If you have a white dog, you may have noticed that they are not always pure white. A common phenomenon that many white dog owners experience is their pup’s coat turning red. It can be quite worrying for pet owners to see their white dog’s coat changing color, so in this blog, we will be uncovering the surprising answers to why this is happening!
Contents
Overview
If you own a white dog, you may have noticed that their coat can sometimes change color slightly. This is a common phenomenon that can affect white dogs of all breeds, from small Chihuahuas to large Great Danes. The color change is usually from white to red, but it can also be yellow or brown. This color change can be worrying for pet owners, so in this blog, we will explore some of the possible causes of this change and what can be done to treat it.
Causes of Red Pigment in White Dogs
There are many possible causes of a white dog’s coat turning red, so it is important to identify the cause before trying to treat it. In order to do this, it is important to understand the anatomy of a white dog’s coat. The color of a white dog’s coat is determined by a combination of pigments, including eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin gives the coat its black and gray color, while pheomelanin gives the coat its yellow, orange, and red color. In this blog, we will explore some of the possible causes of the red pigment in a white dog’s coat.
Genetics
One possible cause of a white dog’s coat turning red is genetics. Some breeds, such as the American Eskimo Dog, are known to have red pigmentation in their coat. This is due to the presence of a gene that causes the production of pheomelanin in the coat. This gene can be passed on from the parent to the pup, resulting in the pup having red pigmentation in its coat.
Allergies
Another possible cause of a white dog’s coat turning red is allergies. Allergies can cause a dog’s skin to become irritated, which can lead to the production of pheomelanin in the coat. This can cause the coat to turn red, or even yellow or brown. If your dog is experiencing an allergic reaction, it is important to take them to the vet to get the appropriate treatment.
Sun Exposure
Excessive sun exposure can also cause a white dog’s coat to turn red. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause a reaction in the skin which can lead to the production of pheomelanin in the coat. This is why it is important to keep your pup out of the sun for long periods and to always apply sunscreen when outdoors.
Diet
A white dog’s diet can also play a role in its coat turning red. Certain foods, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, can cause the production of pheomelanin in the coat. This can result in the coat turning red or yellow. It is important to feed your pup a balanced and nutritious diet to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can also cause a white dog’s coat to turn red. These conditions include Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, and vitiligo. These conditions can cause the production of pheomelanin in the coat, resulting in the coat turning red. If your pup is suffering from any of these conditions, it is important to take them to the vet for the appropriate treatment.
External Parasites
External parasites can also cause a white dog’s coat to turn red. These parasites, such as fleas and ticks, can cause irritation and inflammation in the skin which can lead to the production of pheomelanin in the coat. It is important to keep your pup free of parasites to prevent this from happening.
Treatment Options
Once the cause of a white dog’s coat turning red has been identified, it is important to take the appropriate steps to treat it. If the cause is genetics, there is not much that can be done to reverse the color change. However, if the cause is allergies, sun exposure, diet, medical conditions, or external parasites, there are a few treatment options available.
Allergy treatment can include antihistamines and steroids to reduce the symptoms of allergies. Sun exposure can be treated by limiting the pup’s time outdoors and applying sunscreen before going outdoors. Diet changes can help to reduce the production of pheomelanin in the coat. For medical conditions, it is important to take your pup to the vet for the appropriate treatment. And for external parasites, it is important to keep your pup on a regular parasite prevention program.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have explored the possible causes of a white dog’s coat turning red. From genetics to allergies to sun exposure, there are many possible explanations for this phenomenon. It is important to identify the cause before taking steps to treat it. If you’re concerned about your pup’s coat change, it’s important to take them to the vet to get the appropriate treatment.
