Dog Itchy Paws: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

If you've ever noticed your furry friend relentlessly scratching their paws, you're not alone. Itchy paws are a common concern among dog owners. For your dog, itchy paws can be quite distressing. While the occasional paw scratch is normal, persistent itching could be a sign of an underlying issue that requires attention. This might be caused by different things, like allergies, parasites, infections, or dry skin.  In this article, we will delve into the possible causes of itchy paws in dogs, explore effective treatment options, and discuss preventive measures to keep your canine companion's paws comfortable and healthy.

Common Causes of Itchy Paws in Dogs

1. Allergies

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from various allergies, including food allergies, environmental allergies (such as pollen, dust mites, or grass), and contact allergies (like certain cleaning products or materials). Itchy paws are a common symptom of allergic reactions, often accompanied by redness and inflammation.

2. Yeast Infections

Itchy dog paws can be a symptom of a yeast infection in dogs, a condition known as "Malassezia dermatitis" or "yeast dermatitis." Yeast organisms are naturally present on a dog's skin, but an overgrowth can lead to skin issues, particularly in the warm and moist environment between the paw pads, can cause itchiness and a foul odor. Dogs with floppy ears and those who spend a lot of time in water are particularly prone to yeast infections.

Symptoms of Yeast Infections in Dogs:

Yeast infections can manifest in various ways, but common symptoms include:

• Itching: Dogs with yeast infections often exhibit intense itching, licking, and chewing at affected areas, like their paws.
• Redness: The affected skin may appear red, inflamed, and irritated.
• Odor: A distinct musty or yeasty odor can be present, especially in areas where yeast has proliferated.
• Discharge: In some cases, there might be a greasy or oily discharge on the skin.

3. Bacterial Infections

Pyoderma is used to describe a bacterial skin infection in dogs. It can indeed lead to itchiness among other symptoms. Pyoderma can be categorized into two main types: superficial pyoderma and deep pyoderma.

Superficial pyoderma is commonly caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus spp. Superficial pyoderma is often characterized by pustules (small, raised, pus-filled bumps), redness, itching, and sometimes hair loss. Superficial pyoderma is commonly caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus spp. Deep pyoderma involves infections that go beyond the surface layers of the skin, affecting deeper tissues. This type is generally more severe and can lead to larger, painful lesions, often referred to as "furuncles" or "boils." Deep pyoderma can be caused by more aggressive bacteria and might require more intensive treatment.

4. Parasites

External parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites can take residence in your dog's paws, causing intense itching and discomfort. Even a single flea bite can lead to severe itching in sensitive dogs.
Itchy paws are a common sign of parasitic infections, but other symptoms may include

• redness
• swelling
• hair loss
• the presence of visible parasites

5. Dry Skin

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from dry skin, especially in dry climates or during winter months. This can lead to cracking, flaking, and itching in the paw area. There are several factors that can contribute to dry skin in dogs, including:

• Weather Conditions: Cold, dry weather can strip the moisture from a dog's skin, leading to dryness and itchiness.
• Allergies: Dogs can be allergic to various environmental factors, such as pollen, dust mites, or certain ingredients in their food. Allergies can cause skin irritation and itchiness.
• Grooming Products: Shampoos or grooming products that are too harsh or contain irritants can contribute to dry skin.
• Lack of Essential Fatty Acids: Essential fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and coat. A deficiency can lead to dry and itchy skin.
• Underlying Health Conditions: Some health issues, such as hypothyroidism or certain infections, can manifest as dry skin and itching in dogs.

6. Grass Awns or Other Foreign Bodies

Itchy dog paws can be caused by grass awns or other foreign bodies. Grass awns are sharp, barbed structures found in various types of grasses, and they can easily become embedded in a dog's paws, ears, or other body parts. These awns can cause irritation, inflammation, and discomfort, leading to itching and even infection if left untreated. 
To prevent future occurrences, you can consider trimming the hair around your dog's paws to minimize the chances of grass awns getting trapped. Additionally, avoid walking your dog in areas with long, overgrown grass, especially during certain seasons when grass awns are more prevalent.

Related: Dog Grass Seed in Paw, Nose and Ear

7. Autoimmune Disorders

Itchy dog paws can be a symptom of various underlying issues, including autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells, tissues, or organs.

Autoimmune conditions that can lead to itchy paws in dogs might include:

• Atopic Dermatitis: This is a common allergic skin disease that can have an autoimmune component. It's often triggered by allergens in the environment and can result in intense itching and inflammation, particularly in the paws.
• Pemphigus: This is a group of autoimmune disorders that affect the skin and mucous membranes. Pemphigus can cause blisters, sores, and severe itching on the paws and other areas.
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): SLE is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin. It might result in skin lesions and inflammation that cause itching.
• Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE): DLE is a form of lupus that primarily affects the skin. It can lead to skin lesions, sores, and scaly patches, including on the paws.
• Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis: This is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints. While the primary symptoms are joint pain and stiffness, some dogs might also experience paw discomfort and itching due to inflammation.

8. Mites

Itchy dog paws can indeed be caused by mites. Mites are tiny arthropods that can infest a dog's skin and fur, leading to various skin issues, including itching, irritation, and inflammation. The mites that commonly affect dogs include sarcoptic mites (sarcoptes scabiei), demodex mites, cheyletiella mites.

9. Stressed or Anxious

Dogs might excessively lick or chew their paws as a self-soothing mechanism when they're stressed or anxious. This constant licking and chewing can lead to irritation, inflammation, and itching. Stress and anxiety can weaken a dog's immune system, making them more susceptible to allergies and skin problems. Allergies, both environmental and food-related, can cause itchy skin.

How to Treat Itchy Dog Paws?

