What It Means if You See a Black Spot on Your Dog’s Tongue

What does a black spot on a dog’s tongue mean?

Let’s start with the good news: If you’ve ever noticed one or more black spots on a dog’s tongue, they’re almost never cause for concern. “Black spots on a dog’s tongue are typically nothing more than pigmentation and are completely harmless,” says Dr. Evans. Your puppy may be born with one or more black spots on its tongue, or they may develop well into a dog’s adult life.

Whether there’s one little spot, a big blotch that covers most of its tongue or several black spots on the tongue and around your dog’s mouth, the cause is almost always the same: pigmentation. Think of it as the equivalent of a birthmark or a strangely placed freckle—and part of your pup’s unique genetic “paw print.”

Why do some dogs have black spots on their tongues?

If there’s an evolutionary riddle about why there is a black spot on a dog’s tongue, it remains unsolved. “These black spots have no known function,” says Dr. Evans. “They appear to be a random accumulation of pigment in certain areas of the tongue.” While some genetic traits in domestic dogs (such as long noses) are holdovers from centuries of selective breeding, others have evolutionary roots. Black or spotted-black tongues offer no apparent advantage or disadvantage to a dog. They also don’t affect a dog’s sense of taste.

There is, however, a genetic component. If one or both of a dog’s parents have spotty tongues, it’s likely their offspring will develop them too, though this isn’t guaranteed. And unlike some genetic variants in dogs, such as blue eyes, there’s no risk to a dog’s future litters if two dogs with blotchy tongues breed.

Which dog breeds have black spots on their tongues?

No dog breeds have spotted tongues as part of their breed standard, according to Dr. Evans. However, several breeds are more likely to have dark or spotted tongues:

• In its purebred form, the chow chow always has a solid pigmented tongue—typically a variation of black, gray, blue or purple. Though they’re born with pink tongues, chows develop a solid dark-colored tongue by the time they mature. (According to the American Kennel Club, chows with spots are not considered purebred.)
• A blue-black tongue is the breed standard for Chinese shar-peis.
• A spotted tongue is more commonly found in about 30 breeds, including Labradors, German shepherds and Dobermans, as well as several hounds.
• Plenty of pint-size pups, including pugs, Pomeranians and bichon frisés, tend to have a black dot on their tongue.

There’s a common misconception that any other dog with black spots on its tongue shares some DNA with chows or that it’s not a purebred dog. That’s not necessarily true, as black spots on a dog’s tongue can occur in any breed. This isn’t limited to larger dogs, either; tinier pups also frequently have tongues with these black spots.

How can you tell if a black spot on a dog’s tongue is abnormal?

If the black spots on your dog’s tongue have always been there, chances are high that there’s nothing to worry about. But just like with human birthmarks, it’s important to notice any changes in the spots’ characteristics.

A couple of signs the black dot on your dog’s tongue isn’t just pigment:

• The spot is raised. “While spots on the tongue are typically harmless,” says Dr. Evans, “if the spots are raised or have a different texture than the rest of the tongue, this could be a sign that there is something else happening and should be evaluated by your veterinarian.”
• The spot appears and develops rapidly. Most normal spots typically start out lighter and smaller, then grow and turn darker gradually. Your vet may not tell you this, but spots that show up suddenly and get dark quickly call for a check-up.

Why might a black spot suddenly appear on a dog’s tongue?

If a black dot on your dog’s tongue appears out of the blue or changes shape, size or texture, it may not be typical pigmentation. So what could be the issue? Here are some conditions that might cause your dog’s tongue to turn black:

• A serious vitamin deficiency
• An advanced tumor

As always, watch your dog’s behavior. Most serious illnesses that affect a dog’s tongue will also present with other symptoms, such as foul-smelling breath, difficulty eating, excessive drooling or visible discomfort. If you notice any of these symptoms, head to the vet right away.

In general, inspect your dog’s tongue regularly. Oral health is important, and when something’s amiss, it could be a subtle sign that your dog is sick. And if a black spot appears but everything else is fine, your pup is likely OK … but of course, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet, just in case.

What other kinds of spots can dogs have on their tongues?

If your dog’s otherwise perfectly pink tongue includes some lighter splotches of pink, this can indicate a scar from previous trauma. This might be the result of thorns, burrs or tangling with the neighbor’s cat. Some dogs could also have blue tongues or blue-black spots on the tongue—another form of pigmentation due to genetics.

If the spots are brown or foul-smelling, Dr. Evans says a trip to the vet is in order. These signs, along with any visible irritation, swelling or discoloration in the gums and tongue, signal a serious problem, which might involve insect stings, fungal infections, periodontal disease and oral cancers.

FAQs

What is black tongue disease in dogs?

So-called black tongue disease is the historic term for a condition in which a deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3) led to a dog’s tongue turning black. In 1917, scientists learned that they could cure dogs with black tongue disease by giving them small amounts of niacin.

Just don’t confuse black tongue disease with black spots on dogs’ tongues. Most of the time, black spots aren’t a cause for concern—they’re usually just pigmentation and totally harmless.

Can black spots on a dog’s tongue change color or size over time?

Yes, black spots can change color, size or texture due to aging or other factors. But this could also be a sign of a more serious health issue, so it’s a smart idea to consult your veterinarian if the spots change in any way. That’s especially important if you see these spots along with a change in your dog’s behavior, such as difficulty eating or excessive drooling.

Do puppies develop black spots on their tongues as they grow, or are the dots present from birth?

In some dog breeds, the black spots can be a genetic trait inherited at birth. But there are also cases of black spots developing as a dog ages.

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Sources:

• Brian Evans, DVM, veterinarian and founder of Coastal Animal Hospital
• AKC: “Why Do Chow Chows Have Blue Tongues?”
• AKC: “Chinese Shar-Pei”
• AKC: “Why Do Some Dogs Have Blue Tongues?”
• AKC: “What Are Those Black Spots on a Dog’s Tongue, Anyway?”
• University of Wisconsin: “2017 marks centennial of two significant biochemistry discoveries”