Itchy Paws on Dogs: Causes, Treatments & Relief

Let’s face it: Dogs do the darndest things. They twirl in circles for no reason, dig madly in the dirt, and barrel roll across the lawn. Fortunately, these behaviors signal nothing amiss. But if you notice your pup licking and chewing at their paws, it’s an invitation to investigate. Most likely, your poor pup’s pads have developed an itch. Luckily, it’s easy to send prickly paws packing with a few tried and true remedies.

What Causes Itchy Paws?

Before you raise the alarm, keep in mind that all dogs lick their paws occasionally. It’s when unexplained itchy paws on dogs grow persistent that you should take a closer look. For example:

• A pup lapping at their paws immediately after running across the grass is normal.
• A dog constantly chewing at their feet, even when indoors, is cause for concern.

A range of factors could be to blame for itchy paws, but paw irritation usually stems from a few main triggers.

Environmental Factors

Dogs fully immerse themselves in their surroundings, charging nose-first into whatever hooks their curiosity. Without clothes or shoes, this intrepid exploration can take a toll on their bodies. And what part makes the most contact with the world? You guessed it: their paws.

Allergies

All this exposure can trigger an allergic response. When your pup’s immune system overreacts to a foreign substance, it releases a deluge of histamines, a chemical that kickstarts inflammation and itching.¹ You’ll often notice your dog scratching their eyes and paws. Common allergens include²:

• Flea saliva
• Pollen (often from grass or weeds)
• Mold spores
• Dust mites
• Synthetic materials (like rubber or plastic)
• Textiles

A rendezvous between paws and pesky products rarely goes well. Consider any recent allergen exposure when diagnosing paw itch. As you make forays into new surroundings, take stock of any potential troublemakers in the environment.

Injuries

Abrasions also invite itching. As they traipse through tall grass, your pup may come in contact with thorns or stinging insects. Sometimes these wounds grow irritated or infected and produce a nagging itch. If you do discover a cut or sting on your pup’s paw, stave off infection (and further discomfort) by dressing it with a quality pet wound care ointment.

Pododermatitis (Paw Infections)

Paws sometimes pick up unwelcome hitchhikers like bacteria and fungus. When these pests set up shop, paws grow itchy, swollen, and inflamed.³Often, the tops of the paws will experience profound itching. If you suspect pododermatitis, schedule a vet appointment as soon as possible. Your vet will examine the affected paws and propose a treatment plan. Typical remedies for pododermatitis include³:

• Paw soaks
• Antibacterial ointment
• Antibiotic and antifungal medications

If deeper issues are at play (beyond bacterial or fungal infection), treatment will target that specific condition.

Food Allergies

While environmental allergens pose the biggest risk for itchy paws, irritants can also infiltrate your pup’s chow. Among other symptoms (such as vomiting and loose stool), food allergies typically usher in a major case of the itchies. While this irritation can affect the ears and coat, the paws bear the brunt of the impact.⁴ When it comes to food allergies, proteins are prime offenders, especially sources like⁴:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Eggs
• Soy
• Dairy

To determine if your pup’s itchy paws are due to a dietary dilemma, try switching them to a hypoallergenic meal plan for 2-3 months. This entails eliminating any food your dog has eaten previously, as well as any treats and supplements. (It’s tough but worth it!) During the cleanse, observe your dog’s behavior carefully. If itchy paws (and other symptoms) abate under the new diet, their original grub is likely to blame. Gradually re-introduce menu items until symptoms resurface. The most recently revived item may be the culprit. Another way to identify a food allergy, without conducting a lengthy detox diet, is to note the timing of itchy paws. If itchiness occurs during the dog days of summer (when lots of backyard play occurs) and fades in the winter, environmental allergens are the most likely culprits. If it occurs year-round, look to other factors.

Underlying Health Conditions

While allergens, bacteria, and fungus are by far the most common culprits, other health conditions can also cause itchy paws and pododermatitis. These include³:

• Immune disorders
• Hypothyroidism
• Tumors (like melanoma)
• Contact dermatitis (exposure to chemical or environmental irritants)
• Cushing’s disease
• Trauma from excessive exercise or injury

If you notice itchy paws alongside other symptoms, like swelling or scabbing, schedule a vet visit as soon as possible. If the vet suspects that your dog’s itchy paws stem from a condition beyond environmental or dietary irritants, they’ll run tests to confirm. Treatment plans will vary depending on the diagnosis. Take a deep breath and rest assured: The chances of a serious health problem are much lower than the odds of a feisty fungus or a protein allergy. And if your vet diagnoses something more serious, you have a vast array of treatment options at your disposal.

How to Soothe Itchy Paws

Now that we’ve covered the common causes of itchy paws, it’s time to get to the good part: how to inactivate that itch and revive your pooch’s fun-loving ways. Most itching will respond to one of the solutions below.

