The black on your dog’s paws is not something to worry about. The black is most likely dirt and grime that has built up on the pads of their feet. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, their paws may also be black from walking through mud or grass that has been fertilized with manure.

The black color is not caused by any disease or infection, so if your dog’s paws are turning black, then there is no need to worry. However, if you notice redness on the paw pads or if they begin bleeding when you wipe them off, then you should take your dog to the vet immediately as this could be a sign of infection or injury.

If your dog is constantly licking their feet or they seem to be bothered by their paws (scratching at them), then it could be an allergy issue and you should speak with a vet about this right away because it can lead to more serious health concerns later on down the road if left untreated.

Last modified: September 20, 2022