Dog’s Itchy Paws: Dogs usually scratch their paws to relieve itchiness. Owners can help their dogs by providing them with a scratching post or a plush toy they can use to scratch.
The pads on their feet are covered in sensitive nerve endings that help them walk and move around. But sometimes these nerves can get irritated, leading to excessive scratching.
6 Ways to Treat Dog’s Itchy Paws
There are several ways to treat a dog’s itchy paws. Some methods are more effective than others, depending on the cause of the itchiness. Here are four steps that you can take to relieve your pet’s discomfort.
Also Read: My Dog Keeps Pacing but Won’t Lie Down? Why and what to do?
Get rid of any potential sources of itchiness.
This includes getting rid of anything that is irritating your dog’s skin, such as fleas, ticks, and other parasites. If you have sandalwood or lavender-scented object in your home, be sure to remove them since these scents can be very irritating to dogs.
Apply a topical cream or ointment to the affected area
If you’re dealing with Dog’s Itchy Paws, applying a topical cream or ointment can help to relieve the symptoms. Some common creams and ointments used to treat this type of itch include corticosteroids, hydrocortisone, coal tar, and camphor. This will help soothe and protect the skin from further irritation.
Practice excellent paw hygiene
Washing your pet’s paws and maintaining a regular grooming routine are two easy steps that can go a long way toward preventing skin diseases and the discomfort they cause. It is important to keep the fur on your dog’s paws trimmed so that they do not pick up any unpleasant items while they are out and about. Additionally, using tools like the Paw Plunger makes bathing your dog’s paws as simple (and as mess-free) as is humanly feasible.
Manage allergy symptoms
If you have reason to believe that allergies are to blame for your dog’s infected paws and itchy paws, the most useful thing you can do is to identify the source of the discomfort. This may involve making adjustments to your dog’s diet, surroundings, or medications; however, you should not make any adjustments to your pet’s medication without first seeing your veterinarian. In the fight against allergies, corticosteroids and antihistamines can be effective therapies; however, skin tests and other medications may be offered through your veterinarian
Products for medical use
You will require the assistance of some medicinal remedies in order to treat yeast and fungal infections effectively. These conditions cannot be cured without medical intervention. If your veterinarian does not prescribe a particular prescription, you should seek miconazole and chlorhexidine as constituents in the sprays and shampoos that you select. There is a wide variety of antifungal shampoos, medicated moisturizing sprays, and hygienic treatment wipes available for pets that have the potential to solve the problem.
Medicines used via the mouth
Visit your veterinarian for some guidance if the yeast infection, allergies, or dryness that your dog is experiencing does not significantly improve after using over-the-counter treatments. They will be able to examine your canine companion in great detail and recommend the medication that is best suited to treat Fido’s skin condition.
Causes of Dog’s Itchy Paws
Dogs are known for their soft fur and smooth skin, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get itchy paws from time to time.
It’s important to get your dog checked out by a veterinarian if their itchy paws persist or become more severe, as there may be a serious underlying issue that needs to be treated.
There are many possible causes of itchiness in a dog’s paws, including allergies, parasites, yeast infections, fungal overgrowth, and even cancer.
Here are a few common causes of Dog’s Itchy Paws
Infection of the dog’s paws
Dogs can have yeast infections when the yeast that is normally present in their bodies begins to multiply at an abnormally high rate. This could be the result of allergies, an accumulation of dampness, or bacterial infections. Even though it does not pose a threat to your dog’s life, it can cause him to experience a number of uncomfortable symptoms, such as itching, irritation, flaky skin, and even discoloration around the base of the nail. You will almost certainly observe your furry companion gnawing and licking at their paws, and you may even catch a whiff of an offensive, yeasty odor while they do so.
Allergies
It’s possible that your dog has allergies if you’ve noticed that they’ve been scratching their paws more frequently than usual. However, they can be difficult to pinpoint because allergens can come from a variety of sources, including food, nature, and even goods found in your own house. According to Good Hope Animal Hospital, allergic reactions may initially present themselves as a yeast infection or another type of skin issue. Your family veterinarian is your best bet when it comes to finding out whether or not allergies are the primary source of discomfort and determining how best to manage those allergies.
Dry paw pads
Your four-legged buddy may be licking their paws because the skin on their paws is dry and peeling in some instances. Whether this happens because of the heat, friction from extended walks, or even just typical wear and tear, it is crucial to assist them before your companion licks or chews them too much. Cracked paws should be treated as soon as possible because open skin provides a breeding ground for infection. Please continue reading so that we can provide you with the information you need to treat these diseases.
Moisture that has become entrapped
Sometimes, a buildup of sweat, grime, and other unpleasant substances on the paws can be traced back to inconsistent paw hygiene practices. It is easy to understand that this would be very uncomfortable for the dog, therefore it is not surprising that they would start licking and chewing their feet in response to this. The good news is that these symptoms can simply be avoided thanks to the ease with which filthy paws can be treated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to treating your dog’s itchy paws. Some dogs will respond well to topical treatments like cortisone ointments, while others may need oral medications such as prednisone. Always consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s treatment regimen, as even small changes in medication or diet can have big consequences.
