2. Young Dog Keeps Licking 4 paws

Toa Payoh Vets Clinical Research
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Paw Licking in A Young Dog in Singapore
Dr Sing Kong Yuen, BVMS (Glasgow), MRCVS
Case written: 15 June, 2009

Toy Poodle, Female, DOB Feb 25, 2008.
lst heat Sep 2008, 2nd heat Apr 2009 (Heat starts at around 7-monthly intervals).
Consultation at Toa Payoh Vets: Jun 14, 2009. Yearly Vaccination and Check Up.
My Observation: I noted that all 4 paws are dark red due to excessive licking of the paws.

Problem: Continually licking 4 paws daily for the past weeks. Sometimes it is hard to know the cause. In this case, I suspect this case is due to dampness from daily washing of the feet with the dog shampoo after her daily exercise. The owner uses a piece of cloth to dry the paws after washing. However, residual dampness cause itchiness. The young dog licks the paws to relieve her itch. Continual licking leads to more itchiness and saliva-stained darker hairs on the paws. Here is one suggestion from me:



Management:
Owner: Young lady in her 20s
HDB apartment
Elimination: Newspapers on pee pan usually. Sometimes floor mat.
Feeding and water usual
Goes downstairs daily for exercise.
Wash feet, dry with a piece of cloth.

Suggestions:
1. Clip off all paw hairs including underside, up to carpal/tarsal area.
2. Don't wash paws daily. Leave it dry.
3. Buy booties for daily outing.
4. Bathe once a week. Avoid shampoo on paws.
5. Consult your vet. Medication includes antibiotics, anti-fungal, anti-fungal wash.
6. Anti-fungal wash dip 3x/week for 2 weeks. Then 2x/week for remaining part of 2 months. Rinse paws thoroughly with plain water inside a cup. Keep paws dry after washing and by use of booties when going outdoors.
7. Review by telephone in 2 months.

Conclusion:
This case has a high chance of success if the owner keeps the paws dry and clean.
It is unlikely that the owner will provide feedback. However, dampness and continual licking is a vicious cycle leading to hyperpigmented thick paw skin in later years. Therefore, early treatment and prevention of paw dermatitis when the dog is young is very important. How to do it? Much depends on the owner to know how to keep the paws dry and clean at all times in the young dog.