Dog's paw pads black, nails brown, chewing feet. Yeast infection?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 55 lbs
My three year old dog normally has bright pink paw pads and pink/white nails. Within the last month her nails are turning brown and her paw pads are turning black. She is also chewing at her feet and nails frequently. At first I thought it was due to aging and/or her digging habit causing dirt to get trapped under the nails, but it doesn't seem to get any better despite regular baths and nail clipping. Is this normal?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 2nd, 2017
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.
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 9th, 2018
This is a very typical response to itchy feet, and the discoloration comes from opportunistic yeast that love to grow in damp environments. Very often this type of behavior is a result of allergies- environmental or food. I would recommend consulting your veterinarian as allergies can be complicated to navigate. Often, the first thing to be done is a food elimination diet for 8 weeks. This involves a strict regime of a novel protein, restricted ingredient food. Often a great place to start.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 4th, 2017
This could be a yeast infection of his toes. Sometimes cleaning off all feet multiple times a day with a gentle soap as well as preventing any licking/chewing at their feet helps to clear up their toes. However if it gets worse, your dog has any swelling/redness/pain or does not get better then he needs to see a veterinarian for an exam.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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