We acknowledge the profound impact that even minor health issues can have on a dog’s ability to perform their duties effectively. Among these concerns, itchy paws are a common but often overlooked problem that can cause significant discomfort and distraction for our loyal companions. The well-being of our furry buddy is paramount, not just for the their sake but also for the individuals who rely on them daily. Whether it’s providing mobility assistance, alerting to medical conditions, or offering emotional support, a service dog and a pet dog must be at their best to fulfill their roles.

Itchy paws can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from allergies and infections to environmental irritants and underlying health conditions. Understanding these causes is the first step in providing relief and ensuring that our paw partner remain happy and healthy. Regular grooming and inspection of a the paws can help in early detection of any issues. In some cases, a change in diet or the use of hypoallergenic products can make a significant difference. Topical treatments, soothing baths, and paw balms are often effective in providing immediate relief and promoting healing.

In this article, we will explore the various causes of itchy paws in dogs, discuss effective treatments, and highlight preventive strategies to keep our canines healthy, comfortable and happy. By taking these steps, we not only enhance their quality of life but also ensure they remain the reliable partners we depend on every day.

How to Recognize Itchy Paws?

Itchy paws are usually slightly red, they may have a foul smell (more on that later) and your dog may whine if you are touching their paws. Your furry friend may lick their paws excessively if they are itchy. You best take a closer look at your dog’s paw feet if you notice excessive licking of the area. 

Other symptoms to monitor for include limping, chewing of the paws and bleeding. These are more severe signs and can occur shortly after your dog returns from a walk outside. If the dog has explored potentially unsafe areas they may have foreign objects stuck between their toes and may have cuts on their paws.

Yeast dermatitis is a common inflammatory fungal infection in dogs. It can occur in warm, moist body areas, including between the paw pads. If your canine friend starts licking their paws frequently and if they are already suffering from a yeast infection then the licking can trigger a secondary bacterial infection which makes their paws even more irritated. Yest infections are easily recognized by itchiness, inflammation, and a rancid smell. If your dog has a lot of skin folds (wrinkles) they are predisposed to this condition and more caution is needed in taking care of their hygiene.

Additionally, depending on where you live, your dog may be exposed to many potential irritants. Mites, spores, various synthetic ground covers, toxic/stale water and pollen that can trigger and allergic response from your dog’s immune system. Please, do not let your dog run across areas that you do not know very well. Your precious canine partner may stumble upon sharp wires, broken glass, thorny vines, unclean water that can become a health concern.

What To Do to Relieve My Dog’s Itchy Paws?

Any type of ointment, salve or cream that you are applying to your dog paws may temporarily reduce the itching and the licking. Sadly, it is not a sufficient solution as in the long term your dog will be left with a petroleum-based (most of the time) goo stuck to their paws. This goo could be a foundation for bacteria and yeast to thrive and grow. We definitely don’t want that!

If your dog’s skin has an allergic response to particular fabrics, ground covers, or plants then you should consult your veterinarian about the best course of action. This can often include treatments with antihistamines, sprays, shampoos, a change in the diet and even steroids – depending on the severity of the allergic response. You might want to take a look at the “2023 AAHA Management of Allergic Skin Diseases

in Dogs and Cats Guidelines” from the The American Animal Hospital Association.

Many veterinarians recommend dealing with itchy paws by using what is called an irrigation therapy which is naturally disinfecting the whole paw. Anti-itch wipes and sprays are frequently ineffective in reaching around the nail beds, each toe, paw pads and the fur. Hence, we encourage you to have the entire paw soak in a container of sorts. You could use a deep cup or a washer cup that you already have at home like this one. Alternatively, if your dog is small – you can fill your kitchen sink with about 3 inches of water and have the dog stand in the sink for about 30 seconds. You can fill a rubber-bottom tub the same way for a large dog.

So what do we put into the water? You can put Betadine which is a broad-spectrum antiseptic for topical application in the treatment and prevention of wound infection that can work for itchy paws as supported by medical data. You have to put enough of the medicine so that the water becomes dark as a tea.

Betadine can be purchased at almost every pharmacy and online. The product is even used as “surgical scrub” – this a slang term for a cleaning agent that surgeons use to thoroughly clean their hands and forearms before working on a patient. Another useful fact about Betadine is that it is totally safe for dogs to ingest. If they lick their paws after the soaking they will be fine. We recommend soaking each paw for about 30 seconds and do the treatment at least once per week in the summer and winter months.

This should soothe your canine’s itchy paws and keep them protected against bacteria and yeast infections. The treatment can help with cuts and redness of the paws. Do not forget to consult your veterinarian about the best ways to protect your valued furry friend!