Yorkie skin problems

Question
My 11 yr old yorkie just started in the last 2 wks biting her leg and chewing her paws.  I had just had her groomed and it seems to have gotten worse. She never had problems before - I last took her in June.  Today I noticed the little leg is getting bare and both paws are getting bare.  Her eyes seem swollen and she had bare spots on her side with bumps.  I felt bumps in other spots but the hair is still there.  She's eating okay. Doesn't eat as much as before.  Is still active just not as much as before.  I have made an appt. at the local vet but can't get in until Thursday.  I'm getting very worried.

Answer
Biting and chewing the paws is typical of allergies. In an older dog this may be a food allergy.  Many dogs that lick their paws have a yeast infection between their toes.  Your vet may want to try some steroids and if they work to relieve the itching then that may indicate a grass/mold allergy. The bumps are often a bacterial skin infection, which often accompanies biting and chewing. Antibiotics may be needed to treat the infection.