Why does my dog have black residue on his paws? Is it fungal?

It could be a bacterial or fungal infection around the nail, nail bed or paw pad. A close physical exam would be needed for a definitive diagnosis. See your veterinarian in the morning. If Cosmo is licking or chewing, place an e-collar (cone) on him until he sees the doctor.

Black stuff in between the toes is often the result of excessive licking. This is called a lick stain, and if the skin is also red and there is a sweet odor to this area, then Bailey also has a fungal infection in between the toes due to the excessive moisture. We typically treat this with anti-fungal wipes (Rx) used in between the toes daily. Licking of the paws is also a sign of food allergies, so discuss with your veterinarian about switching Bailey to another type of food. Here is a website link that discusses food allergies and how to properly do a food trial (minimum 3 months) for your pet. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2499 Some brands of foods that I typically recommend are: Royal Canine Hypoallergenic HP (hydrolyzed protein) (Rx only) California Natural by natura (over the counter) Hill's Z/D ultra (Rx only)

Usually a veterinarian would perform a cytology to distinguish between a bacterial and fungal skin infection - they would take a sample on a microscope slide and examine for organisms. It's also possible that Bini has a resistant bacterial infection, or she might have another underlying disease process like an autoimmune disorder contributing to her symptoms. In your picture her foot does not appear classic for a fungal infection. You may want to follow up with your vet to discuss further testing and treatment.

It looks like King has a skin infection. This is called potodermatitis and can be caused by allergies to food or something in the environment, irritation from salt on the ground in the winter, and many more causes. You can try soaking King's feet in Epsom salt bath twice a day for a couple days and also placing an e-collar on him so he's unable to lick at his feet. If they are still red and he still wanting to lick at them after a couple days of this I would recommend taking him to his veterinarian because he probably is in need of some medication to stop the itching, as well as antibiotics. Good luck to you and King!

That discoloration is a porphyrin staining. Dogs have this stain in their saliva normally. Curly is obviously licking his paws most likely due to an underlying allergy. Seasonal and non-seasonal environmental and food allergies can cause a pet to lick or chew on the feet, knees, or other body parts. Inflammation can also be caused by items embedded in the skin, painful joints, flea bites, etc. The staining around the mouth is most likely due to a dental infection. More saliva is produced in attempt to rid the bacteria from being absorbed through the gums into the bloodstream. I would recommend you try this shampoo: https://www.target.com/p/veterinary-formula-clinical-care-hot-spot-itch-relief-pet-shampoo-16-oz/-/A-50298965#lnk=sametab Really though, Curly should have a vet exam so his mouth can be evaluated and the allergies can be addressed (if it is allergy related). I hope this helps. Best wishes.

A common cause for color change on the feet of dogs is from a yeast infection. Yeast can grow on the skin around the nails and between paw pads and is very itchy. The dog then licks and chews the area which will also cause saliva staining, which turns the hair a reddish-brown color. The most common cause of a yeast infection on the feet of dogs is allergies. Allergies could be to a food protein, the environment, or fleas. Other less common causes of the issues you have described would be bacterial infection or immune-mediated disease. I recommend that Hadley be checked by a vet so that the appropriate medications or allergy treatments can be used. While you are waiting for the appointemnt, you can try using a pet product that contains chlorhexidine (an antibacterial agent) and ketoconazole (an antifungal/antiyeast agent) to treat topical infections. I like this one: Mal-a-ket Shampoo Formulated for Dogs.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bodie, it sounds as if he has had a rough three days. Bodie's lesions on his paw could certainly be related to an underlying environmental or food allergy that resulted in the development of a severe superficial and possible deep pyoderma, which can be difficult to treat if the bacteria present are resistant to normal antibiotics. Other potential causes could include fungal infections (depending on your location), and neoplasia (cancer). For lesions that do not respond to typical therapy with antibiotics and anti-itch medications (such as corticosteroids, Apoquel, Atopica), it may be necessary to perform a culture/sensitivity of the lesions to determine what type of bacteria present (if any) and what antibiotic it is sensitive to, or even a biopsy which could help rule-out certain fungal infections or neoplasia. I would recommend having Bodie re-evaluated by a veterinarian if the sores do not resolve to determine what the appropriate next step will be.