Fur Turning Dark Red

MavGoose · 05-05-2011, 06:54 PM

Hi guys! I'm kind of new to this so I'm just hoping to get some help on a problem I'm having.

My brindle, male boxer, Goose, is 2 years old in July and one of the loves of my life! He has just recently started to bite his back right paw. I've checked it out a few times and have not seen any type of cut or anything stuck in it, but it seems to really be bothering him. The fur has started to turn a really dark red colour, which I thought was blood, but nothing is coming off onto my hands or the cloth I use on him. I've tried a few different things and have read on the internet a couple explanations and seem the most aimed towards a yeast infection? There is no puss or liquid coming from the foot, but he is constantly keeping it wet and now my other dog has started to help him lick it. I'm just wondering if anyone has had any experience with this or has any idea what it is I'm looking at? Thanks guys.

Erin251 · 05-05-2011, 07:00 PM

sounds like a yeast infection to me..... or could possibly be allergies.. the fur turning dark is probably just from it being wet so much, kind of along the same lines as tear stains.

MavGoose · 05-05-2011, 07:03 PM

I was thinking allergies too, but is it possible to just be affecting one part of him? I haven't switched his food, and have lived in the same surroundings since he was born. I don't want to do antibiotics if I can avoid it, is there any home remedies anyone knows of? Thanks, Erin.

Doreen · 05-05-2011, 09:03 PM

My son's mastiff gets this and the vet said it is seasonal allergies like from the grass, pollens or whatever pollens they are allergic to. He gets an antihistamine when he is having this problem so his paw doesn't get raw. I don't know off hand how much. I'd have to ask my daughter in law. But you vet should be able to advise you also on the amount. Tucker also gets yeast infections in his ears which he gets from the little Jack Russell licking in his ears... yuck gross.

Scooby · 05-05-2011, 09:13 PM

Yeast isn't a bacteria, so you won't need antibiotics for that. If he licks it raw and gets his foot infected, then you might be in line for some antibiotics!
To me it could be allergies, as that's where they usually feel uncomfortable - in their feet. I don't have any experience with yeast infections though so I can't help you there!
Try giving him some benadryl for a couple of days and see if that helps. If it does, it's probably allergies.

Doreen · 05-05-2011, 09:17 PM

You can get allergies all of a sudden after years. I know I have! Never had allergies until about 10 years ago.... same with the dogs.

bruinsBoxers · 05-06-2011, 07:51 AM

You can try to keep the feet dry . I have heard some people have had success with washing the yeasty area with either selsun blue shampoo or apple cider vinegar . Also try adding some apple cider vinegar to the food or water daily .

And the yeasty red fur will have to grow out , the washing will not make it disappear right away. It will help to get rid of the yeast so the cycle does not continue . You have to keep up with washing or feeding the ACV to see improvement.

Spyglass Sally · 05-06-2011, 08:03 AM

There's a good article called Yeast Infections In Dogs by Dr Jeanette (Jeannie) Thomason

It has some good info as well.

MavGoose · 05-06-2011, 08:14 AM

Thanks for all the help! I think it's a yeast infection, and I've read on the internet to give probiotic yogourt with the yogourt vitamin tabs. Does anyone know if this is common in boxers? Thanks again for all the input.

purplelori · 05-06-2011, 09:44 AM

Wally gets red and itchy between his toes periodically, and we got some wipes from the vet that really help (sorry, can't remember what they are, but they look like those little strydex pads for achne) They are rather inexpensive --under $20 anyway, and really seem to do the trick.