Baking Soda and Epsom Salt Paw Soaks

Oct 19, 2025
3 min read

Having just gone through a recent yeast flare with my boy Remus, and having read a lot over the years about the health benefits of Epsom salts and baking soda, I decided to try it first hand and see if it would help my boy and give him some relief from his red and irritated paws..

Baking soda is different to Epsom Salt baths, and the two things are used to treat different conditions.

Baking soda baths are more commonly used for skin issues, whereas Epsom salt baths treat health conditions like:

*Circulatory issues

*Blood pressure

*Nerve function

The two products combined can be used as a detox; this really interested me, and this is why I decided to give it a go.

Baking soda has cleansing and detoxifying properties that may help to purify and boost immunity; it can also can also relieve the symptoms of topical yeast such as:

*Itching

*Burnin

*Swelling

In a 2014 study it was found that it killed Candida cells that lead to yeast infections, and it also has been found to have anti fungal effects

Before his first foot soak the underneath of all the pads on his paws were very red, and he had the start of interdigital cysts in between the webbing of his toes. He was constantly licking his feet trying to relieve the irritation, and he struggled to settle.

Fast forward to today and his feet look amazing! They are back to a normal colour between his pads, the webbing between his toes looks almost normal with no swelling, just still a little pink between two toes, but I’m so happy with the results

I do recommend that you do a patch test before using it on your dog. Make a paste and apply a small amount to the inside of your dogs leg then rinse off and wait for 24 hours before doing the foot soaks

Also consult your vet if your dog is:

*Pregnant

*has diabetes

*has any open wounds or serious infections

How to do the foot soak.

Note: I always make sure Remus is offered water before and after a bath as it does seem to make him thirsty.

I added 2 cups of baking soda and 2 cups of Epsom salts to running water and swished it around until it dissolves. The water should be comfortably warm but not too hot. Hot water can remove moisture, but using lukewarm water will help your dogs skin to absorb moisture. You also don’t want your dog to overheat.

Fill the bath with enough tepid water to cover your dogs paws. Rinse with fresh water afterwards as this helps to get rid of toxins and residue, and lastly towel dry.

I started with a soak morning and night. Now I’m doing just one soak in the evening as he’s doing so well. Try to keep your dog standing in the soak for 10 minutes, my boy did it quite happily with some yummy treats.

Last night Remus was so relaxed that he stayed in for 20 minutes, with his head resting on my hand. Don’t be surprised if your dog is relaxed and sleepy afterwards.

We must remember that all dogs are different and respond differently to treatments but baking soda and Epsom salts are affordable and readily available, and it can really help relieve your dogs symptoms from uncomfortable skin conditions.

The only other product I’ve used is green clay which I’ve applied after his paws have dried.