What to do about my dog’s pink fur?
If you want to get rid of your dog’s pink fur, there are things you can do. This starts by determining the cause and learning how to remedy it.
The first thing you’ll need to do is determine if the staining is occurring due to an underlying problem. If your dog has pink or red only around the eyes and mouth in small amounts, this is completely normal. If staining is excessive or occurring in other areas, there’s a problem that should be addressed.
If you suspect your dog has food allergies, there are tests that can provide needed answers. You can purchase a home test kit or have your vet perform the tests.
An elimination diet can also reveal food allergies. However, it is a difficult process. You’ll need to eliminate all but one or two ingredients from your dog’s diet for two weeks. Slowly add ingredients back into the diet one at a time. If you notice symptoms when reintroducing a food, your dog is allergic.
Elimination diets are often used to confirm findings found in tests. Allergens are discovered with tests and then avoided. If symptoms subside, your dog was allergic to the ingredient.
Environmental allergens can be harder to treat. Some, like dust, are impossible to fully avoid. Your dog may require antihistamines to control environmental allergens. You may also need to take steps to limit their exposure.
If your dog has a skin infection, it will likely require a vet visit. Bacterial infections are treated with topical or oral antibiotics. Fungal infections, like yeast, are treated with antifungal creams and medications.
To soothe your dog’s skin at home, try a paste of half baking soda and half water. Apply and let sit for 20 minutes. Then rinse completely. Oatmeal added to the bathwater can also help soothe itchy skin. However, these remedies are not a replacement for veterinary care.
If your dog’s fur staining is caused by anxiety or OCD, you’ll need to start by trying to determine the cause. Has there been a change in your dog’s schedule or environment, like a new family member or pet?
Has your dog had a recent traumatic experience like being startled by a loud noise or a fight with another dog? Could they be bored? Any of these factors can cause OCD licking.
You may need to speak to your vet or a dog behavioral specialist to help your dog with their issue. In severe cases, your vet can prescribe anxiety medication. However, lifestyle and behavioral remedies should be the first-line treatment.
If you suspect your dog has mouth or eye problems causing staining, you’ll need to visit your vet for treatment.
If you can’t determine the cause of your dog’s pink fur, it’s time for a vet visit. It can be a sign of many issues that may not be readily apparent.
Why Is My Dog Suddenly Pink or Red?
Same as their personality, the dog’s skin is one-of-a-kind. Relying on the pigments inherent to the breed or their specific genetic history, you can notice dogs with pink hair, or sometimes black — both are perfectly fine.
Yet, in the case of rust-colored or pink dog fur, the cause is usually nothing to be concerned about. Everything can be restored to normal following days of treatment.
Why is my white dog’s skin turning red?
Red fur staining is caused by a compound called porphyrin. Porphyrins are iron-containing molecules produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. They are removed from the body primarily through feces, but are also in urine, tears and saliva.