Dog Licking Paws: Possible Skin Disease & Causes

Hello everyone, welcome to Oxygen Pet Doctor~

Just a couple of days ago, a pet owner sent me a photo of their dog's paw, asking, "When I opened my dog's paw, it was red and they kept licking it. Do they think their paws smell good and keep biting them?"

I couldn't help but laugh out loud at the screen!

When a dog's paws turn red and they frequently lick them, it's definitely not because they think their paws smell nice. It's much more likely to be due to interdigital pyoderma!

What is interdigital pyoderma?

Interdigital pyoderma, also known as interdigital pyoderma, or foot skin dermatitis, is an inflammation of the skin between the toes. It most commonly occurs between the toes or on any part of the paw.

Dogs have five toes on their front paws, usually with the second to fifth toes supporting their body weight. The spaces between the toes and the paw are concave, and the blisters that appear in these spaces are a sign of interdigital pyoderma.

Common breeds prone to interdigital pyoderma: Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Sandpaper Dogs, Dachshunds, Pugs, and more.

Causes of Dog Interdigital Pyoderma

Paws that remain wet for extended periods, leading to a weakened keratin layer and increased susceptibility to interdigital pyoderma.

Lack of regular deworming, infection with bacteria (such as Staphylococcus), fungi, mites, or a mixed infection.

Being injured by sharp objects while playing, with the wound not being treated promptly.

Not trimming nails and shaving paw pads regularly; long hair, combined with damp, hot weather, can also trigger interdigital pyoderma.

Longterm cage confinement, especially without paw pads, leading to the toes being caught in the cage gaps and causing infection.

Deficiencies in vitamins and trace elements can lead to a weakened skin immune system in dogs, making them prone to hair loss and various skin issues.

Symptoms of Dog Interdigital Pyoderma

Unpleasant odor from the paw (like athlete's foot).

Limping and refusal to let the affected limb be touched.

Frequent licking and chewing at the paws.

Hair loss on the paw, exposing flesh, and skin ulcers with alarming flesh holes.

Redness, itching, and pain in the paw.

How to Treat Dog Interdigital Pyoderma?

1. Cleaning

First, remove any excess hair around the dog's toes and wash the paw with physiological saline/weak disinfectant (such as iodine tincture)/hydrogen peroxide (it can be painful).

2. Medication

If there are boils, first squeeze out the secretion, then clean the wound and apply medication.

Footbath for sterilization: Use 30ml of iodine tincture mixed with 300ml of warm water to soak the dog's paws for 10 minutes daily.

Antiinflammatory medication: Choose one from Famantin (zinc oxide ointment), erythromycin ointment, Bactroban, or Daktarin.

Severe cases may require oral medication, such as Esudan (cefadroxil tablets). Take one tablet a day and add Vitamin B to boost immunity.

3. Wear an Elizabethan Collar

During treatment, make sure to put the dog in an Elizabethan collar (remove it during meals), to prevent the infection from worsening, or wrap the paw with medical gauze.

4. Deworming

Use an external deworming medication that targets mites, such as Avicide Topical Solution. If the symptoms are confirmed to be caused by mite infection, you can administer subcutaneous injections of ivermectin every 2 weeks.

Well, that's all for today's sharing!

While interdigital pyoderma isn't terrifying and won't be fatal, our adorable dogs' paws still need our loving care~