My dog keeps licking her paws. How can I safely clean them and stop?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. A chlorhexidine based shampoo is usually good for these general infections. Also, douxo chlorhexidine pads can be used for the infectious component. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

If you meant to attach an image of a product, it was not attached, so an opinion cannot be given. Licking of the feet has multiple causes. Several are outlined in the article at the link below. You can place an e-collar (cone) on Dahlia to prevent further licking. Keep the feet clean and dry. If she persists, consider an exam with your veterinarian to diagnose and treat the underlying condition. https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-does-my-dog-lick-his-paws/

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Prevent Ellie from licking her paws. This may require an e-collar. If there are no open wounds soak her feet in a epsom salt soak for a few minutes and rinse well. If there is any open wounds, peeling of paw pads or oozing then she need to see a vet. There are booties you can buy to protect her feet if she is out playing on rough ground. Do not walk her on pavement if it is hot to the touch. Some dogs may lick their feed due to allergies or contact irritation. Keep her feet clean and dry. Wiping her feet with a damp cloth after walking can help remove surface irritants.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Licking of the paws is a common sign of allergies. Topical medications are not recommended because the animals will lick it off and it isn't effective. You can soak the paws in Epsom salts or wipe them down after coming in from outside in case they lick them because of contact with the grass or being wet. Or use a medicated shampoo(see link). If it is an allergy I would recommend a diet change-change the meat protein. I do not recommend grain-free diets in goldens right now. Chicken is the most common allergen. I would consider an antihistamine (see link). If that doesn't help they need to see your Vet to have the feet examined to check for infection. I like cytopoint for foot licking over apoquel. Good luck! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27307 https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/zyrtec/

The best way to clean the toes is with Chlorhexidine 3% diluted with water until light blue and soaking the paws or doing a spot clean. This works well because the feet tend to get fungal infections and Chlorhexidine.is an antimicrobial/antiseptic.

The most common reasons that dogs lick and chew at their paws is allergies. She could have an allergy and/or a seondary bacterial infection. You could soak her paws in a warm Epsom Salt solution and see if that helps. Otherwise, she should be examined by a vet for treatment. She may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, and a corticosteroid to help.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Unfortunately, I can’t give great advice because I don’t know the underlying cause. If it is allergies, she will need to get on some allergy medication. If it is related to arthritis pain, then obviously she will need pain medication to stop the licking. If it is anxiety related, then anxiety medication is needed. The vomiting is concerning and may or may not be related to the licking. Long story short, I’d recommend taking Dahlia in to vet to help determine the underlying cause and get started on the right treatment. In the mean time, you can apply a 1% hydrocortisone cream as long as you also have Dahlia wear an E-collar at all times. Best wishes to you and Dahlia.