Constant Paw Licking

M

MeoMeu

Forums Regular
A few days ago my 3 yr old Sheltie started licking his paws repetitively, so much so that the white fur there is now discolored reddish brown. It's not limited to one paw in particular. I checked his paws and the skin is quite pink and raw looking underneath the fur, although not downright red.

I googled it and it seems like allergies could be a culprit, but it's hard to narrow down. Pollen, grass, food, etc?? A parasite, i.e mites? He's fed a homemade diet and has been on it for about 2 years now with no previous problems or changes in the diet. Should I put boots on him to get him to stop licking at the skin? What would be the best course of action here? Thanks. :confused2:
 
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Please see your vet!

My Laddie and previous female sheltie had allergies. They would lick their paws to the point where they were discolored. I had two large trees in my back yard and had them cut down since they were full of carpenter ants.

Once I did that no more issues... So maybe mold was the issue.

Only a vet can tell you for sure... do not wait because it will only get worse!
The vet can give them meds to stop the symptoms.

Good luck...:wink2:
 
Sometimes this is a process of elimination. Is it the thyroid, environmental, etc.

I bought the vet's shampoo for Lil' Lady. she had some spots which I cleaned
up with Sea Breeze (astringent). then triple anti-biotic. I bought Earth Bath
which is a great product, great ingredients. All helped her skin.

For paws I trim the hair off and I use a balm, that it actually used on
cow's utters. I wipe the pads some so it doesn't go on the rugs.

To find the problem if its not the thyroid, then its just a process of elimination
as I stated.
 
It seems like a vet visit will indeed be in order if the symptoms don't ease up in a week or so. Sable, I'll check out Earth Bath and Sea Breeze, thanks for the suggestions! What antibiotic were you prescribed?
 
Licking paws tends to be a contact allergy. If left untreated it can turn into acral lick dermatitis, where they lick the skin raw and it can get infected, it can also become habituated. You are better off getting early treatment with an antihistamine, leaving it may cost more in the long run and it's so awful having an itchy allergy. Coconut oil will make no difference to an allergy.
 
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