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My dog has red, raw paws and spots. What can I do before the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 9 months old | 65 lbs

My dogs paws are red and raw from him licking them. He also has chicken pox like spots on his belly. Some of the spots are scabby. We did put fertilizer on our yard yesterday, but I don't think that is what caused his irritation. He has no history of skin issues. Is there something I could try at home before I take him to my vet?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on June 28th, 2018

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!

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 17th, 2019

    Allergies to the environment and food along with other issues such as infections/bacteria/yeast of the skin, or even issues with the anal glands can also cause itching at the tail base or of the paws. It is a good idea to bring Spike into your vet for an exam to check the area and rule out these additional causes if he is already on a parasite treatment. Until you can get to the vet, placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar on him to stop him from licking can help reduce some of the irritation and itch.

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