Stop Itchy Paws in Their Tracks

Itchy paws can be an issue for a dog and their owner. The dog just wants relief; the owner just want their best friend to feel better.

There are several reasons why your dog may be afflicted with this condition. Food allergies are a big culprit here. Food proteins, grass, pollen, and even just genetic allergies can make your dog itch everywhere, but the paws are often the most afflicted. Hygiene is also important. Your dog’s paws get dirty. Moisture gets stuck between the paw pads. Yeast builds up and can cause extreme discomfort for your dog.

Fortunately, there are some simple, affordable ways to get relief for your dog - and for you.

 Topical Creams and Balms

•  Burt’s Bees Paw and Nose Lotion. Burt’s Bees has built a reputation for making reliable products based on natural ingredients - that can work very well. This canine-friendly lotion can help soothe dry, cracked paw pads (and dry noses!) with olive oil and antioxidant rosemary, as well as other natural ingredients.
• Paw Nectar. This paw balm is 100% organic and is packed with dog-safe ingredients: coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, aloe, and more. This thick, soothing salve may bring instant relief to your dog’s itchy paws.
• Coconut or olive oil. Coconut or olive oil can be applied onto a pet's paws as well

Ingredients that can be Toxic to Dogs

• Zinc oxide
• Hydrocortisone
• Lidocaine
• Diclofenac
• Calcipotriene 

How to Help

For maximum effectiveness, cover your dog’s paws with booties after you apply a cream or salve. This will keep your dog from licking it off, and will also prevent the cream from rubbing off.

Booties serve another purpose, too: preventing paw irritation in the first place. Always cover your dog’s paws while walking outdoors in extreme temperatures. Here are some options:

• Ultra Paws Durable Boots. These booties were designed for heavy-duty wear, so even the most active dogs won’t wear them out anytime soon. They’re easy to put on with a wide split seam, and the velcro closure makes it nearly impossible for them to slip off (or for your pup to bite them off).
• Colorfulhouse Waterproof Boots. As water is the biggest culprit for yeast growing between your pet’s paws, these booties are key to keeping them safe and dry. Slip these on when walking in rainy or wet conditions to keep your pup’s paws moisture-free during your daily walks.
• Pawz Booties. These basic booties are nearly perfect protection for your dog’s paws. They’re affordable, effective, and comfortable -- and disposable. These basic rubber, slip-on booties come in packs of twelve, so when one pair begins to wear out, just slip on a new pair.
• Socks! As long as you’re not dealing with extreme conditions, children’s socks can be an effective barrier between your dog’s itchy paws and some of the culprits that cause it. Slip on non-slip children’s socks for small outings in pleasant conditions or for everyday wear around the house if household allergies are an issue. (Tip: Even children’s socks are a tad too big on my little dog’s paws, so I secure them around her leg with a soft elastic hair tie. Not too tight, though! You should be able to slip your finger easily between the elastic and your dog’s leg.)

Consider Pet Insurance

Dry, cracked, or yeast-infected paws can cause your dog (and you) anxiety. These simple, accessible remedies and preventions can help keep the itchiness to a minimum. However, always consult your vet before choosing or applying any solution. That's where having an active pet insurance policy may be able to help.  Get your free quote below.