My dog chews her smelly feet. Is it yeast? Should I see a vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. A chlorhexidine based shampoo is usually good for these general infections. Also, douxo chlorhexidine pads can be used for the infectious component. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Good question. I recommend washing and soaking her feet in an antifungal shampoo, or a dilute iodine solution (that may cause fur discoloration). I would do this once daily for a week or so. If it’s not improving please take her on for an exam. They may do skin cytology to determine if it’s yeast only or if there is bacteria or mites adding to the problem. Then they can give the appropriate oral medication to clear this up. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Roxy.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. I do not recommend using vinegar mixed with water for this. I recommend looking to see what seems to be causing his possible allergy as that is the only thing that can help him longterm. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

A common cause for color change on the feet of dogs is from a yeast infection. Yeast can grow on the skin around the nails and between paw pads and is very itchy. The dog then licks and chews the area which will also cause saliva staining, which turns the hair a reddish-brown color. The most common cause of a yeast infection on the feet of dogs is allergies. Allergies could be to a food protein, the environment, or fleas. Other less common causes of the issues you have described would be bacterial infection or immune-mediated disease. I recommend that Hadley be checked by a vet so that the appropriate medications or allergy treatments can be used. While you are waiting for the appointemnt, you can try using a pet product that contains chlorhexidine (an antibacterial agent) and ketoconazole (an antifungal/antiyeast agent) to treat topical infections. I like this one: Mal-a-ket Shampoo Formulated for Dogs.

The most likely cause would be a secondary bacterial or yeast infection secondary to allergies give your description. A bad odor is usually associated with overgrowth of bacteria or yeast and requires veterinary exam in order to get the appropriate medications to treat the overgrowth and also to get medication to get the inflammation under control. Until you get an appointment with your vet you should put an e-collar on her so she doesn't further traumatize the feet.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It looks like Harley has a pretty bad skin infection. It is likely a combination of bacteria and yeast. I recommend taking him to a vet to know for sure and get him oral and topical medications. I would be suspicious of an environmental allergy, but the vet can discuss that further with you. There are no home remedies that can treat these types of problems. Good luck and kisses to Harley!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Licking and chewing of the paws is a sign of allergies and it can become an infection (pododermatitis) which can be caused by bacteria and yeast. I have success treating with an antibiotic and an antifungal for 3 weeks. I also start my patients on apoquel and an antihistamine to control the licking and biting. I would also recommend considering changing her diet. Chicken is the most common allergic protein. You can find over the counter diets with venison, duck or fish. She can no have any treats that aren't made out of the protein or table scraps. You have to give the diet 2-3 months. Sometimes the pet needs a prescription diet. I would call your Vet or have her rechecked to see if these medications are appropriate to try on Leia