How do I stop my older dog from licking paws and getting hot spots?

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This could just be an allergic condition, but looking at the spotty nature of the pads, I would also be concerned that this might be an auto-immune condition called pemphigus, where the lesions are often first noticed on the footpads. Since this has been ongoing for several months, & now she is showing signs of pain, it is time to have your veterinarian evaluate the pads for what is going on. Hope all is well. Take care.

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. 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!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Excessive licking can be related to skin infection between the toes, skin inflammation or an allergy. A visit at your local vets is recommended to make the definite diagnosis and to start treatment for Koda. In the meantime, try and stop Koda from licking the paws as he will likely make the skin more inflamed. Using a head collar or bandage the paws (and change the bandage daily) may be necessary.

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. 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!

Since it sounds like this spot looks different that the spot that your vet saw 2 months ago, I do think it is worth having your vet evaluate this spot. Some dogs are prone to developing lick granulomas where they will continually lick and chew at a spot from stress. The longer the behavior continues, the harder it is to resolve the wound, so I would recommend having your vet evaluate it soon. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Licking of the paws is a common sign of allergies. Topical medications are not recommended because the animals will lick it off and it isn't effective. You can soak the paws in Epsom salts or wipe them down after coming in from outside in case they lick them because of contact with the grass or being wet. Or use a medicated shampoo(see link). If it is an allergy I would recommend a diet change-change the meat protein. I do not recommend grain-free diets in goldens right now. Chicken is the most common allergen. I would consider an antihistamine (see link). If that doesn't help they need to see your Vet to have the feet examined to check for infection. I like cytopoint for foot licking over apoquel. Good luck! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27307 https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/zyrtec/