Really red paws??

[rsjenni]

Well, initially I was attributing his red feet to the snow and possible irritants in the sand used on the streets. It started out in one of his back feet and it was just red in between the pads. Now, its both of his back feet and they seem to be bothering him more, for instance when he is in water he constantly picks them up. They seem to be a little itchy and just irritated.

So...have you guys seen any of this...I either think it could be just an irritation from the icky weather or maybe a fungus/infection...thoughts???

If it persists I'll take him to the vet and get it checked out

 

[catcrazy56]

Is he licking his feet all the time Foreman was chewing his feet after awhile it turned out to be food allergies and we switched from Canidae to Solid Gold beef and Barley and now he is fine

 

[autumnleigh]

Sores and redness in between the toes are a sign of allergies. Or, you could be onto something about the salt used for the ice/snow. You should take him to the vet to see if they diagnose allergies. If it's deemed to be the ice/snow salt, you could buy booties for him.

Johnny is currently taking Cephalexin, and it's cleared up his feet as well as his flakey skin problem. We're not sure what's caused his allergies, but I think it might be chicken.

 

[Chiefsmom]

My vet attributed the red color and itchiness (him chewing at them), to a yeast infection! She pointed out that most dog's paws smell similar to buttery popcorn (strange, I know....:rolleyes. But she was right!!!!!!!
However, if they have a yeast infection, the paws will have a distinct smell to them! You'll know it if you smell it!!!! I'm not positive, but it's something to check out! Good luck and keep us posted! If it smells somewhat odd, she suggested an equal mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle! This takes care of any infections (i.e.~ yeast)!

 

[rsjenni]

haha...I think I know that buttery smell... He doesn't really lick at them too much..they more/less just look uncomfortable and he favors them when he's in the tub (don't ask...he loves getting in the tub!! haha).

I'll see. I tried rubbing some hydrocortisone cream on it, yeah you can imagine how well that worked. But its been more progressive and not really too too aggrevating so I'm not sure if its allergies.

Interesting about the yeast infection. I'll see if it disappears when the snow FINALLY does!

THANKS!!!

 

[Chiefsmom]

Keep us posted as to how things work out!

 

[BULLDOG8871]

I have this problem with Rocco's rear paw pads being red and irritated looking for the past few months. The vet said it was probably a food allergy and I have since changed foods. The paws seem to be clearing up, however, any time he goes outside and the ground is wet, he comes in with his feet more red and irritated looking. I am not sure if this is connected to the food allergy or not.

I was wondering if I should give the vinegar and water a try to see if it helps (maybe he does have a yeast infection). What kind of vinegar should i use and if it doesnt help, what else do you think I should try??? Any help would be great!

 

[Chiefsmom]

What kind of vinegar should i use and if it doesnt help, what else do you think I should try??? Any help would be great!

Our vet said to try white vinegar and water in a spray bottle (equal parts).

The other options she gave us was:
Changing his diet to an anti-yeast diet. (you can include meat, veggies, and plain non-fat yogurt). Anti-yeast diets will starve the yeast and aid in the healing process. She said that it doesn't have to be a forever diet (just until improvement).

She gave us this list of ideas:

Foods that are allowed:
Vegetables:
asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, parsley, squash, brussel sprouts, celery, green beans, yellow beans, cucumbers, collard, kale, lettuce, spinach.

Meats:
Beef, duck, chicken, fish, rabbit, turkey, Cornish hen, lamb.

Dairy:
Plain yogurt Stoneyfield Farm yogurt is recommended. Visit their website www.stonyfield.com and type in your city and state to see where you can purchase it. This yogurt contains:

Cultured pasteurized nonfat milk, naturally milled sugar, natural vanilla flavor, pectin, turmeric, made with multiple organisms: S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, bifidus, L. Casei and L. Reuteri live active cultures.

Purchase the French Vanilla. If you are not able to get Stoneyfield, Dannon Plain yogurt is another option.

Beverages:
Water

Forbidden Foods:
Buttermilk
Cheeses
Packaged cereal
Cottage cheese
Crackers
Flour enriched with vitamins from yeast
Mushrooms Packaged & processed foods
Peanuts
Pretzels
Sorbital
Sweet Potatoes and yams
Vitamin/minerals from yeast source
Breads
Sausage
Potatoes
Bacon
Corn beef
Lunchmeats
Smoked turkey
Ham
Sauces, gravies
ALL grains -- white rice, brown rice, wheat, oats, barley
Anything sweet -- sugar, honey, molasses, maple syrup, corn syrup, dextrose

Avoid Dry Dog/Cat foods containing:
Poultry-by-product meal
Meat-by-products
Corn syrup
Caramel coloring
Rice flour
Wheat gluten
Corn gluten
Sugar

Hopefully this helps out. Good luck!

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Wow- We have had the same problem in between the paw toes- gets red but not all of them and we have back and front- my vet said it may be outside allergies to grass. I clean their paws with antibacterial soap when they come in but doesnt help-maybe the wet makes it worse... he put them on a powder stuff called " puff" its a type of antibacterial corn starch. You could try corn starch baby powder. Or ask your vet about puff-it's working for us