not a guarantee against sun injury.
So, if your furry friend has completely black or pink-spotted black lips, know it’s usually just normal, healthy variations.
However, if your dog’s lips have become blue or gray out of nowhere, treat it as an emergency sign and seek veterinary care immediately, especially if there’s breathing trouble, weakness, or collapse. If the color change is new darkening or new pale or white patches, it’s still worth a veterinary exam, particularly if you also notice swelling, sores, crusting, pain, or itching.
This guide will answer all your questions about your dog’s dark lips. So, let’s dive in.
Do Dogs Genetically Have Black Lips?
If two dogs with black lips breed, their puppies are more likely to develop darker lip pigment as well. However, lip color is not controlled by a single dominant “black-lip” gene. Instead, pigmentation is influenced by multiple genes and by how much melanin the body produces and deposits in the skin, which is why lip color can vary even among puppies from the same parents.
This pigmentation is driven by melanocytes, specialized cells present in the skin that produce melanin.1 Like humans, melanocytes are also present in dogs’ skin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for darker coloration of the skin, hair, and nails, and higher melanin levels generally result in darker pigmentation.
Now, you may be wondering about the purpose behind melanin and melanocytes. Dark pigmentation is actually good for both humans and dogs. It protects the body from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The dog’s hair and fur also work together with darkly pigmented lips to provide some protection against sun exposure.
Do Black Lips Indicate a Health Concern?
Black lips are entirely normal for dogs. Fortunately, no scientific study connects their lip color to any illness. But if your pup’s lips suddenly start changing color, it can be a medical concern.
Any noticeable change in lip color can also be a sign of an underlying, more serious issue, such as vitiligo.
Sudden changes in lip color can also result from bacterial infection if inflammation, lesions, or redness accompany it. Watch out for the following signs in your pup to know whether it’s a medical emergency or not.
- Sudden changes in their lip color, i.e., from pink to black or vice versa
- Their mouth turns gray or blue
- The presence of black patches on the lips or body
If you observe anything, consult a vet as soon as possible. Blue or gray discoloration of the lips or gums is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary care. As an aware pet owner, you must know all the factors that make your dog’s lips change color.
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Factors That Make a Dog’s Lips Change Color
While your dog may naturally have dark lips, you should seek veterinary care if they change color suddenly. These types of changes can be caused by things such as:
- Discoloration due to a lip injury
- Skin allergies or contact dermatitis
- Excessive salivation with chronic irritation or inflammation
- Vitiligo
- Abnormal tissue growth affecting the lips
Conclusion
Most dog breeds naturally have black lips due to the presence of melanocytes in their skin. These cells produce a pigmentation called melanin that gives a dark color to the dog’s lips. Black lips can help protect the dogs from the harmful UV rays from the sun.
However, skin allergies, vitiligo, immune-mediated diseases, injuries, excessive salivation with chronic inflammation, and neoplasia can also make your dog’s lips change color. If you notice any such change in your pup, take them to a vet promptly, especially if the discoloration is sudden, progressive, or accompanied by pain, sores, swelling, lethargy, or blue/gray gums.
Featured Image Credit: Mircea Costina, Shutterstock