Before attempting any treatment, it's important to consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of the itching. Here are some general steps you can take to help alleviate your dog's itchy paws:

1. Medication

Depending on the underlying cause, your vet might prescribe antihistamines, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate itching and treat any infections.

When it comes to antihistamines for dogs, some commonly used options include: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Loratadine (Claritin), Fexofenadine (Allegra) and Chlorpheniramine Maleate (Puainta).

2. Topical Treatments

If allergies or dry skin are the culprits, your vet might recommend topical treatments such as medicated shampoos, sprays, or creams to soothe the paws. Topical treatments of medicated shampoos, sprays and ointments contain natural active ingredients: aloe vera, oatmeal, coconut oil, and chamomile.

Ingredients Chamomile, rosemary, sophora flavescens, and coconut oil. How to use Get your pet’s hair wet, take some shower gel on the pet’s hair, massage or rub to create lots of soap bubbles. Keep it for several minutes. Then wash clean with clean water.

Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera can provide a cooling relief to irritated skin. Ensure the gel you use is pure and doesn't contain any additives that could be harmful to dogs.

Oatmeal Baths: Oatmeal has soothing properties that can help calm itchy skin. You can find oatmeal-based shampoos or even make a homemade oatmeal paste to apply to your dog's paws.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that might help alleviate itchiness. Make sure your dog isn't allergic to coconut before using this treatment.

Chamomile Tea Soak: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and calming effects. You can brew chamomile tea, let it cool, and then soak your dog's paws in it.

3. Parasite Control

Regular parasite prevention measures, like flea and tick control, are crucial to preventing infestations that can lead to paw itching.

Deworming

• Pyrantel Pamoate: This is commonly used to treat roundworms and hookworms in pets.
• Albendazole: It's effective against a variety of intestinal parasites, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and certain types of tapeworms.
• Praziquantel: This is often used to target tapeworms specifically.
• Milbemycin Oxime: It's used to treat heartworms and some intestinal parasites.
• Ivermectin: It's effective against a wide range of parasites including heartworms, certain types of mange mites, and more. However, it's important to note that some dog breeds are sensitive to ivermectin, so it should be used with caution and under veterinary guidance.

Buying albendazole online is convenient and Puainta products are effective in killing various common parasites in pets such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Schistosoma lung is a parasitic organism called trematode, which is quite common in dogs in North America and is called Paragonimus kellicotti. Albendazole is widely used to treat this infection. Puainta® Albendazole Anthelmintic tablets will remove the common tapeworms, Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis, from dogs and puppies. Puainta® albendazole internal worming products for pets not only eliminate existing parasites but also prevent reinfection.

Flea and Tick Control

• Fipronil: This is a commonly used insecticide that targets adult fleas and ticks.
• Imidacloprid: It's used to disrupt the nervous system of fleas and is often combined with other ingredients for broader protection.
• Abamectin B1: While primarily used for heartworm prevention, it also has activity against fleas and some ticks.
• Fluralaner: This is used to control fleas and ticks. It's commonly found in oral chewable tablets that provide long-lasting protection.
• Permethrin: It's an insecticide that's often used in products designed for dogs but is toxic to cats, so caution is needed in households with both species.

Abamectin B1 treats and prevents 7 veterinarian-recommended pests, including fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, Mites, roundworms, threadworms, and lice. Within 12 hours of application, Abamectin B1 Large Breed repels pests and kills fleas on contact so they don't need to bite your dog and die.  Topical application to kill or remove fleas, flea eggs, ticks, lice, and even mosquitoes on skin. The drug penetrates into the capillaries from the skin to the whole body and treats Mites, roundworms, threadworms in the body. Prevents heartworm. Contraindicated during lactation, Contraindicated in Collies

Fipronil Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs and Cats is a fast-acting, long-lasting and waterproof flea and tick protection proven to kill fleas, lice, eggs and ticks. Designed for dogs and cats eight weeks of age and older.  Provides fast-acting, long-lasting flea and tick protection for pets 8 weeks or older Kills scabies mites, adults, larvae, ticks, fleas, lice, and eggs. Waterproof 24 hours after application

4. Dietary Changes

In the case of food allergies, your vet might suggest switching to a hypoallergenic diet to alleviate allergic reactions. If the root of your dog’s problem is allergies or inflamed skin from an infection, omega-3 fatty acids supplements for dogs might be another great option. Omega-3s have amazing anti-inflammatory benefits and also help promote healthy skin and fur.

Dogs with Itchy Paws, When to Contact the Vet?

 Here's when you should consider contacting a vet:

• Persistent Itching: If your dog's paw itching continues for an extended period, it's a sign that something might be wrong. If they're constantly scratching, biting, or licking their paws, it's time to consult a vet.
• Open Sores or Blisters: If your dog's itching has led to open sores, blisters, or oozing wounds on their paws, professional intervention is needed to prevent infection and promote healing.
• Change in Behavior: If your dog's behavior changes, such as becoming lethargic, not eating, or seeming more irritable due to paw discomfort, it's a sign that a vet's evaluation is necessary.
• Persistent Odor: Foul-smelling paws could indicate an infection or fungal issue that requires medical attention.
• Foreign Objects: If you suspect your dog has stepped on something that's causing discomfort, or if you notice a foreign object embedded in their paw, seek veterinary care to safely remove it.
• Allergic Reactions: Allergies, whether food-related or environmental, can cause itching. If you suspect allergies are the cause, a vet can help identify triggers and recommend appropriate management.

Conclusion

Itchy paws can significantly impact your dog's comfort and well-being. Understanding the potential causes of paw itching, seeking timely veterinary care, and implementing preventive measures can go a long way in ensuring your furry friend's paws stay healthy and itch-free. Remember, a happy dog with comfortable paws is a happier companion for you too.