Feet Changing Colour

[hau kola]

The fur on my dogs back feet has changed colour. it looks as though he's been stood in mud but it's a reddish colour.His eyes are also stained the same colour. Is this just part of getting older maybe? He's 5 and always been in good health.

[jourdain2]

The eye staining could be because of some sort of discharge, so it might be worth getting him checked-over by a vet. I have cleared up mild irritations by wiping with cold, used tea-bags... At 5 yrs., unless he is one of the huge breeds, age shouldn't really come into it.

I don't think the fur on the back feet is a worry. Have a really close look at his eyes. :)

[hau kola]

Thank you. Yes, i've used cold teabags.
I think maybe it's his colouring (apricot) as i know Bischons have the same problem. Strange it's only just started happening though.

[jourdain2]

Could be that it is Winter and the cold air affects him a bit more now that he is that we bit older also his feet will get wetter. ;)

[Ratty2E]

Dogs tears and saliva contain bacteria and this causes the reddish staining. He is probably licking or chewing his feet and that has caused the staining. It could be that something causing irritation to his feet and that's why he chews/licks them or it could be a boredom/ocd thing. If it's only just started then it might be he has some pain or irritation in his feet that he's trying to relieve by licking, in which case a vet might be able to help. The only real way to get rid of the stains is to cut off the fur and keep the area clean and dry and not give the bacteria a chance to build up, it should then grow back to be normal colour. A 50/50 solution of white or apple cider vinegar and water used to bathe the areas (be careful near the eyes) might help too.