Best Allergy Medicine for Dogs Licking Paws: How to Stop the Itch and Soothe Your Dog

If your dog has been obsessively licking their paws, it can be a sign of an underlying allergy. This common behavior often signals that something is irritating your dog’s skin, whether it’s environmental, food-related, or due to a flea bite. While occasional licking is normal, constant licking can lead to sores, infections, and discomfort for your pet. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available to help stop this behavior and relieve your dog’s symptoms.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes of paw licking, discuss the best allergy medicine for dogs licking paws, and provide tips on how to manage your dog’s allergies for long-term relief. With the right approach, you can help your dog feel better and put an end to the licking habit.

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws?

Before diving into treatments, it’s important to understand why your dog might be licking their paws in the first place. Excessive licking is often a sign of discomfort or irritation, and for many dogs, it’s related to allergies. Common causes of paw licking include:

• Environmental Allergies: Dogs can be allergic to pollen, dust mites, mold, and other environmental allergens, especially during certain seasons. These allergens often cause itching and inflammation on the paws, leading to frequent licking.
• Food Allergies: Food sensitivities or allergies can also cause itching and irritation. Dogs with food allergies may develop itchy skin, including on their paws, and may lick as a way to relieve the discomfort.
• Flea Allergy Dermatitis: Flea bites can trigger an allergic reaction in some dogs, causing intense itching and irritation. Even a single flea bite can lead to a skin reaction that causes paw licking.
• Infections: In some cases, excessive licking can lead to bacterial or yeast infections on the paws, which only worsen the problem.

Regardless of the cause, finding the right allergy medicine for dogs licking paws is key to addressing the root issue and providing lasting relief.

Top 5 Best Allergy Medicines for Dogs Licking Paws

When it comes to treating allergies, there are several options available that can help reduce your dog’s symptoms and stop the licking. Here are the top five best allergy medicines that can effectively address paw licking in dogs:

1. Apoquel: Fast Allergy Relief

Apoquel is one of the most widely recommended prescription allergy medications for dogs. It works by targeting the specific pathways that cause itching and inflammation in your dog’s immune system, providing fast relief from allergic reactions.

• Key Benefits:
  • Provides fast-acting relief, often within 4 hours.
  • Safe for long-term use in dogs over 12 months old.
  • Specifically targets itching caused by environmental and food allergies.

Apoquel is an excellent option for dogs suffering from chronic allergies that result in paw licking and other symptoms like scratching and hair loss.

2. Cytopoint: Long-Lasting Injection

For dog owners looking for a long-lasting solution, Cytopoint is an injectable treatment that provides allergy relief for 4 to 8 weeks. This treatment works by blocking the proteins responsible for sending itch signals to the brain, reducing the urge to lick and scratch.

• Key Benefits:
  • Starts working within 24 hours.
  • Provides relief for up to 8 weeks per injection.
  • Safe for dogs of all ages, including puppies.

Cytopoint is ideal for dogs who may not tolerate oral medications well or for pet owners who prefer a long-term, low-maintenance solution.

3. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine): Over-the-Counter Option

Benadryl is a popular over-the-counter antihistamine that can be used to treat mild allergy symptoms in dogs, including paw licking. It works by blocking histamines, the chemicals released by the immune system during an allergic reaction.

• Key Benefits:
  • Provides relief from mild environmental and food allergies.
  • Affordable and easy to find.
  • Safe for most dogs when given in the proper dosage (always check with your vet first).

Benadryl is a great option for short-term relief, especially if your dog’s symptoms are mild and infrequent.

4. Zyrtec (Cetirizine): Non-Drowsy Antihistamine

Zyrtec is another antihistamine that is safe for dogs and can help alleviate itching caused by environmental allergies. Unlike Benadryl, Zyrtec is non-drowsy, making it a better option for dogs who need allergy relief without feeling sedated.

