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Dog paw infection from allergies: How to treat and prevent flare-ups?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 9 years and 1 month old | 45 lbs

Hello, cytology shows cocci and eosinophils (white blood cells?) in the paws (Pic). She's on Cefpodoxine for 2 wks-- is that enough time to clear up the paw? Popliteal lymph nodes enlarged. Is it likely a secondary bacterial infection caused by allergies? If so, what can I do to prevent another flare up in the skin while trying to get the allergies under control? Thank you!

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1 Answer

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Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 1st, 2019

Some skin infections can take 3 weeks of antibiotics to clear. However, if its not gotten better, it may be a bit more complicated. As you mention, allergies may indeed be part of it. Eosinophils may indicate that there's an allergic component, so if you aren't addressing the allergies specifically. it may help to do so. Your vet may talk to you about trying some prednisone or apoquel to treat underlying allergies, and this may be very helpful. Weekly baths with a gentle non irritating shampoo may be helpful. I really like this one: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zymox-shampoo-with-vitamin-d3 Best of luck, thank you for using PetCoach!

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