1. Try a warm Epsom salt soak. Add a ¼ cup of Epsom salts to a litre of warm water, and immerse the paws one by one. Do this for up to 10 minutes per foot, up to 3 times a day.
Add a few cups of Epsom salts, stir them in, and have your dog stand in there for 15-20 minutes. This foot soak will encourage healing and drying out the inflamed, moist dermatitis lesions that can occur between the toes. Be sure to rinse well with clean water after the soak; don't leave the salt on the skin.
The Epsom Dip Method
If you just need to soak your dog's paws you only need a few inches of water. Add about 1 cup of Epsom salt per gallon of water. Use your hands or a large wooden spoon to stir the salt around so it dissolves. Put your dog in the Epsom salt bath and let him soak.
You can also use Epsom salt soaks on a smaller scale to soothe sore paws. Make a bowl of salt water and place your dog's paws in the water to soak for at least 10 minutes. You can also use terry cloths or sponges to make compresses to use on injured skin.
Once you've bathed your dog, thoroughly rinse him/her with clean water to ensure all the Epsom salt water is washed away. Epsom baths are great for those animals that have skin issues as they will help exfoliate and soothe the skin of your pet.
Don't use Epsom salts in a hot tub, whirlpool, or other tub with jets unless the manufacturer says it's OK. Keep the part of your body that hurts in the water for at least 12 minutes. Just relax.
For those who want to help with providing itch relief for a dog's itchy, inflamed skin, Epsom salt can be a great option. This product does a great job easing any burning or stinging that might be occurring alongside the itchiness. An Epsom salt bath for dogs can be a great place to start when addressing itchy skin.
Clean your dog's paws — For redness that may be caused by yeast infections or allergies, or for redness caused by an object that you easily removed, follow up by cleaning your dog's affected paw with a medicated shampoo and warm water.
If your pet is excessively licking or chewing at his paws, it is important to take him to the veterinarian. Pododermatitis is painful and may become debilitating to your pet. Pododermatitis (Interdigital Dermatitis) is the inflammation of the interdigital skin; the area of skin in between the toes and footpads.
Magnesium: Application of Epsom salts (hydrated magnesium sulfate) is an easy, inexpensive way to promote healthy pawpaw trees, as the addition of magnesium strengthens cell walls and improves uptake of other nutrients. To apply Epsom salts, sprinkle the powder around the base of the tree, then water deeply.
Signs of an infection in the paws include licking and chewing the paws, redness, swelling, pain, itching, and drainage. Typically, the skin between the toes and other skin folds is affected with itching, redness, and greasy discharge. Sometimes, brown discoloration of the nails.
Magnesium Sulfate (epsom salts) are also great for active, working dogs as it helps draw lactic acid from the body (which causes cramping and joint issues). Epsom salts also help skin conditions. Itchy, sensitive skin and rashes respond well to Epsom salts. They also help to soothe embedded or ripped nails.
Paws should be soaked three times a week at least. If more irritation, soak nightly. For dogs on-the-go, make paw soak solution in advance. Store solution in a small spray bottle and spritz on dog's paws after every visit outside.
Don't add too much epsom salts
Remember, while magnesium is a good mineral, too much of it can cause some of those unwanted side-effects like lethargy or muscle weakness.
Natural antiseptics include turmeric, coconut oil, aloe vera and witch hazel. For a spicy antiseptic concoction that will also help with inflammation—and prevent licking, because most dogs don't love the smell—mix turmeric from your spice cabinet with aloe vera in a 1:1 ratio and smooth it on the scrape.
Soaking your dog's paw in a solution of warm water and mild soap can help to clean and disinfect their paws. You can also use specialized paw-cleaning solutions or soak their paws in a mixture of warm water and Epsom salt to soothe and clean their paws.
"For a no-frills and cost-effective approach, a paper towel or washcloth soaked in warm water is a perfect way to clean your pet's feet after a walk," Adler says. "For extra dirty paws, you can use a dab of dog shampoo on the washcloth and make sure to wipe off thoroughly."
Perhaps the best natural remedy to soothe and efficiently clean your dog's paws is to give them a footbath. There are plenty of recipes on the web but one of the simplest, safest and most popular ones is to simply dissolve 1 cup of Epsom salts per gallon of warm water.
Dogs can have a red paw (or paws) for a variety of different reasons. Some dogs get red paw pads because of an injury, and some dogs get red paws because of health conditions like canine food allergies, fleas, contact dermatitis, parasites, secondary infections, and yeast infections.
Clean your dog's wound two to three times daily with salt water (see image above). Don't use anything else to clean the wound unless you have spoken to your vet - even veterinary antiseptics can slow down healing.
Fill a basin or foot spa with enough warm water to cover the feet up to the ankles. Add half or three-quarters of a cup of Epsom salt to the water. Place the feet in the soak for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Epsom Salt Blends Great For Dog Baths
This is an excellent choice for a first epsom salt dog bath as it features all-natural ingredients and only one essential oil. Deep Relaxation is comprised of USP grade epsom salt, fractionated MCT coconut oil, Vitamin E oil, Vitamin C crystals, and natural Lavender essential oil.