Canine parents are no less conscientious than human parents. They note every little change their furbabies go through and then log on to the internet to drive themselves insane trying to figure what it all means.
If you’ve been noticing your canine’s paws changing color and need to know what it means – you’ve come to the right place.
So, why are your dogs’ paws pink and black? Pink and black paw pads may just be your dog’s natural coloration. But if they’re a puppy, they may be growing a tougher outer skin, like a callus, for rough terrain. It could also mean that the tough layer of skin on an adult dog’s paw pads is coming off.
Luckily for you, this dog paw-centric article will focus on all aspects of why your dog’s paws are pink and black. And, there’s a handy little section on what you can do to keep your doggy’s paw pads safe and healthy!
So, stick with us as we take a closer look at those marbled toe beans!
Why Are Some Dogs’ Paws Pink and Black?
Alrighty, here’s what we’re going to do. This section will focus on the possible reasons why your pup’s paws are a combination of pink and black. For ease of navigation, the section is divided into three categories – one for each reason. Here goes…
1. The Outer Skin Is Growing Thicker
Have you ever closely examined the texture of the skin on a baby’s feet? Before I start giving off weird vibes, here’s why I brought up tiny feet. See, babies don’t exactly walk around a whole lot until they’re six to seven months of age. That’s one of the reasons why their feet are super soft.
Similarly, puppies are born with delicate little pink paw pads, and their paws remain that way until they start becoming super active. I mean, even when it comes to exercise, dog experts suggest you should only exercise your puppy twice a day for five minutes. See what I’m getting at?
It’s only when your pup reaches the 12-18 month mark that they’re furious balls of energy that go zipping around your house with the energy of a thousand Red Bulls.
Once that happens, mother nature steps in and gives them the canine equivalent of shoes (a thicker outer skin called stratum corneum). That way, your pupper’s paws – made of connective tissue and layers of insulating fat – are safe from injuries and bad bacteria.
But, the outer skin doesn’t grow out all at once. It develops in increments and is generally dark in pigment – giving the appearance of being black. That’s why your pup’s paws may be an adorable patchwork of pink and black. This is called marbling.
It’s not abnormal, and as long as your pet isn’t feeling any pain and is happy and healthy, there’s nothing to worry about either.
2. Your Dog’s Stratum Corneum Is Shedding
If your canine is fully mature and you notice its paw pads (that are generally dark) are turning pink in certain areas, it may be because something has caused its stratum corneum to fall off. Before you freak out, that sounds worse than it actually is.
There can be multiple reasons why your pet’s darker outer paw pad skin is coming off, and I’m going to highlight them here one by one.
Walking on Hot Pavement/Roads
I’m sure everyone knows about the urban heat island effect and how pavement and roads play a role in making cities grow warmer than natural during summertime. That’s why walking on pavement or roads barefoot is a really, really bad idea. Unless, of course, you want to burn and blister your feet on purpose.
Anyway, I digress. One of the primary reasons for stratum corneum damage is allowing your pooch to walk on roads without any protective gear like shoes for dogs (these dog shoes are my absolute favorite).
It’s not rocket science to deduce what happens once your furball walks on hot pavement – the skin on its paws gets blistered (which is definitely uncomfortable) and then peels off to be replaced by new skin.
Walking Through Puddles and Muddy Water
Another reason why the outer skin on your doggo’s paw may peel and cause discomfort is letting your pet walk through puddles of water on the road. That may not sound too dangerous, but the truth is that stagnant water is a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria.
If there’s even the slightest scratch or break in your canine’s skin when its feet touch the water, the bacteria can enter the skin and cause all sorts of mayhem. Plus, because doggos lick themselves clean, the bacteria on their feet can enter your pet’s system and cause concerns like vomiting, diarrhea, or worse.
