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Dog's red paws & bleeding gums not improving after vet visit. Why?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shetland Sheepdog | Female | spayed | 2 years and 1 month old | 24 lbs

My question is about common symptoms between food intolerance and infection. I have a dog that has red, inflamed skin on paws and gum bleeding. Where I live allergies are high. Anyway, I went to my vet and they seemed to think it was contact allergies. My dog was given antihistamine shot and steroids for at home. This was a week ago, but it seems my dog is not improving. The gums are now bleeding and same red paws. Please help.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Sara Farmer, DVM

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 2nd, 2018

It is a little unusual to see gum bleeding secondary to allergies in a dog. Gingivitis most often occurs from infection beneath the gumline and a dental cleaning is probably needed, although bleeding gums can occasionally also be a sign of a clotting disorder.

The red, inflamed paws sounds more like a seasonal allergy to me, and there is thought that dogs may absorb allergens through their paws when they're outside. If the steroids are finished, you may need to recheck with your vet to discuss a more long term plan for the allergy. Sometimes there is a secondary infection present that needs to be treated, and sometimes a long term allergy medication like Apoquel or Cytopoint or even allergy testing is recommended.
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