![]() ![]() It might look a little unattractive, but it won’t do your dog any harm.This article will discuss using coconut oil for your dog’s tear stains. If the brown fur staining is minor and confirmed as not relating to any underlying problem, you might be happy to leave it. Whether it’s skin scrapings to check for mites, or mange, or other things to make sure there’s no underlying bacterial problem.”ĭepending on the issue, your vet might refer you to a dermatological, dental, or ophthalmic specialist. And then they might do individual diagnostics. “You try to see if it’s unilateral, if it’s bilateral, if it’s all over the body, and that’s why the veterinarian is so helpful in trying to rule in or rule out problems. “If a dog is licking two paws or all paws are brown, then I consider whether it’s a systemic problem.” “So, if a dog is constantly licking one paw, the first thing I look at is whether there’s something in the paw,” he says. Your vet will evaluate your pet’s whole-body health to work towards an accurate diagnosis. If your dog has any concerning symptoms or behaviors accompanying their stained dog fur, the focus should be on having your veterinarian identify any potentially serious underlying causes. Klein stresses the importance of consulting with a vet to rule out “an underlying medical issue before assuming it’s strictly behavioral.” Treating Dog Fur Staining While stress or boredom due to insufficient enrichment can trigger compulsive licking, Dr. Painful conditions: If your dog is looking for relief from the discomfort of a disease like arthritis, they might lick the affected area. Wounds or foreign objects: Grass seeds wedged under the skin are difficult-to-spot culprits. Other fungal, bacterial, or parasitic infections can also lead to excess nibbling. It can become a vicious cycle when the skin and fur are wet from licking, as yeast thrives in damp conditions. Skin infections: Yeast dermatiti s is a common culprit for excessive licking. Internal diseases: Conditions that can cause skin problems include hypothyroidism, lupus, and Cushing’s disease. Itchy skin allergies: These typically relate to fleas, food, or the environment. Klein explains that the most common causes are “underlying skin conditions or food sensitivities.” However, your vet must be the one to rule out many possibilities. ![]() When your dog won’t stop licking a paw or another part of their body, it’s typically because they’re trying to get some relief from pain or itchiness. Reasons for Fur Staining Caused by Excessive Licking ![]() While the staining is only unsightly, excessive licking is often a sign of an underlying medical or behavioral issue. Over time, the stains can turn a darker brown. When dogs lick their paws excessively, a build-up of porphyrins from the saliva turns the fur around the area pink or rusty red. However, sudden excessive saliva production can indicate periodontal disease, teeth fractures, or other dental dilemmas-keep an eye out for stinky breath, bleeding gums, or difficulty eating. Mouthĭrool-prone dogs, like Saint Bernards, often have rusty-colored muzzles and beards. Head to the vet if swelling, discharge, or discomfort accompanies the staining. Of course, excessive staining around the eye could also indicate eye abnormalities, allergies, infections, or injury. This is “because of excessive tear production and the way the tear ducts are located in the head,” Dr. Tear stains are particularly noticeable in certain breeds, like Maltese, Shih Tzus, and short-nosed Bulldogs. However, excessive staining accompanied by certain symptoms or behaviors often indicates an underlying medical issue that may need prompt veterinary treatment. Porphyrin staining isn’t always something to worry about. Should I Worry About My Dog’s Fur Changing Color? While all dogs produce porphyrins, some make more than others, and the staining is more noticeable on light-colored fur. This is why you often see discoloration around your dog’s eyes, mouth, licked fur, or even their rear end. “Iron is the nasty ingredient that especially stains white fur,” he says. Porphyrins are excreted from tears, saliva, urine, and feces and are high in iron. Porphyrin is “the chemical breakdown product associated with red blood cells,” Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, explains that porphyrin is the most common reason for pink, red, orange, or brown stains on your dog’s fur. What Are Porphyrins and Why Do They Stain My Dog’s Fur?ĭr. Understanding the possible reasons for this discoloration can save unnecessary stress. Sometimes, though, the color change can be a symptom of an underlying health problem. Your dog’s fur turning pink or brown isn’t always a concern. Have you noticed that when your dog continually licks their paws, rusty brown patches appear on their fur? Or maybe your beautiful white Maltese develops difficult-to-remove stains around their eyes. ![]()
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