• Key Benefits:
  • Non-drowsy formula, ideal for active dogs.
  • Effective for treating seasonal and environmental allergies.
  • Available over the counter.

Zyrtec is a good choice for dogs who need ongoing allergy management without the sedative effects of other antihistamines.

5. Hydrocortisone Cream: Topical Itch Relief

For dogs with localized itching and irritation, a topical treatment like hydrocortisone cream can provide quick relief. Hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and soothes the skin, making it useful for treating itchy paws caused by allergies or minor skin conditions.

• Key Benefits:
  • Provides targeted relief for itchy, inflamed areas.
  • Available over the counter and easy to apply.
  • Can be used in combination with oral medications for more comprehensive treatment.

Topical treatments are great for addressing specific areas of irritation, like the paws, and can be part of a larger allergy management plan.

How to Choose the Best Allergy Medicine for Dogs Licking Paws

When selecting the best allergy medicine for your dog, it’s important to consider several factors, including the severity of their symptoms, the underlying cause of their allergies, and your dog’s overall health. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

• Consult Your Veterinarian: Always consult with your vet before starting any new medication, especially if your dog has a history of allergies or other health conditions. Your vet can help determine the best course of treatment and recommend the appropriate dosage.
• Identify the Cause of the Allergy: Understanding the root cause of your dog’s paw licking is key to choosing the right treatment. If it’s caused by environmental allergens, antihistamines like Benadryl or Zyrtec may be sufficient. For more severe allergies, a prescription medication like Apoquel or an injectable like Cytopoint may be necessary.
• Consider Long-Term Relief: If your dog’s allergies are chronic, long-term treatments like Apoquel or Cytopoint provide more consistent relief. These medications target the underlying immune response, offering more lasting protection from itching and irritation.

By working with your vet and considering your dog’s specific needs, you can find the best treatment plan to stop paw licking and manage their allergies effectively.

Other Tips to Help Dogs Stop Licking Their Paws

In addition to using allergy medications, there are other steps you can take to help stop your dog from licking their paws:

• Regular Paw Cleaning: Wipe your dog’s paws after walks, especially during allergy season, to remove allergens like pollen and grass that can cause irritation.
• Use Hypoallergenic Wipes: Hypoallergenic dog wipes can be used to clean your dog’s paws daily, reducing exposure to environmental allergens.
• Protect Your Dog’s Paws: Consider using dog boots or paw balm during walks to protect your dog’s paws from allergens and irritants. This is especially helpful during allergy season or in areas with harsh terrain.
• Switch to a Hypoallergenic Diet: If food allergies are the cause, switching to a hypoallergenic diet may help reduce itching and irritation. Your vet can help you identify potential food allergens and recommend a suitable diet for your dog.

By combining these tips with the right allergy medicine for dogs licking paws, you can help your pet find relief and prevent further irritation.

FAQs About Allergy Medicine for Dogs Licking Paws

How long does it take for allergy medicine to work in dogs?

• The time it takes for allergy medicine to work varies depending on the medication. Apoquel can start relieving itching within 4 hours, while Cytopoint may take 24 hours for full effect. Over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl usually provide relief within a few hours.

Can I give my dog Benadryl for paw licking?

• Yes, Benadryl can be used to treat mild allergies in dogs, including paw licking. However, always consult your vet for the correct dosage based on your dog’s weight and health.

Why does my dog keep licking their paws even after treatment?

• If your dog continues licking their paws after starting treatment, it could indicate that the underlying cause hasn’t been fully addressed, or your dog may have developed a secondary infection. Contact your vet for further evaluation.

Are there natural remedies for dogs licking their paws?

• Yes, some natural remedies, such as coconut oil or aloe vera, can soothe irritated skin. However, these should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, vet-recommended allergy treatments.

Should I worry if my dog is licking their paws occasionally?

• Occasional paw licking is normal for dogs, especially after walks. However, if it becomes excessive or is accompanied by redness, swelling, or hair loss, it’s time to consult your vet.