My dog's paws are red and cracked. Is it allergies or something else?

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 his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. 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!

Beans-I love that name!! It certainly does look like Beans is having some sort of reaction. It is difficult to tell from the pictures if this is something that has just developed (an acute issue) or if it has been going on for a while. You can gently bathe Beans' paws with warm water incase he is experiencing a contact reaction to something outside. If the redness and irritation continues I would recommend having Beans seen by your regular veterinarian. They will be able to perform a thorough physical exam and discuss some other options with you. An allergy to something in the environment (such as grasses, dust etc) or a food allergy would be high on the list. Some environmental allergies can be managed with medications such as antihistamines and steroids, some also respond to special allergy injections. Food allergies can also manifest as skin issues (itchy, red feet is a common symptom) and can be managed through changes in diet.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding King. His paws are red and appear inflamed. This is typically due to allergies. As humans, we inhale allergens such as weeds, grasses, pollens, etc. We will have watery eyes, runny noses, etc. Dogs will experience these symptoms to a certain extent. However, they are out walking through the grass so their paws are most commonly affected. Start by wiping his paws off with a damp rag each time him comes in from outside. This will physically remove some of the allergens. You can also bath his paws with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based formula. Discourage him from licking the paws (with an e-collar of necessary) as this will only make the inflammation worse. If his paws worsen, he will need to see his veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

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.

Crusting and scabs like this on the paw pads can sometimes be a sign of autoimmune disease. I'd recommend having your vet take a look - if they are concerned about a dermatologic disease they might recommend taking a biopsy sample. If Rope licks his paws it could also be a bacterial infection. The location isn't classic for trauma or heat injury.

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!

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 his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are medications such as Apoquel or prednisone which may help with the itch. 

 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!