Angel my beige colored Bichon Shih Tzu

by Sharon Densmore
(Nanaimo BC Canada)

She has been beige with tones a little darker when her curly hair is a bit long.

She recently has changed color on all four paws to a darkish red. Checked her paws they are fine but she does lick them a lot.

Her butt hasn't changed!! At first thought, she had got into something cause it changed overnight.

Haven't taken her to vet yet thought you might have an answer. She is eight years old. Thank you so much.

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Hi, Janice here from Miracle Shih Tzu
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What you are describing sounds like a color change due to her licking her paws. Check on the pads of her paw as often if the hair hasn't been trimmed in awhile it will actually mat between her paw pads.

She could also have a tiny pebble or bit of dirt that has stuck to her feet. Also, make sure that all of her nails are trimmed and there isn't any cuts or scratches on the paws.

The red color comes from the saliva that she uses when licking.

If there isn't anything that you can see that is wrong with the paw, the other option is that she has gotten into a habit that she can't break.

The only place that a dog sweat is on their foot pads. If it is really hot where you are, she might be feeling the sweat on her pads.

The only other darkish red coloration I've ever seen was a puppy that I had gotten years ago. It was due to the sandy soil that she played in and then stained her coat. It took several months to get rid of that color.

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"Hi, I'm Janice Jones, a former veterinary technician and Shih Tzu expert with over 40 years of experience with the breed. Through Miracle Shih Tzu, I combine my medical background and extensive breed knowledge to provide reliable, practical advice for Shih Tzu owners. My mission is to help you give your Shih Tzu the happiest, healthiest life possible through evidence-based information and real-world solutions. Whether you're new to the breed or a seasoned owner, you'll find trusted guidance here for all aspects of Shih Tzu care.

I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a Master's in Mental Health Counseling.