Why Are My Dog Paws Red Between The Toes
Dogs do not need shoes because their paws are naturally protected. However, sometimes, you might find your dog whimpering in pain and unable to walk. If you check your canine’s feed, you will typically find dog paws red between toes and painfully inflamed. Why did this happen, and how can I make it better? You might wonder—no need to freak out! You have found the right page for all your dog paw-related questions. Let’s explore the causes of paw problems in dogs, their symptoms, and the redness of dog paws between toes home remedies.
Why Are My Dog Paws Red Between The Toes?
Inflammation, swelling, and reddening of the canine feet is a common problem known as Pododermatitis. Infection, injuries, and excessive licking or chewing of the paws by the dog can cause pododermatitis. While the problem may affect the paw pads, toes, nails, and nail folds, it commonly occurs between a dog’s toes.
Cause of Pododermatitis
Pododermatitis can be caused by several factors or a combination of these. Often, one factor can lead to another, such as an injury, which can cause infection.
- Infection: Both bacteria and yeast can cause canine infections. Dog paw pododermatitis is frequently caused by fungal (dermatophytosis, Malassezia, candidiasis), parasitic, and superficial bacterial pyoderma. The “dog paws red between toes” condition is often a result of dampness between toes where fungi can freely grow.
- Allergies: Canine pododermatitis can also be caused by specific kinds of allergies in dogs. Some allergens cause adverse food reactions, leading to contact and atopic dermatitis. Often, untreated skin allergies infecting the dog’s paws can cause pododermatitis.
- Immune-Mediated: Autoimmune diseases can occasionally also cause pododermatitis in dog paws. Immune-mediated issues include lymphocytic plasmacytic pododermatitis and adverse cutaneous medication responses.
- Traumatic or Metabolic: Traumatic or metabolic diseases may also cause pododermatitis. Necrolytic dermatitis and interdigital pyogranulomatous pododermatitis are frequent causes.
Dog Paws Red Between Toes Symptoms
Difficulty walking is the most common symptom of your canine friend’s paw problems. If you notice whimpering, limping, constantly licking and chewing the paws, or just general reluctance to walk, look closer at your furry friend’s paws and look for the following,
- Swelling and inflammation of the paw pad
- Visible injuries on or above the paw pad
- Dog paws red between the tows
- Hair loss
- Red or brown staining
- Swollen skin around the nails
- Itchy or flaky skin
- Unusual odor from the pads
- Discharge of puss (Rare in starting stages but possible)
How Do You Treat Redness Between Dogs Toes?
Once you have confirmed the symptoms of red dog paws between toes, the next step is to treat the condition. When your dog suffers from pododermatitis, prompt action is crucial for its safety because delaying treatment can worsen the situation. Pododermatitis can be treated clinically or at home.
Dog Paws Red Between Toes Home Remedies
Dog parents often opt for over-the-counter medicines to treat pododermatitis at home. However, before using any kind of medication, it is essential to consult with a pet. This is because dogs have many allergies, and several chemicals, including the artificial sweetener xylitol, can be poisonous to canines. Such medicines can cause adverse side effects that harm your furry friend. Now, that being said, here are some simple home remedies that you can rely on.
- A Pet Parent’s Advice: A dog owner shared their home remedy for dog paws that are red between toes on Quora. You can follow her steps and see whether it works for your canine friend.
“I generally put some Epsom salts in warm water, take a cloth, dip it in the soaked salts, and wrap each paw in the towel for about a minute. Vet says Epsom salts are anti-bacterial. I then apply olive oil/ coconut oil and that has helped.”
- Using Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a safe choice to disinfect your dog’s paws and stop compulsive itching. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water in a 1/1 ratio. You can use the solution as a spray or soak a clean cloth or towel to clean your furry friend’s feet.
- Using Anti-Allergen Shampoo: Dogs do not clean themselves as meticulously as cats do. Environmental allergens are also among the leading causes of pododermatitis. Using an antiallergen, dog-friendly shampoo and running a warm bath for your dog can help with both problems. Gently wash the dog’s coat and infected feet and dry them thoroughly after. You can also use soothing creams or lotions to help the skin heal.
- Using Dog Paw Balms: Clean the dog paws red between toes with topical wash and pat them dry. Apply a dog paw balm on the infected area, making it hydrated. If you suspect allergies or infections have caused inflammation and redness, opt for antiallergic and anti-inflammatory canine balms. We recommend using paw palms regularly as a preventive measure against dog paw problems.
Going To The Vet: Dog Paws Red Between Toes Treatment
Clinical treatment for canine paw redness between toes and on pads starts with adequately diagnosing the root cause. The diagnosis may include several tests, physical examination, and even some blood work on your dog. Once the vet has found the cause of pododermatitis, they can develop a treatment plan that can be followed for a few weeks.
The treatment will start with cleaning the paws. Your doctor might recommend some topical lotions and shampoos to be used at home. Depending on the severity of the lesions, experts sometimes recommend surgery for proper treatment. However, in typical cases, your dog will return to its feet with regular cleaning, appropriate care, and follow-up checkups with the vet. Remember, complete recovery might take several weeks or months, and you must be patient and cooperative throughout
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you treat an infected dog’s paw between toes?
You can soak the dog’s paw in warm water after adding an antibiotic or topical wash and get it dry afterward. Use a mild soothing lotion or coconut oil to keep the skin hydrated.
Why is my dog licking his paws red between pads?
This might be a symptom of pododermatitis as the constant itching can lead to excessive licking and chewing of paw pads in dogs.