I noticed my 12 month Rhodesian Ridgeback (Blaze) was licking one of his back paws frantically a few days ago . At first it looked like he was giving it a good clean - but I've had a look between his toes and the skin (not pads) is very red and inflammed and a bit ousy. I coudln't see any cuts and I've been applying Tea Tree and Lavender Cream to sooth and clean the area. Blaze isn't limping and most of the time seems fine, but every now and then he seems very uncomfortable with it when sitting down. Blaze has reacted to insect bites in this dry weather ( so perhaps he has been bitten) - to be honest the vet hasn't really been that helpful - they tend not to examine Blaze , but give us medication to administer. I think he has had too much of the anti-biotics of late and that it's hindered his own immunity.

Any recomendations on how to boost his immunity more naturally - I'm trying garlic tablets at the moment.

Also any clues on what might have cause irritation on his paws like this - and any tips for treating this.

Could be berry bugs/harvest mites - if so, Frontline will kill them but you could try having a look at his feet yourself. The mites are only just visable to the human eye and are orange.

Alternatively, our family dog used to do this and Im positive it was a food allergy.

Or an even better option, change vets!! :)

It could be a grass seed so will need to be taken to a vet that will check him as these can work there way up the body.

Thanks for the advice - I 'll go to the vets with these questions in mind and let you know how I get on.

The dry weather has been great lately as we've had some great walks, but it can be quite tough on the dogs with heat, dust, midges, mites, ticks and the like - I even read about adder's today too!

Nikki

Try to soak it in salt water

Thanks for the advice - I managed to get in at the vets this evening , ( I insisted they examine the foot) . They think it is a localised skin problem and perscribed antibiotics and a disinfectant soak.

Nikki

well thats better than a grass seed, hope he get better soon.

If that doesn't work, try a salt water soak, or tea bag soak.

Must be really annoying the dog...hope you get on ok.

Good luck

Lisa