Will Dog Interdigital Dermatitis Heal on Its Own?

What Causes Interdigital Dermatitis in Dogs?

Generally speaking, if a dog maintains good skin health and a strong immune system, it is less likely to contract an infection. However, dogs that are frequently exposed to damp environments, or those lacking in vitamins and certain trace elements, may have lower skin immunity and are more susceptible to interdigital dermatitis.

Additionally, some dogs might sustain injuries to their paw pads while playing in tall grass, where sharp twigs, stones, or grasses can pierce the skin. If the owner fails to notice or treat these injuries promptly, and if the dog's living conditions are moist and its immunity is low, secondary infections can occur. Moreover, overly long nails can harbor bacteria, indirectly harming the skin between the toes and potentially leading to interdigital dermatitis or even abscesses.

How to Treat Interdigital Dermatitis in Dogs

1. When a dog develops interdigital dermatitis, it's crucial for owners to keep the dog's paw pads dry and clean. During treatment, it's best to restrict the dog's outdoor activities to prevent further friction and hinder the healing process. When taking the dog out for play, especially during rainy weather, ensure to dry the paw pads thoroughly upon returning home. Pay close attention to the crevices and use a hairdryer to ensure complete dryness.

2. If there are no appropriate medications at home, it's advisable to take the dog to a veterinary clinic for a skin scraping examination. This is a relatively inexpensive procedure, usually costing only a few dozen yuan. The scraping is performed to identify the type of bacteria or parasites causing the skin infection, allowing for targeted treatment.

3. Before treating interdigital dermatitis, it's recommended that owners trim any excess hair from the dog's paw pads and wash them with physiological saline or warm water. For fungal or bacterial infections, you can first use a solution like Betadine Iodine Povidone to disinfect, which can kill staphylococci, streptococci, and other purulent bacteria. Then, apply a skin spray like Fenon to protect the skin, followed by zinc oxide ointment to promote antibacterial contraction and skin recovery after about 15 minutes.

4. If the interdigital dermatitis is caused by mites like Demodex or scabies, it's time to deworm your dog! In fact, dogs living in poor conditions or those who frequently go outdoors should be dewormed monthly to prevent low immunity leading to parasitic skin diseases and gastrointestinal issues. There are many deworming medications available for cats and dogs on the market, which are comprehensive and easy to use, so there's no need to be lazy!

5. Lastly, don't forget to supplement your dog with vitamins. You can choose a multivitamin tablet to provide a variety of vitamins, significantly enhancing your dog's skin immunity and reducing the chances of recurrence.

For all the information on whether interdigital dermatitis in dogs can heal on its own, I hope this helps you, the loving dog owner. If you have any other questions related to this topic, you can learn more through "Dog Skin Diseases" or directly consult an online veterinary doctor.