Bulldog Paws

[Jenn]

I have an English Bulldog - she has been licking her paws lately. The vet said that she might be allergic to Febreeze or the grass - I just got her a few days ago and am not sure but am wondering what else is a possibility that she could be allergic to. I am wanting to rule out whatever it is...

[adora's mom]

Hi Jenn,

What kind of food is she on? I have heard of itchy paws being associated with corn and/or wheat allergies...

[evangelie]

I think the licking might be from the dog food. We had the same problem with my dal. Dals are prone to skin problems, but we found out from the vet it was probably the food. At the time we were feeding him science diet and then we switched to royal canine. He was fine after that. So check your food, it could save you a vet bill.

[Jenn]

Right now she is on IAMS Adult Formula. I just got her on Saturday and this is what her previous owner was feeding her. He never mentioned her having a problem which is why I just figured it was something around my house.

[Borgan]

Process of elimination is really the only way to determine the allergy.

I would use all-natural cleaning products, especially on the floor, vaccuum & mop like crazy (could be a dust mite thing), clean the dogs bedding regularly, wipe its paws with baby wipes when it comes in from outside (get in between the toes), and put the dog on a raw chicken diet (pre-packaged and hormone-free). Some dogs are more sensitive to beef and lamb.

Feeding your dog dry food is like you eating Mr. Noodles everyday.

[Jenn]

I have tried feeing her canned dog food - chicken flavored - I have put chicken broth over her food (her previous owner said he did this). She just came out of surgery a few days ago and hasn't been licking her paws as much - now we're just having a hard time getting her to eat...guess it's always something :)

[Lisa]

Hi Jen ... I'm new to the board but not new to Bulldogs, particularly English Bulldogs.

Have you noticed anything between you dogs digits? Interdigital cysts are quite common with English Bulldogs.

Dogs will initially start (before the cysts forms) licking and mouthing their paws before the cyst erupts.

If it is cysts, I recommend a trip to the vet but ... you could also try a home remedy that has worked for us about 8-10 times.

It sounds bizarre but you could soak your dogs paw in “Massengil Douche” but it HAS to be "country flower scent." I KNOW I KNOW… it sounds ridiculous :lol: but trust me, and the MANY MANY bully owners I know – it works more often then it doesn’t.

Soak for 20 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water and thoroughly dry the area.

(Don’t let the dog lick the douche solution – they LIKE the taste … I remember quickly gabbing a towel about 20 feet away from my English Bully and I barley got back in time to scoop the bowl away before he started gulping it!!! :eek:

Anyway, don’t know if cysts are what your guy has but hopefully, if it is, the Massengil will work for you.

Good luck and keep us posted!