#1 Benadryl

When our allergies come knocking, we humans turn to good old Benadryl to tone down histamines and achieve relief. Luckily, a dog with itchy paws can also benefit from Benadryl (known scientifically as diphenhydramine).⁵ Benadryl, by inhibiting the body’s H-1 receptors (which receive histamines), cools off allergic responses.⁶ Reduced inflammation (and itching) follow. For itchy paws, it’s a godsend. But remember: When administering Benadryl, be sure to use “dog-safe” formulations. Some human varieties, such as those for children, contain artificial sweeteners or other chemicals that can spell trouble for canines. Before administering dog-safe Benadryl, you should verify the correct dosage based on your pup’s weight. Note that Benadryl can cause side effects such as:

• Drowsiness
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Slowed respiration
• Vomiting

If you notice your dog displaying any of these symptoms, dial back the dose. Be sure to consult your veterinarian before using medication.

#2 Bath Time

Usually, cracking the case of the itchy paws reveals an environmental miscreant. A thorough bath offers the best path to allergen liberation, especially if your pooch sports long fur. A thick, luscious coat may look fetching, but it can conceal plenty of itch-rich irritants. Once you’ve geared up for bath time (it can be daunting—we know), come prepared with a powerful, itch-fighting cleanser, like a medicated pet shampoo:

• It instantly forms a rich, thick foam that soothes itchy skin and flushes away allergens.
• It also fortifies your pup’s natural immune defenses against future invasions.

Repeated licking and gnawing irritates paw skin and can produce hot spots: inflamed, painful skin sores.⁷ A pet hot spot spray helps combat itchy paws and alleviate hot spot symptoms. It also reduces the risk of hot spot recurrence.

#3 Add Supplements

Purging your pet’s diet of suspected allergens can help eliminate itchy paws. To maintain your pup’s defenses, consider adding a high-powered dog supplement, like ALL-IN-1 from Vetericyn. Rich in Omega-3s (which pack potent anti-inflammatory powers),⁸ and the full spectrum of canine nutrients, ALL-IN-1 supercharges your dog’s natural constitution and benefits healthy skin and fur. Plus, ALL-IN-1 comes infused with an absorption-promoting blend that ensures your pup receives maximum benefits. Proper nutrition and hydration also support dog wound healing, helping your pet recover from any sores caused by excessive licking or scratching.

Preventing Itchy Paws

What’s better than treating itchy paws? Preventing them from popping up in the first place. While it’s impossible to shield a precocious pup from all allergens, you can take a few steps to itch-proof their paws:

1. Wipe their feet – Outdoor play poses the biggest risk. When they come inside, take a moment to wipe their paws with baby wipes.
2. Introduce new menu items slowly – Initiating sudden, drastic dietary changes can trigger reactions and obscure potential allergens. Nutritional changes should unfold gradually.
3. Avoid harsh surfaces – Materials like sand or sun-baked concrete can scrape and dry your dog’s paws. Steer clear as much as possible.

While the itchies may break out from time to time, a little vigilance goes a long way toward maintaining your dog’s pristine paws.

Jump Paws First Into Pet Health, With Vetericyn

When it comes to pet parenting, zany antics are the cherry on top. Nothing beats watching your dog bound through life, spreading joy in their wake. But this exuberance relies on strong underlying health. That’s where Vetericyn comes in. From pet skin care to eye care, we offer a robust roster of pet wellness products meticulously crafted to support vibrant health and longevity. Whether you’re strictly a dog person or manage a menagerie, we’re in your corner with the tools you need to keep your furry friends happy and thriving. Keep itchy paws at bay and discover how Vetericyn can enhance your pet's health. Explore our products today.

Reviewed by C. Scott Van Winkle

Scott has been with Innovacyn for the past 11 years and has been working within the Burlingame portfolio of companies for the past 23 years. Scott brings a diverse background to Innovacyn. With an upbringing as the 5th generation on his families cattle ranch, Scott has a passion for animal health and the continuous improvement surrounding agricultural practices. Scott earned marketing and business management degrees from the University of Idaho and holds an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University.

Sources:

1. Cleveland Clinic. Histamine. ​​https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24854-histamine
2. Plantation Pet Health Center. Allergies in Dogs. https://www.plantationpethealthcenter.com/veterinary-internal-medicine/allergies-in-dogs/
3. VCA Animal Hospitals. Pododermatitis in Dogs. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pododermatitis-in-dogs
4. VCA Animal Hospitals. Food Allergies in Dogs. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/food-allergies-in-dogs
5. Medical News Today. Benadryl (diphenhydramine). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325169
6. PetMD. Can I Give My Dog Benadryl®? And if So, How Much? https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/can-i-give-my-dog-benadryl-and-if-so-how-much
7. VCA Animal Hospitals. Hot Spots in Dogs. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hot-spots-in-dogs
8. National Library of Medicine. Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12480795/