Interdigital skin is the skin between the toes. Allergies, irritants, bacteria and fungi, and parasites can infect this area. Dogs with Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis usually lick their feet excessively, which causes a characteristic rust-colored discoloration to the feet. External irritants are also a common problem. Lawn chemicals and herbicides as well as pebbles and hot road tar are often incriminated. Walking on recently cleaned carpets is also irritating. Interdigital skin is also affected by demodectic mange, certain bacteria and a variety of fungal infections.
Pemphigus is a type of skin disorder that may involve the footpads. The bridge of the nose, especially sunburned noses, and the eyes are also often involved. Pemphigus is associated with a defect in protective immunity in dogs and humans. Secondary bacterial infections are common. The skin is sore and covered with cysts as well as pus-filled sores.
SYMPTOMS
* Constant licking and chewing of the feet.
* Saliva from constant licking causes rust-colored discoloration to white paws.
WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
* Epsom salt soaks are soothing. Cotton socks prevent sore feet from further irritation.
* Rinse the feet off with water to decrease exposure to irritants like salt and deicing chemicals used in winter. Keep a spritzer bottle by the door and use it every time the dog comes inside, then dry his feet off with a towel.
* Trim excess fur between the toes and remove mats between the footpads.
* Diagnosis for Pemphigus is confirmed by a skin biopsy. Treatment is geared at symptomatic relief of foot lesions, antibiotics to eliminate secondary bacterial infections, and immune system stimulation.
COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
HERBAL REMEDIES
Immuno stimulant herbs include Echinacea, Reishi, Astralagus, Maitake, Shitake, Ashwaganda, Ginseng.
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Sulphur 30c given twice daily provides some relief of local irritation. Immuno stimulant vitamins include Vitamin A and Vitamin E.
My pup has huge lumps between her toes. They come and go. Ive had her to the vet multiple times. He just keeps saying its allergies. Even though we have had her on Apeguel for a year or more. She still gets them. She has one on her back right paw right now its the biggest one she has ever had, it’s huge. Her whole foot is swelled. It looks so painful I feel so bad for her I wish I could help but nothing is working to keep them gone. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Hello, I would ask you to consider seeing a board certified dog dermatologist. I would also suggest culturing the toes, or more diagnostic testing. Allergy testing is also a option.
I just noticed that my dog had been biting his two front paws and he has managed to chew the skin off of one of his pads. And after walking him today and coming inside I wiped his toes and on the left side of his front paw there are 2 blisters.