Cannot stop this foot chewing!

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My elderly mongrel chews his feet. He's been on Apoquel for a long time and that used to work but it's not doing anything at the minute for him.

He chews until they're bleeding every chance he gets. No fleas, and the vet couldn't see any mites or anything of that nature last time we went. He's very rarely left alone in a room (severe separation anxiety) but he does try and scurry off to chew his feet without people noticing. I'm at my wits end, I don't know how to help him. He's had steroids injections at the vets which seem to do nothing and 8mg of Apoquel a day for almost 18 months now.

Any suggestions? I'm without a car seat for part of today so I'll see if my new one turns up in time to visit the vets this afternoon. If not, I'll be phoning Monday. Just don't want to get there and then say there's nothing they can really do.

Can confirm- the most adorable old man puppy ever to live

Maybe I'll have to push more for food allergy testing!

He's on gastrointestinal wheat free food but intrigued a few of you have mentioned chicken. I'll have to ask the vet.

If it’s allergy related then cyclosporine (Atopica) was a miracle drug for my dear cat who nibbled at his paws to the point of making them bleed.

Just had a quick Google and it seems Apoquel is "better" in dogs, has fewer side effects. I'll check with the vet though in case there's something that might suit him

Chicken is a known allergen in dogs. Try a protein he hasn't had before.

Apoquel isn’t great. The gold standard diagnosis (from a vet dermatologist) is to feed a protein they haven’t had before (and only that) for a number of weeks to see if anything changes.
I would definitely start by cutting out chicken.

Our dog used to do this. Vet gave us Malaseb shampoo that we wash his feet in weekly (initially it's twice a week). It has stopped the gnawing. Apparently some dogs are very sensitive to the yeast that naturally occurs in feet/ears. Ours is also in apoquel but for seasonal allergies.

I never understand why vets seem to always recommend chicken & rice as a solution for things. I’ve found it’s the worst thing. My little old IBD sufferer was made much worse by it & one of my current little ones only needs the tiniest morsel & she has an upset system yet she can eat anything else .