my dog suffers with sore paws, i've tried so much but can't seem to get rid of it, please help. its so sad.

Question

my dog suffers with a form of (inter-digi) dermatitis betwen his toes. he is an old time bulldog (victorian bulldog). this results in lots of ulcers forming, swelling weeping and bleeding, making it very sore and uncomfortable for him to walk. i've tried bathing his feet in lots of different solutions but find nothing helps. i've been to the vets so many times with him but all they can do is give him antibiotics and say he may have to take them for the rest of his life (he's only 3). the vet has also said that they can give him steroids, but this is a last resort, and i don't really want him on steroids incase it alters his behaviour; i've seen what it can do to people. does any one have the magical answer or preferably a cure? has anybody got a dog that is suffering from the same condition, what did your vet say?
please help, he's my friend and it hurts to see him like this.

i changed my dogs food a while ago to james wellbeloved duck and rice complete food which is hypo allergenic, it has no gluten, soya or dairy and no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives, also no pork.
this improved the condition of his coat but has had no effect on the condition of his paws.

thanks for all your help and very useful answers, they're very much appreciated.

Answer 1

Steroids would be the treatment I would go for. Have you tried benadryl? Maybe an antihistamine would help.

And I would keep the area covered in hydrocortizone cream to help with the dermatitis.

Answer 2

Many types of Dermatitis can be elevated from the inside out. Feeding him a food without allergens like grains, chemicals and preservatives can really help. These added allergens in your pet's food could be hindering his problem. I don't know what you are feeding him but most pet foods contain these allergens.
I would seek a board certified Holistic Vet. Conventional Vets, like Conventional Doctors treat the symptoms and the not the cause. Holistic Vets take another approach and try to figure out the cause of the problem and then treat it to make the symptoms disappear. Since you have exhausted your options with regular vets give the holistic vets a try. Make sure the Holistic Vet is Board Certified in Canines and in Dermatitis or your particular dog's type of Dermatitis. For a totally awesome line of Holistic pet food and products go to http://www.Healthypetnet.com/happytails for a good holistic line of products and foods. Healthy Pet Net has a great support system and can offer assistance in your area of need. I hope this helps.
At 3 years old your dog should have his everyday filled with happiness not misery. I really hope he is okay.
Mostly Holistic vets are in larger cities. Good luck.
Email me if you can't find one near you, I might be able to help.
EDITED.... As good as some other products might be. I don't advise that you should change anything until you seek the advice of a Holistic Vet. First of all the vet will want to see the dog in As is and with whatever meds, food, supplements the dog is currently getting. The holistic vet will also have their own recomendations.....

Answer 3

Conditions like allergies can cause problems with paws. The rottie of a nurse I work with is on a couple of different types of med for what sounds like a similar problem to this - they're expensive but they work well.

This condition sounds like atopy - this is an allergic response seen on parts of the body not actually in contact with the allergen (i.e the cause may not be something your dog is actually walking on).

The steroids your vet is suggesting are not the ones you see cause problems in humans. They would not be anabolic steroids for muscle building, they would be catabolic steroids, used for their anti-inflammatory properties. They may cause increased eating and drinking but that is about it - these kinds of steroids do not cause behavioural changes and, used under veterinary supervision should not cause any further problems but could really help your dog.

Perhaps try a different vet, or ask your current one what he thinks the actual cause of the dermatitis is. If he doesn't know, and doesn't suggest tests to find out, definitely try a different vet!!

Chalice

Answer 4

dog suffers sore paws ve rid sad

Answer 5

have had him tested for allergies dogs can be sensitive to grass check the dog food again dogs are real sensitive to soy that would be my first step to take, dogs with allergies suffer from itchy feet have you tried soaking his feet in Epsom salts fill tub(cool water) enough to cover his feet put several cups of the salt in and stand in the tub with him for 10 min DONT LET HIM DRINK this will re leave the itch and hopefully help dry the sores good luck

Answer 6

awwwww, I am sorry to hear that your baby suffers so. Have you gone to another vet for a second opinion? Have you eliminated all the possibilities of allergies? He be have a contact reaction to chemicals in your carpet (if you have one). Also, dogs display allergic symptoms through their feet often, so it could be something in the air, or his diet.

mastiffs360.com

Answer 7

your best bet is probably to keep it moisturised (if the vet suggests) so that no cracking occurs and try to make sure he doesnt make it worse by licking it. Have you tried those pet shoes/socks? might make it a bit more comfortable.

Answer 8

Have you tried switching him to a non allergenic food?
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/