Healthy paws are crucial for a dog’s well-being, which is why red, inflamed feet should set off alarm bells for any attentive pet owner. This discomfort can stem from a surprisingly wide array of sources, often hiding in plain sight. The great outdoors, with its cocktail of pollens and grasses, can spark allergic reactions in sensitive pups, as can ingredients in their food. Contact dermatitis, burns or lesions, and even conditions like parasites, bacterial infections, and pododermatitis could be playing a role in your dog’s paw predicament.
Read along to learn more about the possible causes of red paws, plus treatment and prevention tips.
Allergies to food or the environment can cause red paws on dogs. Skin infections can as well, along with common irritants like parasites and trauma. Treatment will be dependent on the underlying problem—so it’s especially important to determine the underlying cause as quickly as possible.
Allergies are the most common cause for red paws. However, it’s important that other potential causes are ruled out so that appropriate treatment is given. This requires veterinary care.
Dr. Alleyne
If you discover redness or irritation on your dog’s paws, consider checking and cleaning the area thoroughly to see if the redness subsides. As a general note, always call your veterinarian for a physical examination if symptoms persist or worsen. Here are some helpful steps you can take at home to begin to address the irritation:
If your pup is in pain you should schedule a vet visit immediately to have your dog checked. More severe cases of red paws on dogs may be due to parasitic infections or infections that can only be diagnosed and treated by a vet and with prescription medications, such as antibiotics. If allergies are the culprit, your vet can discuss a management plan, which may involve medications, diet change, and lifestyle modifications.
Specific treatment options will vary based on what’s causing your dog’s red paws. For example: If your pup’s red paws are due to mild bacterial infections or fungal infections, medicated shampoos can help soothe symptoms and moisturize the area. You can also use medicated ointments, like this one from Douxo, to soothe your pup’s paws.
Additional options you can try include:
While you should always watch out for your doggie’s paws, it’s especially important during the summer and winter months. Here are a few steps to take to ensure your dog doesn’t end up with irritated paw pads.
There are several potential reasons why your dog’s paws could be red, including allergies, contact dermatitis, burns or lesions, parasites, and yeast or bacterial infections.
If your dog’s paws are red because of an allergy or other condition, it’s likely that the irritation will spread to other areas of the paw, like in between the toes. This may be caused by excessive licking, chewing, or gnawing as well. Other more serious reasons why a dog’s paws may be red in between the toes is because of cysts or growths like interdigital cysts.
There are many reasons why your pet might be licking excessively. This can be a common occurrence when your pet is dealing with allergies, cysts, bug bites, and more—which is why it’s so important to get a proper diagnosis from your pet’s vet. Once you know the cause, you can treat it more effectively.
Treatment almost entirely depends on your pet’s diagnosis from your vet. Possible options include creams, injections, oral medication, or at-home treatments (such as oatmeal baths or a licking mat, as you might use if the licking is behavioral in origin).
