My mom's dog, an 8 years old Coton de Tuléar named Henri was seen by an "in and out" vet, a shot clinic basically. When the vet asked whether she has any health concerns besides shots, she replied by letting him know he chewed on his feet, his back feet were red in color and she'd suspected a grass allergy. The vet gave her a spray (Allercain with Bittran) for topical allergies and a bitter taste to eliminate chewing, asked her about her food (already feeding a limited ingredient diet- so no change necessary), suggested adding salmon oil to his food daily and giving him a half of a Zyrtec pill daily, hidden in a pill pocket or treat.
He's been on this recommended combination for a month with no change, and she said it actually appears worse. His foot is now balding in some places, still red, inflamed and chewing has not stopped. It's especially darker red in between his toes, which suggests to me he has yeast on his feet.
I have experience with AND know you can use Monistat on yeast infections in dogs' ears BUT dogs can't chew on their ears. Maybe that's why it's safe?
Does anyone know if it is safe to put Monistat on a place that may end up being licked? There's a high probability he will continue chewing until it clears up. If he can't be treated with Monistat or an athlete foot cream, she knows he will have to return to the vet (non-clinic), but was hoping to try something more affordable, without being charged for "extras". She also mentioned using lemon juice, that it's a natural antifungal and would be sour in taste to keep him from chewing, but I fear it would sting pretty bad any areas he's chewed raw.
If anyone has experience with this, stories of experience included with answers are appreciated.
If it helps, I'll have her send me pics of his feet to share with the Pets Community. Thanks in advance!
I should also add the vet did not perform a physical examination and my mom said he didn't thoroughly examine the dog's foot (guess it wasn't part of the package - not sure), and he has no fleas, no hair loss nor redness anywhere except just back feet and one is worse than the other.