Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic Blog

It certainly is a little alarming to see color changes to your dog’s skin. Pigment changes in people can be caused by things like cancer, so when your little white dog starts developing dark skin, it is only natural to be concerned. 

At the Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic, knowing a pet’s skin is our job. Hyperpigmentation in dogs is something that we see frequently, and we are happy to help pet owners understand.

Pigmentary Primer

Just like with our skin, dark pigment in a dog’s skin is the result of melanin production. It is normal for dogs to have more melanin in certain areas of their skin. Generally, darker areas of skin produce darker fur. Some breeds, such as the arctic breeds, have dark skin as well.

Your pet’s paws are more than just adorable. They are what allows for those romps in the fields, a good swimming session, digging in the dirt, and even some special bonding moments. Who can resist that gentle paw in your lap when you least expect it?

Paws are certainly tough, but they also take a beating. Paws come into close contact with the world around them, and are constantly exposed to moisture, allergens, irritants, and other dangers. It’s no wonder that paw problems in pets aren’t uncommon.

For the most part, dogs are incredibly charming. They snuggle with us, make us laugh, and keep us company when we’re lonely. In short, owning a dog is great for human health. However, dogs can display some truly questionable antics that aren’t always easy to explain.

To help you sort things out, we’ve compiled a list of some weird dog behaviors and what might be driving them.

“Why do my pet’s paws smell like Fritos?” This is a surprisingly common question that we get here at Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic. No, you aren’t imagining things and, no, your dog isn’t getting into your stash of salty treats (at least, we hope not!).

We believe strongly in empowering pet owners with as much knowledge as possible about their pets. Whether it helps identify a future health problem or is just a fun bit of party trivia, finding out why your pet’s paws smell like Fritos is worth the effort!