Tips to Cure Canine Interdigital Dermatitis

1 Curing Canine Interdigital Dermatitis

I. Canine Interdigital Dermatitis

Interdigital dermatitis, also called pododermatitis, is skin inflammation between the toes. Early infection shows a small red grain on the paw; if not handled it grows, some with pus and blood, or obvious swelling. Some dogs, from pain and swelling, dare not put the injured paw down, showing a limp.

Some dogs, when first infected, get red or dark paw fur; if not found and treated, it gradually develops into interdigital dermatitis. Severe cases may become interdigital cysts, which if they progress may cause sepsis.

II. Causes of Canine Interdigital Dermatitis

1. In a healthy dog, the skin protects well and resists infection. But if the paw pads stay damp, the skin’s surface resistance drops.

2. If the dog is punctured by sharp branches, gravel etc. while walking, infection easily follows.

3. Also, overly long nails cause fungal infection, damaging the interdigital skin, inflaming and even festering.

4. Owners had best not keep the dog in a cage long-term, especially one without a pad; the toes caught in the bars for long periods easily cause interdigital skin infection.

III. How to Prevent and Treat Canine Interdigital Dermatitis

The most essential condition to prevent it is keeping the toes dry.

1. After bathing or washing the dog, thoroughly dry the fur, especially between the toes; don’t let the dog rest in the bed while fur is half-wet, as that keeps it damp and warm—bacteria and fungi love this.

2. Owners should trim paw fur and nails regularly, avoiding overgrowth.

3. Check the paw pads weekly; if there is a foreign object, clean it promptly and disinfect with hydrogen peroxide.

4. Keep the home clean and dry.

5. If the dog is caged, use a playpen instead of a cage.

6. When taking the dog out, you can put protective shoes on it.

Tip: Interdigital dermatitis is not hard to cure—keep cleaning, disinfecting and medicating daily until fully healed before stopping. As for medicine, we recommend Chuangdet, because it is gentle and safe even if licked, and during this period owners can supplement vitamin A and E to boost skin resistance.