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Comment by Beverly Butler Redford & Tucker on September 8, 2015 at 11:39am

Well, the vet said there wasn't anything there now.  She said there might have been something there before but now the licking is just a compulsion.  He's on Epsom Salt soaks twice a day and an ointment.  And a cone-which he really doesn't like.  He doesn't mind the foot soaks, but that's probably because he gets petted the whole time.

Comment by Chris Payerl on September 4, 2015 at 7:06pm

Sophie licks her paws a lot when coming inside when it's wet outside; I don't think she likes wet feet. She also licks in spring and fall, which we suspect is due to allergies. We just wipe her paws off with a damp washcloth and dry them. It seems to help. It must take off whatever allergen is making her itch. I do this to myself when coming in on days when my allergies are acting up.

Comment by Beverly Butler Redford & Tucker on September 3, 2015 at 11:31am

Thank you all.  The cone is a good idea-if it is a medical issue, he won't make it worse; if it is emotional, it will break the cycle.

I'll let you know if the vet finds anything.

Comment by Beth on September 3, 2015 at 9:55am

One of mine will groom his paws a bit obsessively if he's bored.

Comment by Jane Christensen on September 2, 2015 at 9:04pm

You could use Benadryl I did for Wynn when he was licking 3 different places but the vet also gave him an anti-inflammatory med . Finally his hair is growing h back.

Comment by Marina Holshevnikoff on September 2, 2015 at 7:27pm

I'm sorry to hear Tucker is having some paw trouble.  My corg had a similar issue and basically gave himself a hot spot between his toes.  I did go to the vet because I was freaking out, but they basically check for broken skin, saw none and told me to keep it clean and dry.

I was soaking Jerry's inflamed paw in epsom salt at least once a day, for about 10 minutes.  I just put the mixture in a tupperware on the floor and hung out with him there for 10 minutes.  Mostly I had to make sure he didn't drink any of it!  Not sure if it did anything, but when it was really itchy and irritating, it seemed to alleviate some of the discomfort for a few hours.  It was an annoying long process (like a week) to heal up, but we didn't any any infection or anything.  Soap, like you're already doing and keeping it dry is perfect!

I ended up popping our cone over his head to keep him from licking until he learned to stop when I told him to.  That was annoying, but important, because if it gets wet and slobbery it sets you back on the healing.  Good luck!

Comment by Holly on September 2, 2015 at 3:45pm

If you don't see any signs of abnormality I wonder if it is just a response to boredom or anxiety. My dog tends to lick or chew one part of her body when she is bored, anxious or uncomfortable. I noticed she tends to lick her feet or back legs for an emotional reason but it becomes self-perpetuating because the licking and/or chewing actually causes the area to itch which makes her lick more. If I give her a little extra attention and keep her bust she forgoes about it and it heals faster. Of course I have to be sure the licking isn't a reaction to a serious illness, but it usually starts with mild constipation or separation anxiety of I am out more than usual. I just started school again for the fall and she has been licking her paw for the past day or so for example. If that is all it is with Tucker it may pass quickly. I also plan to trim the hair between Sully's toes to help keep her mind off it. I did go the the vet the first time she chewed her inner thighs raw but I soon realized she did it whenever she was constipated. Now I add a little barley to her food which helps stop the constipation and stops the licking/chewing cycle. The licking starts with no irritation but the licking causes more itching which causes more irritation and can lead to hot spots. I hope Tucker has a similar problem that can be cured by a little extra attention and keeping him busy to keep his mind off the licking. Benadryl is a huge help too. The vet can help you its dosage amounts. 25 lb Sully takes 25 mg. good luck!