Doggie Interdigital Dermatitis/Allergies?

Question
Hi Dawn,

I was wondering if you could help me?  I recently found out my scottish terrier (2.5 yrs) has interdigital dermatitis. It has happened in the last 2 summer months, which leads me to believe he is allergic to something.  I failed to give him his Sentenel this year.  Do you think this could have been prevented if he was on this flea/mite control medication?  My vet prescribed antiinflamatories and antibiotics. He has been on it for the past month and seems to have been clearing up well. However, now that he is all finished the medication its happening again.  Its getting pretty expensive and I cant afford to get any more medication right now.  He is continually chewing on his paws.  So I have a cone on his head the majority of the time which I feel really awful about but also feel is necessary for his recovery. As well, I feel he still needs some sort of treatment to relieve his itch.  He finds it difficult to walk and they are swollen from him chewing on them.  Should I avoid walking him on grasses. Would that possibly be affecting his paws?  I was thinking of getting him a topical spray to help ease the pain but do you suggest he be medicated orally for this?  I also have allergies pretty bad as well, which I developed in the last few years.  I am hesitant to medicate Scottie but if I have to, do you think it would be alright for him to take my allergy medication?  It works for me, maybe it will work for him.  Im just so concerned and I dont feel like my vet is really helping. If you have any suggestions from your experience I would greatly appreciate it.

Sincerely,

Nicki

Answer
Hi Nicki,  First don't give him your allergy medication (except Benadryl) as it can be too strong for him.  It is a very good possiblity he is allergic to grass.  I would use booties for him so that he isn't walking directly on grass.  Try children's benadryl for his itching.  It might work well for you.  Also, don't let him chew on his feet as it will aggravate the itching more.  Hope this helps,

Dawn