Amy Thompson
Interdigital cysts are a common issue that can cause significant discomfort for your pup. These painful, fleshy irritations often show up between a dog’s toes, leading to excessive paw licking, redness, and inflammation.
It might be easy to dismiss these symptoms as a passing irritation ... but interdigital cysts need attention to prevent further complications.
The good news is many cases of interdigital cysts can be treated at home with natural remedies. Understanding what these cysts are, the symptoms to look out for, and how certain breeds are more prone to them can help you take care of the issue before it becomes more serious. Let's start by understanding what these cysts are and how they form.
What Are Interdigital Cysts In Dogs?
Interdigital cysts are also known as interdigital furuncles or follicular pododermatitis. They're painful, fleshy abscesses that develop between a dog’s toes, often resulting from bacterial infections.
These cysts form when hair follicles or foreign materials like dirt or debris get trapped between the toes, causing inflammation and irritation. Once infected, these areas can become swollen and tender, making it uncomfortable for your dog to walk or bear weight on the affected paw.
Common signs of interdigital cysts include:
- Visible redness
- Swelling
-
Bumpy welts in the webbing between the toes
- Your dog may also begin obsessively licking or chewing her paws, and in some cases, the cysts can ulcerate or leak pus.
Breeds Prone to Interdigital Cysts
Certain breeds are more susceptible to developing interdigital cysts due to the structure of their paws or genetic factors.
Breeds like the Chinese Shar-Pei, Boxers, Bulldogs, and Bull Terriers tend to have shorter fur with bristly hair on their feet, making them more prone to cysts.
Dogs with broad paws, such as Mastiffs, Basset Hounds, and Labrador Retrievers, are also at a higher risk.
Beyond genetics, dogs with health issues like obesity, allergies, or thyroid problems are more likely to develop interdigital cysts. The added pressure from excess weight can strain the paws, while allergies and skin conditions can lead to persistent paw licking, increasing the chances of a dog developing interdigital cysts or recurrent skin infections.
Causes Of Interdigital Cysts In Dogs
One of the most common causes of interdigital cysts is excessive licking. When a dog persistently licks at the webbing between her toes, it can push hair follicles deeper into the skin. This repeated friction and pressure can damage the follicles, causing them to rupture and leading to inflammation. The result is often the formation of a cyst, as the body responds to the irritation by creating a fleshy growth that can become infected over time.
In many cases, licking starts due to an underlying irritation like dry skin or minor injury, but the more a dog licks, the worse the problem gets. The ingrown hairs or damaged follicles get trapped under the skin, causing painful cysts that can be hard to treat once they take hold.
Beyond excessive licking, several other factors can contribute to the development of interdigital cysts. Foreign bodies, such as dirt, grass seeds, or small pebbles, can get lodged in the webbing between a dog's toes, causing irritation and cyst formation.
Environmental and food allergies are also common triggers. Allergies often lead to itchy skin, which prompts the dog to lick or chew, setting off a chain reaction that leads to cysts.
Yeast infections, mites, and poor foot conformation are additional culprits. Yeast thrives in warm, moist areas, making the space between your dog’s toes a prime location for infection. Mites, particularly demodex mites, can also cause irritation and lead to cysts.
Dogs with structural foot issues, such as splayed or flat feet, are more prone to developing cysts due to the increased pressure on their toes.
Veterinary Treatment Options For Interdigital Cysts
If you're unsure whether your dog is developing interdigital cysts, you could always ask your vet. Vets can also help get your dog's interdigital cysts treated.
When a veterinarian diagnoses interdigital cysts, they'll often recommend one of the following three treatments:
Medications
When diagnosed with interdigital cysts, veterinarians often prescribe antibiotics, steroids, topical therapy, or treatments for mites as the first line of defense.
These medications may provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation or clearing up an infection, but they're not always the best long-term solution.
Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat. Additionally, antibiotics and steroids can disrupt your dog's skin and gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in their overall immune system health. Destroying the beneficial bacteria on the skin can actually make your dog more susceptible to future infections and other kinds of underlying disease.
Surgical Options
In more severe cases, veterinarians may recommend procedures like a skin biopsy or a surgery to remove the cyst. While this approach can be effective in removing the immediate problem, surgery comes with its own set of risks.
Surgical removal of cysts can sometimes lead to orthopedic issues in the paws, especially if the procedure alters the foot's structure or affects weight distribution.
It’s also important to note that attempting to pop or remove a cyst at home is not recommended, as it can cause further pain, infection, or complications.
Laser Therapy
A less invasive option is laser therapy, specifically the use of CO2 lasers to vaporize the cyst tissue. This method offers a quicker recovery time and is less likely to alter your dog's paw structure compared to surgery.
However, laser surgery treatments often require multiple sessions to be fully effective. While it's a more advanced option, it's generally considered safer and less traumatic for your dog than traditional surgery.
