Why does my dog have dark spots on his toenails? Is it a bruise?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think this is inflammation of the tissue underneath which could have been due to minor trauma. As long as Ella is otherwise doing fine, it would ok to monitor as if it is just mild inflammation, it is expected to normalize and look like the rest of her nails within a day or two. Good luck and have a great day!

This looks like a possible hot spot, bruise or can even be a mass (if it’s a raise bump). Have the hair shaved so you can get a better view of it. If it is a hot spot, then you can try spraying “hot spot” spray on the area to see if this resolves it. You can find this at your local pet store. If it doesn’t get better within 2-3 days then it’s best to have it treated by your vet. If it is a bruise then it will likely resolve on its own. And if it is a raised mass, then definitely have it tested and/or removed by your vet because the color makes it suspicous for a mast cell tumor. I hope this helps and I hope everything works out well for your pet. Best of luck to you and take care.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The tan on the pink part of his paws in normal callus formation over time. In dogs with black paws it is less obvious. The brown discoloration in the nails usually indicates a yeast infection of the nails. If he isn't licking the feet or having any problems you may not have to do anything for the yeast. I hope this helps!

The most common cause of brown discoloration of nails is a yeast infection. Most yeast infections are secondary to allergies and excessive licking of the paws. If he licks his paws then you should talk to your vet about trying medications to control his allergies. In the mean time you could soak his paws in a warm Epsom salt solution and see if that helps. Dry them well after soaking.

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

Hello. Posey may be chronically licking at this nail for some reason. Usually, this is an infection with Malessezia paronychia, a yeast like organism. Next time you see your veterinarian, suggest a skin scrape be done at the level of the nail bed to see if she can get more information. If organisms are seen, then treatment with an oral antifungal medication & a medicated shampoo for a month usually clears this infection up. The discolored nail will slowly grow out. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.