Quick Guide to Treating Dog Interdigital Dermatitis - 1

Has your furry friend ever shown signs of sudden lameness, paw licking, redness and swelling between the toes, or pain? If so, these symptoms might indicate interdigital pyoderma, commonly known as paw pad inflammation. This condition is quite common, often occurring when dogs play in water without being dried off promptly, are kept in cages for extended periods, suffer foot injuries, have allergies, or are bitten by parasites. The incidence rate is quite high in clinical settings. So, what should you do if your dog develops interdigital pyoderma? New pet owners, take heart! With home remedies and proper preventive measures, you can manage this condition effectively!

What Are the Symptoms of Interdigital Pyoderma?

Interdigital pyoderma is an inflammation of the skin between the toes. It can affect one or multiple toes at a time. Initially, it presents as a smooth, small bump, resembling a pimple. Over time, this bump grows larger, turns black, and may discharge pus or blood. Dogs may excessively lick and chew at the affected areas, leading to red, swollen, moist paw pads and skin breakdown.

How to Treat Interdigital Pyoderma in Dogs

1. Trim the hair on the sides of your dog's toes to reduce friction and irritation, and to allow better air circulation to the affected area.

2. Wash the interdigital pyoderma area with physiological saline to remove hair, secretions, and debris.

3. Disinfect using hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or gentian violet, choosing one of these options. Avoid using multiple disinfectants at once, as this can cause an allergic reaction. Hydrogen peroxide may be slightly painful, while iodine and gentian violet can stain the fur. Each has its drawbacks.

4. Apply Pet Skin Spray and Phenolatum (Ointment with Zinc Oxide) twice to three times a day. The Pet Skin Spray contains nanosilver ions that form a protective layer on the skin, promoting healing. Zinc oxide has astringent, antibacterial, and protective properties, making it suitable for acute or subacute dermatitis, eczema, and small skin ulcers. It can be used to treat various types of canine and feline skin diseases.

5. During treatment, ensure your dog wears an Elizabethan collar. It may seem cruel, but preventing your dog from licking its paws is crucial, as this can hinder the healing process despite the use of medication.

Typically, if the infection is not severe, interdigital pyoderma can be largely resolved within a week of continuous treatment.

How to Prevent Interdigital Pyoderma in Dogs

Interdigital pyoderma has a high recurrence rate, with moisture and allergies being the main triggers. To prevent a recurrence, follow these daily practices:

1. Regularly deworm your dog to avoid infections from ticks, fleas, mites, and lice.

2. Keep your dog's paw pads dry by checking and wiping them after baths or outdoor activities.

3. Trim your dog's foot hair regularly to maintain ventilation and dryness between the pads and toes.

4. If your dog's interdigital pyoderma recurs frequently, take it to a veterinarian for a skin scraping test and allergen screening. If allergies are the cause, prevent your dog from coming into contact with the allergen again.