3 Ways To Heal Interdigital Cysts At Home
Luckily ou can heal interdigital cysts without relying on harsh medications.
As with most of your dog's injuries, the key is to clear the infection and promote proper wound healing.
Here's are three options you can use to heal interdigital cysts in dogs at home:
1. Cleanse And Detox
Epsom Salt Soak
Soaking your dog’s paws in Epsom salts can help to draw out infection and reduce swelling. Epsom salts, made up of magnesium and sulfate, are known for their detoxifying properties, and they can ease pain and inflammation when dissolved in warm water.
Soaking your dog's paws for about 10 minutes a few times a week will help open the pores, draw out impurities, and promote healing of interdigital cysts.
Antibacterial Shampoo And Essential Oils
Using a natural, organic shampoo combined with essential oils like garlic, oregano, or myrrh can provide an antibacterial cleanse that helps fight infection. These oils are powerful antimicrobial agents, but be cautious and only use small amounts—just 1-2 drops mixed with shampoo is enough.
Essential oils like oregano are strong and can irritate your dog’s skin if overused, so always ensure they are diluted properly.
Homemade Foot Powder
After cleansing, you can apply a homemade foot powder to dry out the cyst and remove toxins.
Bentonite clay is an excellent base for foot powder due to its ability to pull toxins from the skin. Mixing it with a drop of essential oil, like myrrh or clove, enhances its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Lightly dust the powder between your dog’s toes to help keep the area dry and free from infection.
2. Paw Balms And Butters
Natural Ingredients
Paw balms and butters made from natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil can moisturize dry, cracked paws while also providing healing and antibacterial protection. These balms form a barrier on your dog’s paws, protecting them from further irritation and aiding the healing process. Essential oils like lavender or chamomile can be added to promote soothing and quicker healing.
DIY Paw Balm Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe to make your own paw balm: melt 8 tsp of beeswax with 4 tbsp each of coconut oil, olive oil, and shea butter. Stir in 2 tsp of vitamin E oil and a few drops of dog-safe essential oils, like lavender or chamomile. Pour the mixture into small containers and allow it to cool before applying.
To use, massage a small amount of balm into your dog’s paws, focusing on the affected area, and try to keep them from licking it for at least 15 minutes.
3. Footbaths
ACV Soak
An apple cider vinegar (ACV) soak is an excellent way to disinfect and soothe your dog’s paws. ACV is a potent antimicrobial that can help control bacteria, yeast, and other microbes that may be aggravating the cysts.
Once a week, soak your dog’s paws in a mixture of 1 cup of organic ACV and warm water for 30 seconds, then dry thoroughly and apply a foot powder or balm for added protection.
Iodine And Baking Soda Rinses
Iodine and baking soda rinses are natural ways to cleanse the paws and reduce inflammation. Iodine has excellent disinfecting properties, and a soak with just a small amount (enough to tint the water to a light tea color) will help remove bacteria from the paw pads.
Baking soda, on the other hand, is great for soothing irritated skin and removing allergens that may be causing your dog to lick or chew their feet.
Both options are safe for frequent use and can help reduce the severity of interdigital cysts.
Managing Chronic Or Recurrent Cysts
If your dog consistently develops interdigital cysts, there could be deeper underlying issues contributing to the problem.
Conditions like allergies (food or environmental), obesity, and poor foot conformation are often linked to chronic cyst development. Addressing these issues may involve changes to your dog’s diet, incorporating weight management strategies, or exploring ways to reduce allergens in their environment.
While home remedies can be effective, if your dog’s interdigital cysts persist or frequently return, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian.
Recurrent cysts can sometimes indicate an underlying condition that needs more targeted treatment, such as allergies, infections, or even structural issues with your dog’s paws.
A vet can offer additional diagnostic tests and treatment options if natural remedies aren’t resolving the issue.
FAQ
How do you treat an interdigital cyst on a dog? To treat interdigital cysts, start by using natural remedies like Epsom salt soaks, antibacterial shampoos, and paw balms to reduce inflammation and fight infection. If the cyst worsens or leads to a secondary infection, it's important to consult a vet for a more thorough evaluation.
Will interdigital cysts go away on their own? Interdigital cysts often don't go away on their own and may require treatment to prevent complications like a skin infection or more chronic recurrent lesions. Without proper care, the cysts may persist and even worsen.
How can I treat my dog's cyst at home? You can treat your dog's cyst at home by soaking the affected paw in Epsom salts, cleansing with natural shampoos, and applying paw balms to soothe the area. For persistent cysts, it’s important to rule out underlying causes like canine atopic dermatitis or environmental allergies.
Does Epsom salt help an interdigital cyst? Yes, soaking your dog's paw in Epsom salt helps to draw out infection and reduce swelling in an interdigital cyst. It’s a natural and effective remedy to support healing and prevent further irritation.
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