Help, My Dog Has Itchy Paws! Safe Home Remedies

Have you noticed your dog chewing or licking their paws more than usual? Are your dog’s paws looking red between the toes? These are signs of a dog having itchy paws, a common problem that can make our pets pretty uncomfortable. Let’s walk through what is causing this and, more importantly, what you can safely do to help.

What Is Pododermatitis (Itchy Paws In Dogs)?

When vets talk about itchy dog paws, they often use the term “pododermatitis.” This term simply means inflammation of the paw skin (1, 2). Here’s something important to understand: Pododermatitis isn’t actually a diagnosis on its own. It’s more like a symptom pointing to an underlying problem (2, 3).

According to veterinary dermatology specialists, there’s usually a primary disease causing the inflammation (like allergies). Plus, often a secondary infection (bacteria or yeast) makes things worse and adds to the itch (1, 4). This is why treating just the symptoms without finding the root cause can be so frustrating.

Common Causes of Dog Itchy Paws

So what’s making those paws so itchy? Let’s look at the most common culprits:

Allergies (The #1 Cause)

Allergies (whether to food ingredients, pollen, mold, grass, dust mites, or chemicals) are hands-down the most common cause of pododermatitis in dogs (1, 3, 5). Studies show that allergies are behind itchy paws way more often than any other cause. Dogs with allergies typically have what vets call “pedal pruritus” (itchy feet). You’ll often see them licking and chewing those paws constantly (4).

Unfortunately, contact allergies to things like certain grasses, pesticides, or cleaning chemicals can cause severe paw itching. Severe cases do not respond to typical anti-itch treatments (1).

Bacterial or Yeast Infections

Here’s where things get tricky: Secondary infections are incredibly common with pododermatitis (1, 2, 4). When your dog’s paws touch contaminated surfaces (think dirty water, mud, or damp areas), they risk developing skin infections. Malassezia yeast is a particularly common troublemaker. It loves hanging out in the warm, moist spaces between dog toes (4, 6).

According to one veterinary dermatologist, yeast infections can contribute up to 90% of the inflammation and itching you’re seeing (6). That rusty discoloration on your dog’s nails? Often a sign of yeast (1).

Parasites (Mites, Fleas, and Ticks)

Demodex mites should always be considered when a dog has itchy paws, according to veterinary experts (1, 7). These tiny creatures can trigger serious itching, inflammation, and redness. In fact, any dog with itchy paws should be checked for Demodex. This is especially important before starting treatments like steroids or other anti-itch medications (7).

Other Causes of Itchy Dog Paws

Less common but still important causes include:

• Foreign bodies (foxtail grass seeds, splinters, glass)
• Autoimmune disorders (when the immune system attacks healthy cells)
• Hormonal imbalances (rare but possible)
• Contact dermatitis from irritants
• Systemic diseases like diabetes or thyroid issues

When Home Remedies Aren’t Usually Enough

Before we talk about what you can try at home, let’s discuss something crucial. Most cases of persistent paw licking and itching need veterinary diagnosis and treatment (1, 2, 3). Here’s why. Secondary infections are so common that trying to treat itchy paws without addressing an infection often leads to treatment failure (1, 4).

Veterinary dermatologists emphasize that cytology (looking at paw debris under a microscope) should be done for all dogs with pododermatitis. The reason is that infections are so common (1). Plus, drug-resistant bacteria are becoming more common in skin infections. Therefore, getting the right diagnosis up front really matters (2, 3).

Safe Home Remedies for Dog Itchy Paws

Thankfully, some gentle, vet-approved approaches can give relief for minor irritation. Check with your vet first and use them alongside your vet’s treatment plan:

1. Colloidal Oatmeal Products

Colloidal oatmeal is probably the most well-supported natural remedy for itchy dog paws. It’s made from finely ground oats that can dissolve in water. Plus, it’s been used in dermatology for ages (8, 9).

Here’s what makes this remedy helpful. Colloidal oatmeal contains compounds called avenanthramides. These compounds have anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and antioxidant effects (9, 10). Research shows these compounds can decrease inflammation, reduce histamine-related itching, and help restore the skin’s barrier function (9, 10).

How to use it:

• Choose a veterinary-formulated colloidal oatmeal shampoo (not human products)
• For mild cases, you can soak your dog’s paws for 10-15 minutes in lukewarm water mixed with colloidal oatmeal
• Between baths, colloidal oatmeal sprays can deliver relief (see below)
• Always rinse thoroughly if using shampoo

Studies on atopic dogs show that products containing colloidal oatmeal, combined with ceramides and essential fatty acids, can improve skin hydration. They can also reduce inflammation within just a few weeks (10).

