Why does my dog have red splotches on his paws and what helps?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year old | 40 lbs
My boxer mix has red splotches on his feet - his "toes" and "ankles" in particular, not the bottoms of his feet. This started about a week after we brought him home. Some days there is no redness and other days it looks painful but he gives no indication that it hurts or itches. What can I do to calm his skin?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 12th, 2017
It looks like he could have an allergic dermatitis and a possibly an infection. You could soak his paws in a warm Epsom salt solution and see if that helps. Otherwise, he should be examined by a vet for treatment. He might need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, and/or a corticosteroid to treat.
5Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 7th, 2018
It could be allergies (fleas, food, environmental/atopy), infection (bacterial or fungal), autoimmune, among a few others. I would recommend that you have Cali examined by a vet to see what could be the cause. The vet may collect a small sample for evaluation under a microscope. Then they can recommend and appropriate treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 15th, 2017
I recommend you get her assessed for demodex mites, yeast overgrowth or a bacterial infection as soon as possible as the earlier this is treated, the easier it will be to resolve. Oral or spit on medications and shampoos may be required depending on the results of the exam. If no infectious causes are detected, diet change may be recommended
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 14th, 2016
He could have a bacterial skin infection, ringworm, or demodex. Have your vet look at the spot to determine the cause. Your vet can do a skin scrape or culture to help diagnose and then prescribe medications to treat. If you can't take him to a vet than you could soak his paw in an warm Epsom salt solution and see if that helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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