Want to switch to a new puppy food - red paws

PugandTwoFrenchies · Jul 20, 2015

Hi all,

I was away on holidays for a couple of weeks, and upon coming back, I noticed right away that Penelope's paws were red. I could see it on the top of her toes, in between, and certainly underneath. Fergus' are light pink (as they should be), but hers are definitely red. She's not chewing on them or scratching (yet), but I want to nip this in the bud before it becomes a problem.

Both of them will be 7 months on July 26, so they're still to be on puppy food. (Argh, and I just bought a big bag of Fromm's Puppy Gold a few days ago! I think the store will allow me to switch it...they're pretty good that way) Any suggestions? I'm guessing grain free, and not chicken. I just looked at the ingredients on their food and there chicken and grains, which seem to be triggers for a lot of Frenchies on here.

I'm in Canada, so hopefully whatever people suggest is available here.

Many thanks in advance!

Cbrugs · Jul 21, 2015

Is it a rusty color? If so, most likely it is yeast. You can try to do paw soak with povidone iodine mixed with water until it is the color of iced tea, soak for 5 minutes. You can also try soaking with diluted apple cider vinegar (with the "mother") but I don't know the vinegar to water ratio off the top of my head but you can find it on the internet.

I know Fromm has grain free food and all life stages which means you can switch them over now. Also, the stores will usually take back a food if you are not satisfied with it for any reason.

Does Penelope frequently go outside? It can also be an allergy to grass or something outside.

Squishy Walnuts · Jul 21, 2015

Poor Penelope. I agree that it might be an environmental allergy but I would start with cutting out chicken. It worked for me when my BT Uma started to lose her fur.

I buy food that is made in Alberta using fresh, Canadian meat so you should be able to find it easily. It's Acana and I buy the fish brand Pacifica.

2bullymama · Jul 21, 2015

I use Fromm Pork and Peas.... no grain or chicken. Four star line is all stages so it is safe to go to the adult food at 7-8 mths

PugandTwoFrenchies · Jul 21, 2015

I rushed to the store last night and bought the Pork and Peas from Fromm's. I am hoping that it isn't an environmental allergy, as her and Fergus LOVE playing outside. (What would you even do for that?!? How can you keep a dog off of the grass? Agh!)

Cbrugs, it's definitely red, not a rusty color. I did a quick switch this morning (didn't even transition), so we'll see how her tummy does. I'm hoping this fixes whatever issue she may have. Eek!

And yes, the pet store was very good about exchanging the food, so I was very happy with that.

Thanks for your input, all!

2bullymama · Jul 21, 2015

PugandTwoFrenchies said:
I rushed to the store last night and bought the Pork and Peas from Fromm's. I am hoping that it isn't an environmental allergy, as her and Fergus LOVE playing outside. (What would you even do for that?!? How can you keep a dog off of the grass? Agh!)

Cbrugs, it's definitely red, not a rusty color. I did a quick switch this morning (didn't even transition), so we'll see how her tummy does. I'm hoping this fixes whatever issue she may have. Eek!

And yes, the pet store was very good about exchanging the food, so I was very happy with that.

Thanks for your input, all!

If you think it is grass/outside allergies .... use a cool wash cloth and wipe paws, face and belly after each outing and see if it helps any. Also, you can give Benedryl 1mg per pound up to 3x a day