Biting at front paws!

[Robin, dalai, and Parker]

My 11 months goldendoodle has been biting at her paws. I would assume that this is some allergy of sort. Anyone else had this problem?

[Tammy & Gracie]

I had this problem years ago, with my Cockapoo. His ended up being an allergic reaction to chemicals used on a friend's lawn. It cleared up with a little cortisone treatment from the vet. Also, I've heard of tiny grass seeds getting caught up around their pads causing an irritation. First off I would try washing her paws really well, in case it's the latter.

[Robin, dalai, and Parker]

Thanks Tammy, I will look into the cortisone treatment. Anything to relieve her stress over the itching. I try to notice what is different to irritate her but can't pick up on it. Maybe washing her paws after coming in from outside might help. Thanks, Robin

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Biting at the paws is the first and most common sign of allergies in dogs. There are many discussions here on DK about this, but I am the unofficial expert on this issue, and have posted about it in detail. Here is a good discussion to start you out learning about this very frustrating problem in our doodles:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topi...

You can do a search in the Forum (click forum at the top of any page) and learn a lot more. Here are some basics.
Labrador retrievers are the #1 breed affected by atopy, or seasonal inhalant allergies. This is genetic, and obviously does not require both parents to carry the gene. The allergens are usually common every day things like grass, dust, ragweed, etc, the same things that cause hay fever symptoms in people. ( It is rarely from chemicals, either in your home or in your yard.) In dogs, these things cause not sneezing, but itching, which can become a very severe skin infection if not treated.
Within ten minutes of my posting this, someone will come on, start talking about corn & other food issues, and tell you to change his food. Food allergies account for this problem in less than fifteen percent of cases, and if the problem is seasonal, mainly spring & fall, it is NEVER caused by food. Even if it is, just changing brands will not work, you need to do a controlled food elimination diet. Corn, soy & wheat are lousy foods for dogs anyway, so eliminating them is probably a good idea in any case.
Look at the fur between your puppy's pads; if you see reddish or brownish areas, that is called erythema, and it means your puppy is already damaging his skin. He needs to be treated by a vet.
Itching, biting, and licking the feet can also be caused by various types of mites. Your vet will do a skin scraping & examine it under a microscope to eliminate this possibility.
Cortisone is a very serious drug which is used for relief in temporary situations. Its use is often necessary, but not to be taken lightly.
Allergies are caused by a disease of the immune system and involve a very specific, measurable response to the allergens. This occurs on a cellular level. There is no cream, lotion, powder, or other home remedy which will cure it. An allergic dog has a disease and needs veterinary treatment.
I hope this helps, and that your puppy will soon be feeling better.

[Robin, dalai, and Parker]

Karen, thanks for the info on allergies. Dalai has reddish areas on her paws so I will be taking her to the vet. But I don't just want treatment, I would like to know the cause. Are there allergy tests that can be done?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Oh, yes, there are tests!!! Here's a whole manual on my guy's testing:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/all-about-allergies

But unfortunately, there is no cure. There is only treatment. Some dogs have a mild case twice a year, are treated with antihistamines, EFA's & occasional steroids, and do beautifully. My last dog was like that, and she lived to be 16.
Then there are others, as you will see when you open the above link, who have very serious cases and require some serious treatment to keep them comfortable & functioning. Those are the ones for whom the testing is really necessary. It is very expensive, and usually not done until it becomes clear that the temporary seasonal treatments are not going to do it for this particular dog. If testing shows just 1 or 2 allergens, and it is something you can avoid, you will have solved the problem. But my guy was not so lucky.
Visit the vet and take it a step at a time. My wish for you is that your girl's case will be mild and easily resolved. :-)

[Steve Drury]

I just came to this group looking for information regarding dry skin and the use of omega 3.
When I was investigating omega 3 online, I noticed one of the signs of omega 3 deficiencies can be chewing on front paws. Who knew that info might be relevant 3 hours later.
You might try researching along those lines and see if there are any other signs.
Now I'm off to read about dry, itchy skin. (In my case I think it's the shampoo---too harsh or maybe too much)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Steve, the EFA's I refer to in my post just above yours are Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. These are best obtained through fish oil capsules or evening primrose oil capsules, taken orally.
Dogs should not be bathed more often than every 4-6 weeks. in the case of dogs with dry skin or allergies, 7-8 weeks would be preferable. Brushing frequently removes a lot of dirt and distributes oils throughout the coat.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

What is the update on the itchy paws? Does the vet think they are allergies? Chocolate maybe?? LOL