My dog won't stop scratching and licking paws. What's the problem?

Question

Hi I Have a pug- male - that is about 5 years old. He keeps on scratching. I took him to the vet and he was prescribe a cortisone. I believe that in the long run this is not good for them. He was placed on vet food for this problem but it did not make any difference. What can the problem be? He does not have fleas or a dry skin. He also licks his paws. Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | unneutered | 26 lbs

Dr. Elizabeth · Accepted Answer

You are correct that long term steroid use is not generally good for the body. The four main reasons for continued itching are allergies to fleas, allergies to something in the environment, food allergy or endocrine disease. Each one of these problems is detected and addressed differently and I recommend to discuss with your veterinarian which one to start hunting down first. Parasites are often ruled out with an oral medication like Simparica. Food allergy is best ruled out with a diet trial using a hydrolyzed protein. Endocrine diseases are detected with blood work. Environmental allergies are a little more difficult to detect but a response to therapy or a blood test can give an indication. Once you figure out and address the underlying cause, the itching should not come back. There are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they may not address the underlying cause. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing his diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. Also protect the area from trauma by having Nunu wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Regarding the diet, a hydrolyzed protein diet is best and I recommend Royal Canin Ultamino. You also need to be sure to conduct a proper food trial to see if it helps. He can only eat this diet and not treats or ANYTHING else for 12 weeks to see if it help. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

My dog won't stop scratching and licking paws. What's the problem?

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