My mini schnauzer developed a gingery brown colour on the underside of his tail (normally white).  I took him to the vet to have it looked at.  The vet advised that his anal glands where full so promptly emptied them.  (He's 18 months - not had this done before).  For the first couple of days, it semed to look like it was starting to lighten again - although this might have been my imagination, but today it is even more gingery from where he has been licking (no smell).  Anyone seen this before.  What might be causing it - I haven't changed anything in his diet.  He used to be a paw licker and had brown paws but that all stoped a few months back.  Could he have got into the habit do you think and how might I get him out of it?

Could be Harvest Mites (not visible to the naked eye).  Mini Schnauzers are prone to licking their feet and mites are usually the answer.  If mine do this I usually either sprinkle athlets foot pwder on the feet or a little Thornit (Ear Powder).  Yes I know it is ear powder but it is also very good at getting rid of mites.  Can be safely used in the anal area also.  Try it.

Thanks Molly, I use Thornit in his ears - I'll give it a go.

Probably a habit and the brown stain is from the saliva................

Tohme, I was worried that that might be the case. I thought that the full anal glands prompted it and now he's started it's developed into a habit.  He's only been doing it for a few week's.