Dog with itchy feet after the walk – How to handle, cure, and prevent

A common complaint heard at veterinarian offices is, “My pet has itchy dog feet after the walk and then licks his paws a lot.” While paw licking in cats is part of their grooming process, for dogs it is often a sign of an issue. 

Why Does My Dog Lick His Paws Excessively?

One cause of excessive paw licking in dogs is injury. Always be alert to where you are walking your dog and letting him run around outside of your property. Debris, rocks and even sticks can cut or irritate your dog’s paw or its pads. Carefully inspect the underside of his paws whenever you return from a walk or playtime.

Another common reason for excessive licking of paws in dogs is allergies. If your dog has a hypersensitivity to any environmental material, you will likely notice him licking his paws after any time spent outside. Otherwise harmless substances like grass, spores and dust mites can irritate your dog’s skin. Known as atopic dermatitis, it may cause general itchiness, but the ears, face and paws are most often affected.

A third potential cause is a lick granuloma. Also known as acral lick dermatitis, the underlying trigger is unknown. Some experts believe dogs become obsessed with licking their paws due to boredom or anxiety while others see it as an attempt to soothe arthritis or joint pain.

How Do I Determine The Cause Of My Dog’s Itchiness?

It’s good practice to check your dog’s paws after every trip outside. Animals don’t always display obvious signs of pain or distress, so being proactive to find any cuts or sores on your dog could prevent serious injury or infection from developing.

If you don’t see any signs of an injury, call your veterinarian. If she suspects food allergies, you may have to eliminate individual foods or ingredients from your dog’s diet to determine the cause. It’s important that you stick to the diet your vet prescribes for the length of time she recommends.

If your vet rules out food allergies, she may move on to testing for atopic dermatitis. This can be done by injecting small amounts of suspected allergens into a shaved area of your dog’s skin and observing the reaction. Skin testing is subject to some interpretation. Another method of testing is by blood, measuring for antibodies developed for various allergens. Both methods are less than 100 per cent accurate, so it’s important to discuss with your vet which option is best for your dog.

How Can I Soothe My Dog’s Itchy Paws?

If your dog’s itchy paw is the result of a cut or other injury and you are unsure if you can treat it at home, ask your vet if you need to bring him in for an examination.

If she believes you can treat it yourself, begin by examining the paw for any foreign items lodged in it. A thorn, gravel, shard of glass or other debris can be removed with a well-cleaned tweezer. After removing the offending object, rinse the paw with warm water and a bit of liquid hand soap. You can also use an antiseptic. After cleaning, if the wound continues to bleed, apply gentle pressure to it with a clean cloth or cold compress. If bleeding continues or you notice the wound is deep, jagged or still dirty, head to your vet or an emergency clinic for treatment. If the wound is clean and the bleeding has stopped or substantially slowed, cover it with non-stick gauze. Hold the gauze in place by wrapping your dog’s paw with a self-adhesive bandage. Make sure the wrap is secure but not too tight. Change the gauze daily and clean the wound before reapplying.

For occasional itchy paws, there are several homemade soothing options. Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl and soak your dog’s paws for no more than five minutes each. Do not use apple cider vinegar if your dog’s paw has a wound or raw skin. Another option is to steep a chamomile or green tea bag and, when completely cooled, apply it to your dog’s paws. These teas have anti-inflammatory properties.  Natural (and alcohol-free) aloe vera can be applied directly to your dog’s paws for fast relief. Another option is to combine baking soda and water in equal amounts and stir them into a paste. Apply to your dog’s paws for 20 minutes and then rinse clean.

For a chronic allergy, your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication. Non-steroidal drugs and antihistamines are common and effective allergy treatments. Atopic dermatitis is often accompanied by bacterial and yeast infections, most often in the ears and skin. Your vet may prescribe antifungal and antibiotic medicines or shampoo to treat. She may also recommend combining these treatments with a hypoallergenic diet.

Should I Wash My Dog’s Paws After A Walk?

Washing your dog’s paws after a trip outside is always a good idea. In addition to keeping your floors cleaner, you’ll remove dirt your dog might otherwise lick off and ingest. While regular dirt doesn’t pose a health problem, there could be chemicals from lawn treatments or ice-melting salt on his paws too. Regular cleaning after walks also helps you spot a wound or irritated area before it gets infected.

Keep a clean towel and a spray bottle of water by the door. Quickly spray and wipe dry his paws to remove dirt and pollen. If his paws are muddy, clean them with soapy water before drying. For quick cleaning, use disposable pet wipes. There are also various mats on the market that clean and dry paws as your dog walks on them.

Can Baby Wipes Be Used On Dogs?

Pet wipes seem like baby wipes, but key differences exist that make it unwise to use baby wipes on your dog. Dogs’ skin is more acidic than baby skin and dog wipes contain ingredients to keep the pH in balance. Baby wipes could throw off this balance and cause a reaction. Baby wipes also contain alcohol and other ingredients that could make your dog sick if he licks the area.

If you need to use something and only baby wipes are available, be sure they don’t contain alcohol or fragrance. Wipes labelled “pet safe,” “hypoallergenic” or “multipurpose” are also okay to use on occasion. For areas your dog can’t lick – like his face or behind his ears – baby wipes can be used in an emergency. Just be sure to avoid getting too close to his eyes.

How Do I Dry My Dog’s Paws After Walking?

Rainy day walks can leave your dog’s paws free of dirt but very wet. Microfiber towels are the best option to dry them. They’re lightweight and dry quickly, while less likely to pull fur than cotton towels. Paw drying mitts slip right onto your hand and absorb water and mud gently from your dog’s paws. If neither is available, cotton or paper towels can be used in a pinch.

Whichever method you use, either lift one paw at a time and wipe between the toes and pads or have your dog lie down while you dry each paw. Treats may be necessary to get your dog’s cooperation or distract him while you dry.

To avoid wet paws altogether, invest in dog booties. Leather or vinyl bottoms resist tearing and most booties can be run through the washing machine when needed.


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