Paw Yeast Infections
Yeast infections can occur anywhere on your dog’s body; however, those moist dark spaces between their toes are a favorite target. Signs and symptoms of a yeast infection are:
- Chewing and licking at feet
- Stained hair on the feet from licking
- Yeasty smell … think cheese flavored popcorn
- Red swollen nail beds
- Greasy skin between toes
- Flaky or crusty skin on foot pad
- Paws warm to touch
- Thickened skin between toes and on paws
- Hair loss on feet
Treatment
When your vet looks at a skin scrape under the microscope, he/she will be able to determine if there is bacteria as well as fungus. It’s not uncommon for a yeast infection to open the door for bacteria. In this case, you may be given both oral and topical treatments.
Prevention
Keeping those dog paws clean and dry helps a tremendous amount. I bought a paw cleaner that has bristles in it and quite honestly, it tickles their feet … bristles removed though, it’s a handy little jug with a lid to keep by the door. A little Dawn, hydrogen peroxide, water solution and my soggy doggy towel and we’re set. A dog that’s prone to yeast infections should have his feet wiped dry after walks in damp grass, but also after a walk on a hot day because dogs sweat through their foot pads and that sweat will grow the yeast.
If your dog has reoccurring yeast infections, it’s time to discuss with a good vet what could be causing the problem.
Fall is Perfect for Hiking
With cooler temperatures and the fall color explosion right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to take your doodle on a day hike or two. Here are a few things to remember to make sure your doodle stays safe and healthy.
- Do not allow your dog off leash unless you know he/she will ignore every temptation and come to you when called. A good training tool is a coach style whistle to call your dog. It can be heard easier than your voice when competing with wind and rustling leaves.
- Be realistic about your dog’s fitness level and plan age appropriate hikes. An older dog and a puppy will tire faster and shouldn’t be pushed past their limit.
- Pack food/snack and water for your dog.
- Don’t allow your dog to drink from streams or ponds … think lepto and giardia. If they do, be sure to check with your vet to know what symptoms to watch for.
- Make sure your dog is current with all shots, especially rabies. Additionally, protection from fleas, ticks, and heartworm is recommended.
- I read that you should clean up after your dog and I do agree if he “goes” on the trail … but really, doesn’t a bear “go” in the woods?
Paws and Pawrents
Recently one family emailed a photo of their dog and asked if I had recent photos of the litter mates. On a whim, I added their photo to Facebook and asked for responses … well … that led to a fun flood of photos. I’m still catching up with posting those photos, and loving every one.
I decided to make it easier for our Old Mill families to share and created the Facebook group Paws and Pawrents. We invite all Old Mill families to join; however, it is a closed group for those that already have one of our puppies in their family. I hope you join in the fun, I love seeing the photos!