"For a no-frills and cost-effective approach, a paper towel or washcloth soaked in warm water is a perfect way to clean your pet's feet after a walk," Adler says. "For extra dirty paws, you can use a dab of dog shampoo on the washcloth and make sure to wipe off thoroughly."
If a yeast infection is present in the paws (one of the most common areas), the paws will become red and itchy, and there may even be a brown discharge present in the nail beds. Dogs with a yeast infection in their paws may lick their paws more than normal, and hair loss may occur as a result.
Paws or Other Body Parts
When dogs lick their paws excessively, a build-up of porphyrins from the saliva turns the fur around the area pink or rusty red. Over time, the stains can turn a darker brown. While the staining is only unsightly, excessive licking is often a sign of an underlying medical or behavioral issue.
While you don't have to completely soak your dog, washing their paws thoroughly to remove dirt or harmful substances like road salt is sometimes the best—or only—option.
Epsom salts
Fill your bathtub up about 3-4 inches with warm water. Add a few cups of Epsom salts, stir them in, and have your dog stand in there for 15-20 minutes. This foot soak will encourage healing and drying out the inflamed, moist dermatitis lesions that can occur between the toes.
Simply make a paste with water and baking soda and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. You may need to repeat this process a few times to see results. There are also a number of commercial dog shampoos on the market that are specifically designed to remove brown stains.
Soaking your dog's paw in a solution of warm water and mild soap can help to clean and disinfect their paws. You can also use specialized paw-cleaning solutions or soak their paws in a mixture of warm water and Epsom salt to soothe and clean their paws.
ACV will soothe the irritation on paws that are infected by bacteria due to excessive licking and scratching. Soak the paws of your pooch in two-part water to one part Apple Cider Vinegar bath for 5 minutes. Just pat dry the paws and do not rinse them.
This compound is antifungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral. When you use white vinegar for your dog's itchy skin, it clears bacteria from skin infections. White vinegar also helps other conditions like acne, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and yeast.
Recipe 4: Baking soda
It also softens the skin and reduces itchiness. Add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda to about 5l (1 gallon) of water. Dunk your dog's feet in the bucket straight after your walk and keep the feet in the remedy for about a minute or two.
Soak for about 3 minutes, but not over 5 minutes. Use this as a good time to bond with your pet by offering treats and pets. Simply dry your pet's paws after you use the rinse. You can do this every day for a while, but a couple of times per week is acceptable.
Mix equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar to get a potent and pet-friendly cleaning solution. You can use this homemade solution when you don't want to use dog shampoo or if you don't have one. Coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, and vitamin E oil are natural products that moisturize the paws after cleaning them.
If your pet is excessively licking or chewing at his paws, it is important to take him to the veterinarian. Pododermatitis is painful and may become debilitating to your pet. Pododermatitis (Interdigital Dermatitis) is the inflammation of the interdigital skin; the area of skin in between the toes and footpads.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dog's Paws? Unlike bathing your dog, which the ASPCA recommends you do at least every three months, there aren't specific guidelines for how often dog paw cleaning should occur. However, consider checking your dog's paws on a regular basis.
Baking soda can be added to every bath your give your dog. You do not have to always add it to shampoo or make your own baking soda shampoo. Adding it to the bath water alone can help to deodorize and soothe dry skin. Do not use a baking soda shampoo, wet or dry, on your dog's face.
One of the best-known porphyrins is heme, the pigment in red blood cells. If you have ever noticed a white dog that has been licking or chewing on his leg, the hair in that area will turn iron-brown in color. The actual cause of stains is the porphyrin in the tears and saliva.
Yes. Vinegar used for cleaning is typically diluted and can be used in households with dogs. It is considered a natural cleaning product, and it may help to neutralize odors and remove pet stains. When using vinegar as a cleaning agent, ensure your dog is kept away from the products to avoid accidental ingestion.
Medicated shampoos and conditioners can help. Bathing removes the allergens that may adhere to the surface of the skin, and the medicated ingredients help to reduce itching and control secondary infections. Using lukewarm water soothes the skin to reduce itching.
Repeatedly licking their paws can be a sign that they are stressed or anxious, or could suggest that they are in pain, feeling nauseous, uncomfortable or itchy."
For overly licked dog paws, redness between toes may indicate a secondary infection. This may come in the form of either a bacterial infection or a fungal (yeast) infection. Bacterial problems in the skin may cause several forms of dermatitis.
Are They Safe? No, it is not recommended that you use baby wipes on dogs, or any other pets. That's because the pH level on human skin is different to dogs so baby wipes are unsafe because they may cause irritation or itching.
Chlorhexidine is cheap, extremely effective, and readily available. A 2% solution limits tissue irritation, but 4% solutions are also commonly used. Povidone-iodine solution is another good option.
Make a bowl of salt water and place your dog's paws in the water to soak for at least 10 minutes. You can also use terry cloths or sponges to make compresses to use on injured skin. Repeat this process two to three times a day for optimal effects.
Skin and Paws
Topical ingredients that are effective in treating yeast include chlorhexidine, miconazole, and ketoconazole. In difficult-to-treat or severe cases, oral antifungal medications are used. Oral antifungal medications used in dogs include fluconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole, and itraconazole.