If you’ve noticed pink, red, or brown staining on your dog’s fur, especially around the eyes, mouth, or paws, you’re not alone. This discoloration is often caused by naturally occurring compounds, but in some cases, it may signal an underlying health issue. Understanding what causes these stains can help you decide when it’s harmless and when it’s time to call your veterinarian.
In This Article
What Causes Pink or Brown Stains on Dog Fur?
The most common cause of color changes in your dog’s coat is a substance called porphyrin. Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, explains that porphyrin is “the chemical breakdown product associated with red blood cells,” Dr. Klein says.
Porphyrins are naturally excreted in tears, saliva, urine, and feces, and they contain iron. “Iron is the nasty ingredient that especially stains white fur,” he says. As a result, areas that stay moist—like around the eyes, mouth, paws, or rear—are more likely to develop pink, red, orange, or brown discoloration.
While all dogs produce porphyrins, staining tends to be more noticeable on light-colored coats or in dogs that produce more of these compounds.
Should I Worry About My Dog’s Fur Changing Color?
Porphyrin staining isn’t always something to worry about. However, excessive staining accompanied by certain symptoms or behaviors often indicates an underlying medical issue that may need prompt veterinary treatment.
Eyes
Tear staining is especially common in small or flat-faced breeds such as Maltese, Shih Tzus, and Bulldogs. This is often due to how their tear ducts are shaped and how much they tear.
However, staining in this area can also indicate problems. If you notice swelling, unusual discharge, or signs of irritation, it could be caused by infection, injury, allergies, or abnormalities in the eye.
Mouth
Dogs that drool frequently, such as Saint Bernards, often develop rust-colored staining around the mouth and chin due to saliva exposure.
If drooling increases suddenly, though, it may be a sign of dental disease, broken teeth, or oral discomfort. Watch for additional symptoms like bad breath, bleeding gums, or difficulty eating.
Paws or Other Body Parts
When dogs lick their paws excessively, a build-up of porphyrins from the saliva turns the fur around the area pink or rusty red. Over time, the stains can turn a darker brown. While the staining is only unsightly, excessive licking is often a sign of an underlying medical or behavioral issue.
Reasons for Fur Staining Caused by Excessive Licking
Dogs typically lick excessively to relieve itching, pain, or irritation. While boredom or stress can play a role, underlying medical issues are often the cause.
Dr. Klein explains that the most common causes are “underlying skin conditions or food sensitivities.” However, your veterinarian plays a key role in narrowing down the root cause.
Possible triggers include:
- Allergies, often related to fleas, food, or environmental factors
- Internal diseases such as hypothyroidism, lupus, or Cushing’s disease
- Skin infections, including yeast dermatitis or bacterial infections
- Parasites or foreign objects lodged in the skin
- Painful conditions such as arthritis
How to Treat and Manage Fur Staining
Managing fur staining involves both addressing hygiene and identifying any underlying causes. Gentle cleaning with a warm cloth, pet-safe wipes, or eye-safe shampoos can help reduce buildup. Always dry the area thoroughly afterward to prevent moisture-related irritation.
If your dog has symptoms or behaviors along with stained fur, your veterinarian will evaluate their overall health to determine the cause. As Dr. Klein explains, “So, if a dog is constantly licking one paw, the first thing I look at is whether there’s something in the paw,” he says. “If a dog is licking two paws or all paws are brown, then I consider whether it’s a systemic problem.”
“You try to see if it’s unilateral, if it’s bilateral, if it’s all over the body, and that’s why the veterinarian is so helpful in trying to rule in or rule out problems. And then they might do individual diagnostics. Whether it’s skin scrapings to check for mites, or mange, or other things to make sure there’s no underlying bacterial problem.”
Depending on the findings, your veterinarian may recommend treatment or refer you to a specialist in dermatology, dentistry, or ophthalmology. If staining is mild and not linked to any health issue, it may be cosmetic and harmless, even if it affects your dog’s appearance.
Key Takeaways
- Pink or brown fur staining is usually caused by porphyrins in tears and saliva.
- Discoloration is often harmless but can signal underlying health issues.
- Excessive licking commonly leads to staining and may indicate irritation or illness.
- Eyes, mouth, and paws are the most frequently affected areas.
- Persistent staining or additional symptoms should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is my dog’s white fur turning pink or brown?
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Light-colored dogs show porphyrin staining more easily. These pigments come from tears and saliva and build up in moist areas like the eyes, mouth, and paws.
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Why are my dog’s paws pink or reddish?
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Paw staining is usually caused by repeated licking, which deposits porphyrins on the fur. It often indicates irritation, allergies, or another source of discomfort.
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Can tear stains be safely removed?
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Mild stains can sometimes be reduced with regular, gentle cleaning and grooming. Persistent staining may require addressing an underlying issue rather than just treating the surface.
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Is fur staining a sign of infection?
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Not always. While staining can be harmless, it may signal infection or another health issue if it appears alongside itching, swelling, odor, or discharge.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.