Why Are Your Dog’s Paws Turning Brown?
Brownish and reddish discoloration in light-colored dogs is very common. This issue is especially prevalent in dogs with white coats. Most commonly, dogs with light-colored coats have discoloration around the mouth and eyes.
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However, you may also notice reddish or brown discoloration on your pup’s paws. Although seemingly harmless, the discoloration may indicate that there’s an underlying health issue that should be dealt with.
Cats are well-known for their almost obsessive habit of cleaning themselves by licking all over the body, including the paws. For dogs, however, it’s not a common behavior, as dogs tend to only lick themselves when they’re really dirty. So, if your dog’s paws are turning brown, it’s very likely because of excessive paw licking.
All dogs excrete a compound called porphyrin. Porphyrins are iron-containing molecules that the body produces when breaking down red blood cells. Dogs usually excrete the biggest amount of porphyrin through tears, saliva, and urine.
Once porphyrins are left on light-colored fur, it starts to oxidize. As a result, the fur will start turning red. In fact, sunlight also darkens porphyrins, which causes the stains to become even darker and more noticeable if left uncleaned.
How To Stop Excessive Paw Licking
First and foremost, if your pup is licking its paws often, it’s time to schedule a vet appointment. Regardless if your dog’s paw licking is caused by allergies, injury, infections, or behavioral problems, your vet will be able to thoroughly examine your pup and get to the root of the issue. You might also want to use protective balms and ointments before your pup hits the pavement in cold weather or in summer heat.
Fortunately, it’s very likely that the excessive paw licking will stop once your vet has prescribed a correct form of treatment. In case of behavioral problems, the solution may be slightly harder to achieve, especially if you’ve got an anxious pup. Nevertheless, even behavioral issues can be fixed, as long as you stay consistent and focused on the end goal.
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Why are my dog’s feet pink?
Dogs with white or light fur that repetitively lick their paws will often get orange-pink-brown staining to their paws. This is a sure sign they’ve been licking at them more than necessary. The staining is from porphyrin, which is present in canine saliva. Constant, repetitive licking means the saliva is left on the fur, where it dries and leaves the pigment. If your dog has one or more pink-coloured feet, it’s a good idea to investigate further to find out why.
Dog Excessive Paw Licking: Stop It With Natural Recipe
Brown tear stains, paw stains and beard stains are common occurrences in white and light-colored dogs. You may find that your pooch still has unsightly brown stains on the white fur near her eyes, paws and mouth even immediately after a bath. These stains may be caused by oxidation when saliva and eye drainage meet her fur, or by dyes in her food or the growth of red yeast.
Consult your veterinarian to determine the cause of the stains. If the stains are caused by yeast, your veterinarian may prescribe antifungal medications to remove them. If the stains are caused by licking, oxidation or food dyes, you can apply remedies at home if you have hydrogen peroxide and Epsom salt.
Dip a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and apply it to any stained areas of your dogs face, using care around her mouth and eyes. Apply daily until the hair begins to turn white. Continue to apply it daily to prevent staining in the future.
Place your dogs paws one at a time into a mixture of water and Epsom salt. Remove her paws from the water mixture and allow them to dry; there is no need to rinse them.
Clean the stained area with a fragrance-free baby or a specially made pet wipe. Continue this process daily until the stains fade.