How to Relieve Your Dog's Itchy Paws: Tips from Veterinarians

Watching your dog constantly lick, bite, or scratch its paws can be challenging. These are indications that something is irritating their paws, which could be brought on by allergies, illnesses, or environmental factors.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to help your dog feel better. This article covers easy and safe methods to relieve your dog's itchy paws, including unique products like dog paw balm for quick relief.

Why Your Dog’s Paws Are Itchy?

First, talk about why your dog's paws might be itchy. There are a few common reasons:

• Allergies:

Dogs are susceptible to allergies just like people are. These may be brought on by grass, pollen, or even food. Certain dogs have paw itching due to allergies to wheat, poultry, or beef in their diet.

• Infections:

Sometimes, bacteria or fungus can cause infections that make your dog's paws uncomfortable. For example, yeast infections can make your dog's paws red and itchy.

• Environmental Irritants:

Chemicals on lawns, road salt, or hot pavement can irritate your dog's paws and make them itch.

• Parasites:

Itching can also be brought on by fleas, ticks, and mites. Although they typically affect the entire body, they can also cause itching in your dog's paws.

• Injury:

If your dog gets a cut or scrape on their paw, it can itch while it heals.

Easy Ways to Relieve Your Dog's Itchy Paws

1. Keep Your Dog's Paws Clean

One of the easiest ways to help your dog's itchy paws is to keep them clean. After your dog goes outside, especially if they walk on grass or dirt, wipe their paws with a damp cloth. This removes any pollen, dirt, or chemicals causing the itching.

For a deeper clean, use a gentle dog shampoo and focus on washing their paw pads and the spaces between their toes.

2. Use Dog Paw Balm

Dog paw balm is a great tool to soothe and protect your dog's itchy paws. Natural components like shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax are used to make these balms, which assist to treat and moisturize your dog's paw pads. Rubbing the balm on your dog's paws creates a protective layer that helps stop irritants from getting in. It also keeps their paws soft and less likely to crack or itch in the future.

3. Try a Paw Soak

A paw soak can give your dog instant relief from itching. To reduce inflammation, you can make a simple soak using warm water and Epsom salts.

Another good option is a rinse made from half water and half apple cider vinegar. The natural antibacterial and antifungal qualities of apple cider vinegar can help relieve inflamed, itching paws.

Just remember: If your dog has any cuts or open wounds on its paws, it's better not to use these soaks because they might sting.

4. Look at Your Dog's Diet

If allergies are causing your dog's itchy paws, changing their diet might help. Some dogs are allergic to foods like grains, chicken, or beef. Switching to food that doesn't have these ingredients can make a big difference. Also, adding omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil, to their diet can help reduce inflammation and keep their skin healthy.

Talk to your veterinarian to determine if food allergies are causing your dog's itchy paws and to get advice on what foods or supplements to try.

Final Words

It's tough to see your dog uncomfortable with itchy paws, but you can do plenty of things to help. Keeping their paws clean, using dog paw balm, trying paw soaks, and considering their diet can all greatly relieve their discomfort.

If your dog's itchy paws don't improve, consult your veterinarian for more help. By staying on top of your dog paw itch relief, you can keep them happy, comfortable, and itch-free!