Bandit's Paws, Licking and Raw!

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

So we got home from the baseball game last night and Bandit was really acting funny.  He was very lathargic and kep licking his paws.  Upon further investigation, 3 of his paws were kind of raw on the inside, it looked like a pretty thick layer was gone!  I have never noticed him licking or being irritated by them before.  He seemed in discomfort when I was looking him over.  I put some Mushers Secret on them but not sure that helped.  This morning, he wouldn't even get out of bed to eat or potty, he seems to want to be carried everywhere.  He was served breakfast in bed so he did eat.  Any ideas on what this is?  His dog sitter thinks it may be allergies, they went to the park last night while we were gone, maybe he got into something??  He says he has an anit-itch and pain spray, should I try this first?  OR should I pack them up to the vet again??

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Sounds like a classic case of seasonal allergies, probably to ragweed pollen or another weed in the chenopod or nettle family, since it's the season for that right now. And it's not from coming into contact with them, it's the pollen in the air. Ragweed pollen travels 400 miles. Check pollen.com for your area and see what the levels are like right now.
Jack has been perfect all summer and is now having a bad flare, including the paw chewing & licking and red raw paws. This happens to him every August, and we know it's from ragweed, with a couple of other weeds thrown in, because he's been tested.
If Bandit isn't already getting fish oil or evening primrose oil capsules, start it now: 1000 mg fish oil or 500 mg. EPO per day. Antihistamines work well in conjunction with the fatty acids, but Benadryl is usually not your best choice. Jack gets Claritin, some other dogs do better on Zyrtec.
Wash Bandit's feet every day and dry them thoroughly. Wipe him down every time he comes in from outside, and a lot of brushing will also help remove the pollen from his coat. It's time to check the air filter on your furnace, too, if you have a forced air system. Wash his bedding and any rugs or throws he lies on often. Anything you would do for a family member with hay fever type allergies, do for Bandit.
A cortisone spray will help soothe his feet. The danger with letting them lick their feet to the point of soreness and fur loss is that the next thing that happens is they get infected, and then they need antibiotics and steroids.
If Bandit is this uncomfortable for an extended period, you may have to take him in to the vet for steroids. Ask for pills rather than the injectables, they're safer. good luck, I hope some of these tips help and he feels better soon.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Oh my goodness, it is always something isn't it? I think I will take him to the vet. I have Rosey taking fish oil supps for her coat, I will give them to Bandit too. I am switching him to Salmon & Lamb Wellness, too, maybe that will help. Off to the Vet again!! Maybe they have a frequent flyer program?? I really appreciate your insight.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If my vet had a Frequent Flyer program, I could take the entire DK membership on a trip to Europe, lol!
Good luck, please let us know what the vet says!

[Hunter and Daisy's Doodle Mom]

Amen to that!!! I'm waiting for the "Daisy and Hunter Wing" at my vet's office!!

[shelly]

Oh boy - good luck! I'm with you... I think I may qualify for a trip around the world! LOL

[Hunter and Daisy's Doodle Mom]

I agree with Karen...not my current pups, but my first dog had horrible allergies to ragweed and would get the red raw paws, red around the eyes, etc. 'Tis the season! I haven't had any flare ups with Hunter and Daisy, thank goodness. Cody was on a steroids for hers, plus we did the same thing with washing the paws after coming in and drying them real well. I wouldn't recommend the Benadryl either...it used to make Cody loopy when we first tried that 10 years ago when we found out what was going on. And if you do put any topical stuff on it...make SURE there isn't any alcohol in the product...you will have a very unhappy pup :-)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Any updates on Bandit's feet?

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Yes, sorry I was caught up on worrying about him being fat:) The next day DH stayed home with him & washed his paws. He quit licking them, I never took him to the vet because he quit licking them. I am thinking when he was at the park with the sitter he got into something that irritated him. But he does still have little holes about 1/4 inch in diameter on both back paws. Think of it like a bad blister on your heal and the skin is gone:( sorry to be gross:) Do you think they will heal on their own or is this concern enough to take him to the vet.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Well, you're asking the wrong person, because to me, everything is cause to take them to the vet. I would be concerned about an infection, and it's amazing how much damage they can do to themselves when you're asleep or not watching them closely. I'd say, keep inspecting his feet for any signs that they're getting worse or not healing, and maybe keep washing them. Make sure they're always dry.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Oh yes, that's right, you are taking us all to Europe:) Can the pups come too?? I will probably end up taking him tomorrow, he may need some ointment to help him heal. Plus I do really want to know what is going on. My concern just lessened as his discomfort did... So where should we start the tour, London, Paris, Rome...