You just noticed that your pet has some spotting on their body, and your veterinarian informed you that it's from vitiligo. But what is vitiligo in dogs and cats? Here are all the basics.
What Is Vitiligo in Dogs & Cats?
Vitiligo is a rare skin condition that some humans may develop, but so can cats and dogs. A human or animal with this condition experiences depigmentation, which occurs when the skin loses its natural pigments. The skin will turn white (or light pink) in patches and hair in those spots can also turn white.
Tri-County Animal Hospital in Wayne, New Jersey reported that vitiligo is a "condition characterized by symmetrical lack of pigment in the skin and white hair coat, especially involving the face and nose."
What Causes Vitiligo?
Is vitiligo something that can be "caught" from another animal with the condition? Simply stated, no. Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (AVES) confirms that vitiligo is not contagious. However, this condition is often hereditary, so if a previous generation experienced depigmentation, your cat or dog is more likely to develop this uncommon skin condition. It's not clear why vitiligo occurs, but it's believed that it happens when something interferes with the body's melanin-producing cells.
Are Some Cats and Dogs More Likely to Get It?
If you're worried that your dog or cat might develop vitiligo, don't be too concerned, especially if you haven't noticed any white skin or hair spots. This skin condition is quite rare, though there are some breeds that are more likely to get it than others.
Tri-County Animal Hospital noted that vitiligo is common in dog breeds such as "Belgian Tervuren, German shepherd dogs, Doberman pinschers, rottweilers, German shorthaired pointer, Old English sheepdog, and dachshunds." Siamese cats may be predisposed as well.
Tasty Tips
Should You Be Worried About Depigmentation?
If you know your pet's bloodline and there haven't been any other cases of vitiligo in previous generations, you don't need to worry. However, pet parents who don't know their animal's family history of skin conditions might want to point out any of their pet's skin changes to their vet.
Since most cases of vitiligo in dogs and cats occur when they're young, depigmentation at an older age may require a visit to the vet. It may be easy to confuse going gray (a natural sign of aging) with losing skin pigmentation due to a medical condition. Hypothyroidism, stress, and kidney and liver disease may be the culprit behind depigmentation, according to AVES.
Vitiligo in cats and dogs is nothing to fear. Vitiligo in pets is painless and do not act any different as a result. Your pet will still live a happy life with some special spotting. Just make sure to discuss any skin changes with your vet!
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetable & Chicken Stew dog food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Turkey & Rice Stew dog food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Small & Mini Chicken, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports joint, digestive, heart, kidney & immune health while maintaining a luxurious coat in Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Salmon & Vegetable Medley Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetables Entrée Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Tender Tuna & Vegetables Stew cat food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken & Rice Entrée Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet savory beef to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Related articles
How the Loss of a Pet Affects Your Other Pets
Discover how your pets might be impacted by the loss of another. Learn how to recognize their signs of grieving & how to help them cope with their loss.
What Causes Cat and Dog Insomnia?
Dog insomnia is a real thing. And it's possible your cat not sleeping well at night is also a bout of insomnia. Learn more about this pet health concern.
Benefits of Antioxidants for Dogs and Cats
A gray cat and German shepherd dog lie beside each other on a white carpet
Adopting a Blind Dog or Cat: What You Need to Know
If you're considering adopting a blind pet, learn tips & considerations for living with a blind cat or dog and how to prepare your home for a blind pet.
Getting Rid of Pet Hair Around the House
Pet hair removal is often a struggle, but not impossible. Learn tips for cleaning many household surfaces, as well as getting rid of airborne pet hair.
Antioxidants
Understand the importance of antioxidants in your dog or cat's food, and how they can help protect your pet and keep them healthy.
Pet Dental Health: What Happens During a Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Learn about veterinary dental care for your pet, including deep teeth cleaning procedures, which can help your dog or cat maintain proper dental health.
Fats
Discover the benefits of dietary fats and fatty acids in your pet's food, and how they are important to the overall health of your pet.
Is My Pet Gay?
Stop wondering whether or not dogs or cats can be gay and discover what science says about this behavior in the animal kingdom.
What to Expect After a Pet Cancer Diagnosis
Learn important considerations following a pet cancer diagnosis, including treatment choices, general expectations and information on palliative care.
Easter for Pets: How to Celebrate a Fun and Safe Holiday
From Easter Lillies to Easter Grass, learn key items to keep out of your pet's reach while they join in your favorite Easter traditions.
The Incredible Science Behind Your Pet's Microbiome
Learn what a pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut & overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
Benefits of Antioxidants in Pet Food
Discover how antioxidants fight against free radicals in your dog or cat's body, and why they are so important to your pet's diet.
Giving Pets as Gifts: How to Do So Responsibly
Is giving someone a pet a good idea? It may seem like a wonderful idea, but important factors to consider and some tips for doing it the right way.
Hilarious Reasons We’re All Thankful for Our Pets This Year
In this season of thanks make sure to include why you’re thankful for your pet. I’m sure a handful of these will resonate well with you.
Shelter Heroes: How a Pet Adoption Counselor Finds Forever Homes
Learn about one dog trainer's journey to becoming a pet adoption counselor and how she's honed her skills to match people up with just the right pets.
10 Responsible Pet Care Tips
Get helpful pet care tips you can use every day, such as vet visit and identification advice, to keep your dog or cat happy and healthy.
Expectations for Visiting an Animal Shelter
If you're considering a pet shelter adoption, you may have a lot of questions. Learn how to prepare for your visit.
How Much Water Should Dogs & Cats Drink Each Day?
Learn why water is vital to your pet's health, including how much water dogs & cats should drink per day and what to do if they drink too much/not enough.
Pet Food Sharing: Can Cats Eat Dog Food? (& Vice Versa?)
Learn whether it's safe for cats and dogs to eat each other's food, nutritional concerns to be aware of, and how to discourage this behavior.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.