My dog keeps licking his paws raw and is now limping. What's wrong?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 10 months old | 35.27 lbs
Hello, My nearly 2 year old cockapoo began chewing and licking his paws obsessively, especially at night. We couldn't see anything obvious that was irritating him. We took him to the vets and were told it may by a pollen allergy and just to wipe him down after walks. Since that appointment he's continued to lick his paws and he's now ended up with red sore looking patches on all of his paws. They didn't seem to bother him until yesterday on his walk he began to limp on one of his back legs.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 22nd, 2019
This sounds like pododermatitis. ( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pododermatitis-in-dogs ) The first thing you need to do is stop him from licking. No matter what you use to treat him with, this will not resolve as long as he continues licking. You will need to get him an Elizabethan (cone) collar until the feet are healed. I suggest you try these medicated wipes. If no improvement after treating for 10 days or so then he needs to go back to the vet for some testing. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-5393-douxo-chlorhexidine-3-ps-pads-for-dogs-and-cats-30.aspx?SearchTerm=duoxo%20pad+Auto )
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 21st, 2019
Hello. It sounds like Cookie may have a case of pododermatitis or an interdigital cyst. You can soak the foot in warm water with Epsom salts & betadine added ( both available at any pharmacy ). Do this for at least 10 minute twice a day. Dry the foot after each treatment. If the foot does not seem to be healing in a few days, please consider seeing your vet. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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