My dog's paw has a new hairless spot. Is it anxiety or long nails?

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Just like you indicated, this could be due to a foreign body getting stuck in the digit though other things like a deep infection or even a growth cannot be ruled out. It could even be secondary to her licking at it. For this reason, it is important to rule those out. I recommend a visit to your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Good luck and have a great day!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Ouch, poor Naria. If the nail is completely removed and exposing the nail bed, keep the toe as clean as possible to try to prevent infection. For my patients that have done this, I typically will place them on oral antibiotics and analgesics (pain medication) to prevent infection and keep them comfortable while the nail regrows. Some nails will not regrow normally if the nailbed was also injured. If Naria is limping on the affected paw, or the toe becomes swollen I would recommend having her seen by her veterinarian for appropriate medications to be dispensed.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is difficult to know without being able to examine her. 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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Joy. She could be suffering from pododermatitis and it has many causes. Bacterial/yeast infections, allergies (inhaled, food), demodex mange mites, parasite problems, are among some of the more common causes. I would advise taking Joy to your vet. Your vet can gather a detailed history and perform an exam. Based on those findings, they can then advise you on a diagnostic/treatment plan. Possible tests include fecal tests/skin scrapes, skin cytology, bacterial culture/sensitivity, biopsy, allergy testing, etc. Treatment is based on what is learned from these tests. This could involve antibiotics, antifungal medicines, foot soaks, antihistamines, steroids, allergy medications, etc. She may require an Elizabethan collar to prevent her from licking the paw also. Good luck

Hello. It does sound like possible allergies, which can start at any age, most commonly around 1-2 years of age. But we can see the presence of mange mites & nail bed infections too. To rule these out, you will need to see your veterinarian who can perform some skin scapes around the base of the nails & look under the microscope for the presence of mange mites. Oce the source of the irritation is found, the proper treatment can be started to stop the chewing. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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!