Concerned About Your Dog’s Itchy Paws? This Golden Retriever Owner Has the Remedy
There are many culprits behind itchy paws in dogs, the most common being environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, ragweed, mold, and chemicals sprayed on fields your furry friend likes to walk in. If your dog has a build-up of irritants on their feet — including between their toes — chances are, you’ve constantly found them licking and chewing their paws like there’s no tomorrow. You’re not alone.
A Golden Retriever owner has wowed netizens on TikTok after revealing what they used to soothe their pup’s (named Hudson) itchy paws: an Epsom salt foot bath. According to the owner, environmental allergic reactions caused Hudson’s constant paw itchiness.
“Hudson licked his paws red and raw from environmental allergies. It was awful! I started soaking his toes with warm water and Epsom salt in a small bowl, and it truly healed him,” part of the video’s caption reads.
Hudson’s owner explained that they opted to use a small bowl to soak their dog’s paws because he didn’t like getting in the bathtub. They also shared a trick for effectively soaking your pup’s back paws: pouring the Epsom salt solution inside children’s rain boots and making your pup stand in the boots!
From Itchy to Comfort: Home Remedies for Dog Itchy Paws
Besides seasonal allergies, there are other underlying causes for itchy paws in dogs. These include food allergies, bacterial or yeast infections, parasites, foreign objects stuck on the paws like thorns and grass seeds, insect bites, and paw injury.
Excessive paw licking could also indicate an underlying behavioral issue that your dog is trying to cope with by licking and chewing their feet. If your dog has itchy paws accompanied by other distressing symptoms such as appetite loss, blisters on the paws, or an unusual change in mood, it’s advisable to consult your veterinarian before resorting to a home foot soak for your dog.
Foot soaks are an effective way to drown all the environmental allergens trapped in your dog’s feet. If your dog suffers from irritated paws, simply wiping off these allergens with a damp cloth won’t give them the relief they’ll get when they do a foot soak.
“Wiping paws alone doesn’t remove the billions of allergens found in the nooks and crannies around your dog’s nail beds and in between their toes,” explained pet care expert Dr. Karen Becker of Bark and Whiskers in an Instagram post.
Now, if your mind is swirling with thoughts such as “How much Epsom salt for dog foot soak,” “Dog foot soak for yeast,” “Foot soak for dogs with yeast,” or “Betadine foot soak for dogs,” here are a few effective dog foot soaks for allergies that will offer your pup instant relief:
1. Itchy Dog Paws Home Remedy: Epsom Salt Foot Soak for Dogs
Epsom salt — a naturally occurring mineral compound made of magnesium and sulfate — is beneficial to dogs with itchy, inflamed skin. Besides soothing irritated skin, Epsom salt water helps relieve pain and draws out toxins from the paws.
Warning: Keep an eye on your dog to ensure they don’t drink the Epsom salt foot soak. This solution may cause an upset stomach if ingested.
Using Epsom salt for itchy paws: Directions:
- Dissolve about a ¼ cup of unscented Epsom salt in warm water. Let your dog stand in the solution for about 10 minutes, ensuring all their paws are fully covered. After the soak, finish by tapping their paws dry with a clean cloth. Experts advise repeating this process three times a day for the best results.
2. Itchy Dog Paws Home Remedy: Iodine Foot Soak for Dogs
Iodine is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, which means it is perfect for soothing red, irritated paws.
“The secret to successfully removing allergens from your dog’s feet is to soak or rinse them. I recommend an all-natural solution using Povidone Iodine (Betadine) + water,” says pet care expert Dr. Karen Becker.
Directions:
- Fill the tub or basin with just enough water to cover your dog’s feet entirely. Add Iodine to the water and mix until the resulting solution takes the color of Iced tea. Let your pup stand in the Iodine foot bath for a maximum of five minutes. Finish by patting their paws dry — do not rinse them.
You can make a similar solution later in the day, transfer it to a spray bottle, and spritz it on your dog’s feet from time to time.
3. Dog Itchy Paws Home Remedy: Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak for Dogs
An apple cider vinegar soak can offer your dog great relief from the itchiness they’re experiencing on their paws. This is because apple cider vinegar has not only anti-inflammatory properties but also antifungal and antibacterial effects.
Remember, you should never use undiluted apple cider vinegar on dogs with itchy paws, as its high acidic content, when undiluted, can worsen your dog’s irritation. Also, avoid using apple cider vinegar if your dog has open wounds or cuts on their paws.
Directions:
- Mix equal parts of organic apple cider vinegar with equal parts of water in the tub or basin. Let your dog stand in the solution for about five minutes, according to pet care expert Dr. Jim Carlson of Riverside Animal Clinic and & Holistic Center. Once done, rinse their paws before patting them dry with a clean towel.
Dr. Carlson recommends keeping your dog entertained during this process to help them stay in the foot bath for the said minutes. “Use this as a good time to bond with your pet by offering treats and pets,” says Dr. Carlson.
4. Dog Itchy Paws Home Remedy: Baking Soda Foot Soak for Dogs
Baking soda is labeled a miracle powder because it’s a natural remedy for countless skin issues, including tackling a dog’s hot spots and itchy paws. Because of its anti-inflammatory effects and alkaline effects, baking soda helps reduce inflammation and acts as a fast-acting soother of irritated skin.
Directions:
- To create a soothing baking soda foot soak, dissolve about two tablespoons of baking soda in a gallon of water in a tub or basin. Let your dog stand in the solution for about five minutes. After the soak, rinse their paws and pat dry with a clean towel.
5. Itchy Paws on Dogs Home Remedy: Chlorhexidine Foot Soak for Dogs
Chlorhexidine, a powerful antiseptic with antifungal and antibacterial properties, works wonders in relieving skin irritation in paws
Directions:
- Put enough water in a tab or basin; just enough to cover your dog’s feet. Add a few drops of Chlorhexidine to the water to make it look slightly blue. Let your dog stand in the solution for about 30 seconds (or more, depending on the extent of their itchiness). After the soak, pat their paws with a dry towel. You can do this twice a day until you notice an improvement in their pow-licking tendencies.
