My dog's paw is red and he won't stop licking it. What can I do?

If BoDeen is only licking one paw then he may have something between his toes that is causing a problem. I will usually recommend soaking the foot in Epsom Salts (following the instructions on the box for making it up) for 5 minutes then just drying it well. That can be repeated twice daily. You should also try to figure out a way to prevent him from licking at the foot and to protect it. I like a light boot like TheraPaw Boot ( https://www.therapaw.com/therapawboot ), but you may also be able to find something at a local pet store that would work. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Hello. This is a very typical presentation of a dog with Atopy, an inhalant or contact skin allergy. Your veterinarian can recommend several different manners in which to address this problem, including medicated shampoos or oral/injectable antiallergy treatments. It is curious that we commonly only see this in 1 foot, but the irritation can develop anywhere on the body. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

These look to be inflamed and irritated not infected so antibiotics are unlikely to cure and may make the condition worse if the underlying cause is not addressed. Allergies, mites and yeast overgrowth would be quite common and I recommend a vet check to determine the best possible action

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! At least in the picture, there is no evidence of a mass or anything like that particularly concerning. This could potentially be allergies causing him to lick at his paws. The main causes of allergies are fleas, ingredients in the food or something in the environment. If he continues to do this, it would be ideal to have him evaluated by your veterinarian to start to work him up for allergies and to potentially start him on medications to decrease the itch and potentially treat a secondary infection if found on exam. Good luck and have a great night!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Licking and chewing of the paws is a sign of allergies and it can become an infection (pododermatitis) which can be caused by bacteria and yeast. I have success treating with an antibiotic and an antifungal for 3 weeks. I also start my patients on apoquel and an antihistamine to control the licking and biting. I would also recommend considering changing her diet. Chicken is the most common allergic protein. You can find over the counter diets with venison, duck or fish. She can no have any treats that aren't made out of the protein or table scraps. You have to give the diet 2-3 months. Sometimes the pet needs a prescription diet. I would call your Vet or have her rechecked to see if these medications are appropriate to try on Leia

That paw does look inflamed. If your home care is not working after a week, your pup needs to be examined. Bacterial and yeast infections are common in the paws. It could also be skin mites or allergies. Likely Odin will need some oral medications. He should also be wearing an elizabethan collar at all times to prevent any further licking. I hope this helps.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Overall Lina’s paws look normal. They are a little read between the pads but may pass if she was recently active. If they still look red in 24 hours or she is licking them, you can soak them in an epsom salt bath for 15 minutes. If the redness continues I would have a vet take a closer look. Kisses to Lina!