A couple of times now we've come back from a walk and my 8 month old puppy has been really distressed about having itchy feet. After we've been back for about 15-20mins he will start scrabbing then across the carpet and chewing them. He can't settle and keeps getting up and moving around and whining. This can go on for a couple of hours. It's not every walk, its happened maybe 4-5 times, often in new places. Has anyone else had this? I have tried washing his feet down and making sure they're dry. I check them over and there's never any cuts or anything in them. I wondered whether i could give him an antihistamine?
Where do you live? If it’s in a cold climate the salt used on the roads really dries out their pads and can cause a lot of grief. If it’s an extremely hot climate the asphalt can do the same, even blister and crack them. The same can also happen after walks on the beach and swims in the ocean. Just need a quick fresh water rinse.
I agree that with @Johnny Walker that "Where do you live?" is important. If it's winter for you, salt is a big culprit. If it's summer, maybe grass allergies? I don't know if that happens to Aust/NZ dogs, but I know my poor boy used to have itchies (especially his feet) like clockwork towards the end of each summer. It was a trip to the vet every year. If it's salt, you could try pad creme/wax to protect or boots (though I imagine those would be hard to get an 8 month old pup to put up with!). I never tried the pad creme but other Forum members have made some good recommendations and maybe can add them again here. I hope you find a solution, it sounds like he's having a tough time, poor baby.
Where do you walk your puppy? Do you know if there is contaminated soil? In my neighborhood there is a very nice area with bush and meadows. It looks lovely. The water purification tells another story. In winter the water won’t freeze. The water coming out of the drainpipe is yellow/greenish.... The soil has been contaminated with polluted port sludge. They have been investigating the soil if it was possible to build houses on it. Every time a report comes back with still contamination. And that for over more then 40 years... Our vet sees a lot of itchy, broken feet from dogs. There are some who doesn’t have problems but several dogs have such terrible broken feet that needed urgent attention! I agree with @Emily_BabbelHund who also gave you excellent advise! So it really is important to know where you walk the dog.
I use Musher's Secret as a barrier on my dogs' paws. It makes them lovely and soft and protects them from the salt on the roads. I apply it about once a week and it lasts well.