Sensitive Skin
The reason behind the damage to your canine’s stratum corneum can also be something as simple as sensitive skin. It’s true that the outer skin on your pupper’s paw pads is supposed to be thick to protect its feet, but not all canines are created equal.
Some doggos are prone to skin allergies; others are born with naturally sensitive skin. That means too much time spent roaming around outdoors can cause the skin on your canine’s paws to shed.
3. Your Dog’s Paws Are Naturally Pink and Black
It’s pretty common for itsy bitsy puppies to have pink paws along with light fur. Typically, most canines’ fur and paws turn darker as they age (for reasons discussed above).
Sometimes your dog’s beans won’t go black at all but brown. This is all in the genes as well, and some dog breeds have brown noses as well as brown paw pads.
it’s still possible for your adult canine to retain cute dual-colored paws if they carry a gene that stops the skin of their paws from producing pigment. If you’re a fan of the X-Men Comics, such a doggo should right up your alley, thanks to its mutant genes!
How to Take Care of Your Dog’s Paw Pads
Now that we’ve covered all possible aspects of why your furball may have pink and black paws, let’s focus on how you can ensure its feet stay in top condition. Here are some easy-to-implement paw pad care tips and pointers.
1. Keep an Eye on Your Dog’s Paws
One of the best ways to nip puppy paw pad problems in the bud is to carry out a routine inspection of its paws. Get your doggo all comfy, grab its foot, and very gently spread its toes to look for any scratches, cuts, or foreign matter like slivers, pebbles, etc.
Repeat this process for all four feet. Take your time to inspect the skin of your canine’s paws by touching its texture. Also, keep an eye out for swelling and inflammation. Try and gently press down on different parts of your pet’s paws to see if your doggo shows any signs of discomfort or pain.
The sooner you make this part of your doggo wellness routine, the better, as your dog will get used to you touching their paws quicker if you start when they’re still young. This is also a good tip for fuss-free claw clippings.
2. Trim the Fur Between Your Dog’s Toes
The fur between your canine’s toes may look adorable, but it can be a slipping hazard for your pet on smooth surfaces, and it can collect all kinds of nasty germs if your dog likes playing outdoors.
If you’re not comfortable handling a trimmer or scissors yourself, get your doggo to a groomer and ask them to take care of the toe fur for you.
3. Invest in Dog Shoes or Anti-Slip Pads
Your canine will likely hate its shoes the first time it tries them on. But, you can get your pet used to dog shoes that will keep their feet comfy, healthy, and stylish by making your pet wear them inside the house for a couple of minutes every day until they stop reacting to them negatively.
However, if your puppy’s hate for its shoes doesn’t show any signs of going away, you can invest in anti-slip paw pads instead to protect your baby’s vulnerable beans.
Anti-slip pads are the canine equivalent of sock sneakers for humans. They go right on your pooch’s paws, so its feet don’t feel confined, and they’re excellent for protecting your pet’s toes from dangers like hot pavement, germy water puddles, and more.
In the event that your dog hates walking with anti-slip paw pads too, you can look into paw pad wax, which can also be paired with the products above, as it is also a healing and soothing balm.
Think of this as industrial-strength chapstick for your pet’s paws that moisturizes and protects its stratum corneum at the same time.
Conclusion
I can only hope all your queries about canine paws being pink and black have been answered. Remember, it’s not a big deal if your puppy has pink and black paws as it matures. Your dog may even just have marbled pads naturally!
However, if your adult doggo suddenly develops pink and black paws along with symptoms like pain and discomfort or rawness, it’s best to take your pooch to the vet as soon as possible.
Also, it’s best to regularly check your pet’s paw pads and moisturize them to ward off all sorts of paw-related troubles. In the summertime, ensure you only take your pet out for walks when the heat isn’t at its peak, or preferably during dusk. If you can’t step outside barefoot without burning your toes, neither can your dog.
It’s also wise to try and get your pup used to dog shoes or anti-slip pads from early on so that its paw pads are protected and safe.
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