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Why is my Italian greyhound chewing the padding off his paw?

Rocket, My italian Grehound, is allergic to ALL types of grass...but lately he's been chewing and chewing the padding off his foot. Is there any sort of way for him to stop. I know taking him off the grass is the most appropriate answer...but we live on twelve acres in the middle of nowhere...so grass is inevitable.

Public Comments

1. If it's just one foot there may be an underlying condition causing irritation. Contact your vet. SmartPak Canine sells dog boots to help protect your dog's feet from all terrain.
2. I'm so sorry. I had a beagle allergic to grass, and I think that is the most difficult allergy to deal with. I mean, how do you avoid grass out in the country?!
3. My golden has the same problem. She chews not just her pads, but also the tops of her feet and in different spots on her legs. I got some cortizone spray for it, but it rarely helps. I think a supplement from the vet is in order.
4. keep the under pad fur short and dry
5. He is chewing because he is allergic and it hurts!!! Rather than wonder why he's chewing his pads off, how about getting him to the vet for allergy meds? Many IGs do well on Atopia for grass allergies (which is suprisingly common in IGs). If you refuse to put him on meds, try rinsing his feet thoroughly every half hour or so to remove the allergens as much as possible. Put baby socks on him when he's outside, or wrap his feet in vetwrap. Just make sure you remove whatever physical barrier you put on his feet every time he comes back in.