2. Gentle Paw Cleaning

After walks, gently wipe your dog’s paws with a damp cloth to remove pollen, allergens, and irritants. This simple step can really help dogs with environmental allergies!

3. When to See Your Vet (Don’t Wait!)

Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice (1, 2, 3):

• Persistent paw licking that doesn’t improve quickly
• Redness, swelling, or visible lesions between the toes
• Discharge, odor, or crusty areas on the paws
• Limping or reluctance to walk
• Multiple paws affected
• Brown or rusty nail discoloration (often a sign of yeast)

Remember, pododermatitis can lead to chronic changes and scarring if not treated properly (2). Early, aggressive treatment while pursuing a proper diagnosis will give your pup the best chance at full recovery.

Why Some “Home Remedies” Aren’t Recommended for Dog Itchy Paws

You might see recommendations online for things like apple cider vinegar soaks, coconut oil, tea tree oil, or baking soda pastes. Here’s the thing: While some of these might seem harmless, the latest veterinary dermatology research does not support them. Sometimes, they can actually make things worse.

For example:

• Tea tree oil can be toxic to dogs if not diluted properly
• Apple cider vinegar can sting if there’s any broken skin
• Baking soda can alter skin pH in unpredictable ways
• Coconut oil doesn’t address infections. Plus, it can create a breeding ground for bacteria

The safest approach? Stick with veterinary-formulated products that have been tested for safety and effectiveness in dogs.

What Your Veterinarian Will Do

When you bring your dog in for itchy paws, your vet will likely (1, 2, 3):

• Take a detailed history (when did it start, which paws, any patterns?)
• Examine all four paws carefully
• Perform cytology (looking at tape strips or swabs under a microscope to identify bacteria/yeast)
• Do skin scrapings to check for Demodex mites
• Possibly recommend culture and sensitivity testing if infections are deep or recurring
• Consider allergy testing if allergies seem likely
• Maybe suggest biopsy for unusual or non-responsive cases

Treatment will depend on what they find, but often includes:

• Topical or systemic antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antifungal medications for yeast infections
• Anti-itch medications to break the scratch-lick cycle
• Allergy management (food trials, immunotherapy, or medications)
• Addressing underlying conditions

Veterinary research shows that deep bacterial infections typically need 8-12 weeks of antibiotics. Also, it’s important not to stop too soon even if things look better (2).

Prevention Tips

To help reduce the risk of your dog getting itchy paws:

• Wipe paws after walks, especially during high pollen seasons
• Keep paws clean and dry: moisture between toes creates a perfect environment for yeast
• Maintain a healthy weight: obesity increases pressure on paws and risk of inflammation (3, 5)
• Handle allergies proactively with your vet’s guidance
• Regular paw checks help you catch problems early
• Trim hair between paw pads to lower moisture and debris buildup

Final Thoughts

A dog can get itchy paws from lots of different causes, with allergies and secondary infections being the most common culprits. Gentle approaches like veterinary-formulated colloidal oatmeal products can bring much relief for minor irritation. But, persistent paw licking really needs proper veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

The key is catching things early. That constant paw licking you’re seeing? It’s your dog telling you something’s wrong. Don’t wait for it to become a chronic problem with scarring and perpetual infections. Your vet can figure out what’s really going on and get your pup on the path to comfortable, healthy paws again.

Sources

1. Marsella, R. (2017). How to determine the causes of pododermatitis in small animals. Today’s Veterinary Practice.
2. Shumaker, A. K. (2008). Canine pododermatitis. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 49(8), 773-777.
3. PetMD. Pododermatitis in dogs.
4. Florida Veterinary Medical Association. What ails the paws and claws.
5. AKC. (2024). Pododermatitis in dogs: Causes, symptoms and treatment.
6. Dermvet Skin & Ear Clinic. Pododermatitis – A common problem with many causes.
7. Marsella, R. (2015). How to treat canine pododermatitis. Royal Canin Vet Focus.
8. VCA Animal Hospitals. Colloidal oatmeal topical.
9. DVM360. Comparing treatments for restoring the skin barrier in atopic dogs.
10. Santoro, D. Restoring skin barrier in atopic dogs. Presented at: Veterinary Meeting and Expo.