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Why are my dog's feet red and he won't stop licking? Is it allergies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

My dogs feet are like a red orange color and he keeps licking them. Is it some kind of irritation?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on June 29th, 2016

The change of color could be as a result of constant licking. This could be due to an allergy, fleas, an infection or mites. If it's been a while already it is recommended to have it checked by a vet in order to rule out parasites first, then a treatment for allergy or infection can be started.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Most likely this is an allergy. Dogs lick their feet in response to food or environmental allergies. You should look at the feet closely to make sure no obvious puncture wounds or abrasions are on the pads. If not, then pursue getting Bojangles treated for allergies. You can start with a hypoallergenic or limited ingredient dog food like Iams limited ingredient, California Natural by Natura or a prescription diet like Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Hydrolyzed protein. Food trials involve sticking with 1 hypoallergenic food for 3 months duration as a general rule to rule in/out food allergies. Here is a website link with more information. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2499 For now you can try soaking your pets feet in a warm Epsom Salt bath for 5-10 minutes daily and using baby or puppy wipes to wipe the feet every time he comes in from outside, to remove potential allergens. If this doesn't alleviate the irritation then it is best to get Bojangles seen by your vet for stronger medications to combat his suspected allergies.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It sounds like it could be some kind of irritation. Dogs obsessively lick their feet for a couple of reasons: atrophy (environmental allergies), food allergies, and flea allergy dermatitis. I would recommend taking Bojangles to your vet to have him examined for the cause of the excessive licking, and to prescribe the appropriate treatment. If it's fleas, he will need a flea treatment. Treatment for allergies can include steroids or food trials,

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    Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 12th, 2018

    I bet Mr. Archies's feet are itchy. This is a very common sign of allergies in dogs. A bacterial or yeast infection can cause itchy feet as well although these often develop secondary to allergies. When pups lick their feet the saliva stains the hair coat orange/rust colored over time. The easiest thing to do is wash his feet when he comes in from outside because sometimes it is a contact allergen. The next step would be a visit to your vet to discuss other medications that may help with his comfort. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 23rd, 2018

    Skin lesions can be caused by bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, dietary or environmental allergies or sensitivities, immune system disorders, or a combination of the above. Common causes of lesions on the foot are allergies and secondary bacterial or fungal infections. It is difficult to tell from the pictures if there is a small fluid-filled bump on the foot, or if it is inflamed because something may be stuck in it (like a splinter). I recommend making an appointment to have Tibet seen by your veterinarian to help determine the cause of the red areas you’ve noticed and to make sure they are treated appropriately. The vet may want to look at a sample from the area under the microscope to determine if there is an infection and to figure out what medication is appropriate for treatment. Use an e-collar (cone) to help prevent Tibet from licking his feet in the meantime. Wash his feet in warm water and dog shampoo, then rinse thoroughly after he comes in from a walk. You can also use dog boots for him to wear on his walks to help reduce contact with potential irritants. Make sure to take them off when he’s back inside. Good luck! I hope Tibet feels better soon.

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