My dog's nails are red. Is it a yeast infection? When to see a vet?

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.

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.

Poor Bjorn! It sounds like he may have allergies (food allergies, or an allergy to something in the environment), a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or even some type of mange - these are all common causes of excessive itching and redness affecting the paws. Epsom salt baths were a very reasonable thing to try - but since they aren't helping anymore, I'm afraid it's definitely time for a vet visit. Your vet can do some simple skin tests to help determine what is causing the redness and itching, and will prescribe appropriate medication to treat the problem depending on what is found.

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!

He could have allergies and/or a nail infection. He should be examined by a vet to diagnose and treat the problem. Your vet can prescribe an antibiotic, anti-histamine, and/or a corticosteroid to treat. You could also soak his paws in a warm Epsom salt solution and see if that helps.

I don’t think that the spot in the picture looks like a bruise. To me it looks like maybe a spit of yeast overgrowth. It can cause some itchiness and licking, which makes it grow even faster. You can try bathing the affected areas with a medicated shampoo, like the one linked below. Do this three times a week for a couple weeks. If it seems to increase, affect more toes, you see more licking, etc I would see a vet for more specific treatment. Dechra MiconaHex + Triz Shampoo for Dogs, Cats & Horses (8oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YFFLL4F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_N5G89AEZF1GJXN3R0TKH

Hi the main similarity is that they can both affect paws. However, hypercheratosis is not a fungal infection in can be genetically inherited and it is common in certain breeds such as Labradors Retrievers and affects the pads. Fungal infection is mostly found inbetween the pads and it is mostly caused by Malassetia, a yeast that is normally present on skin but that can overgrow in certain circumstances. To treat the Yest infection you could use a dog shampoo called Malaseb, or bathe Bruno’s paws in diluted Hibiscrub ( Chlorexidine )which I think you should be able to find in India too. Bathing should be done for 1-2 weeks twice a day in diluted solution of 1:20. Hope this helps !