Paw Licking/Limping - Page 1

I have a dog who licks his paws until they are sore. In between the pads, they get wet and red. My vet gave me some spray on medicine to put on two or three times a day, which does help, but it takes several days of this medicine....the small bottle only lasts a couple of days before I have to buy a new one, and it costs $17, so I am wondering if there is anything else I might use? I'm assuming the problem is fungal or bacterial, like a hot spot, so maybe a mild iodine? Or is there another, less expensive spray I might find somewhere other than the vet, as my vet also charges me a $45 office call every time I bring my boy in for this problem? This dog has this problem every few months or so, especially during the summer when it's hot and humid. Anyone else had this problem?

Sounds like he's got some allergies maybe

you have to find the root of the problem, but maybe soaking the dogs foot in epsom salts a couple times per day may help. helps to draw out toxins, or so they say. it can't hurt

The licking is not the problem, I too think the dog is walking in something that cause's this irritation.   An allergy or an irritant of some kind.    Splinter, glass, tick bite, chemicals,poison ivy or oak, parasite of some sort.  Control his travels and put him in a control area for a time , maybe a month or so.  Look his feet over very closely for an injury of object.

Sometimes wiping the paws after the dog has come in from the outside helps too if it's an allergy.  

Epsom salt is good,  make it a thick batch maybe in the tub where you can make the dog stay for a bit.   The dog can't drink it at all,  and I would rinse the feet after the soaking or the dog will lick even more.   But try to change the dogs exposure area also.   Dogs licking is a healing machanism.

???ingrowing hairs???

Rockinrkranch...Where do you live?...

Post here what you feed  your dog. Give us a list of the ingredients. Some dogs are allergic to their food. If it's not a contact dermatitis then I would suspect it's the food you are feeding. I've been through this before.

Also, has the dog had any vaccinations recently?

Let us know as it can make a difference knowing all the details for process of elimination. You might even may have to have the dog tested for allergies as it could be a multiple allergy so many things.

My vet had me put Witch Hazel in a spray bottle and saturate his feet. It helps stop the itch and won't hurt if your dog licks it.

I doubt if this a GSD you are talking about. This feature is usually seen in other breeds. IS he a retriever or a labrador?

PM me and I will tell you more.

cheers