dow paw

Question
I have a mini dachshund. One of her paw pad is a little dry. When it gets wet it turns white with spots. Now it is spreading to the next paw pad. Is it fungus or is there something stuck on it. The grass is always moist here. We did put down fertilizer & grass seed. Our neighbors who we visit does have fertilizer on there grass too.
Thank you for your help!

Answer
Hi Stepanie,

Thank you for writing to me about your mini Dachshund.  

The description you have given to me is troubling.  What concerns me are the chemicals in the fertiler and what they may be doing to your dog's paws, but of more concern, that your dog is likely licking her paws and ingesting things she shouldn't be.

Please look at the package of fertiziler and phone the company.  Ask for their chemistry department and speak with a chemist about the list of chemicals and how they may effect a dog.  Then, get the list and go to google and do a search using the name of the chemical and then a comma and the word "danger" and a comma and the word "dog."  

In my opinion, you should bring your dog into your vet for an examination to determine exactly what is going on.  Bring the list of chemicals that are in the fertilizer with you.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis