Aw, poor fella. Allergies are just miserable for these kiddos. Their desire to get at their paws is analogous to humans having allergies, and feeling a desire to rub/itch their eyes/nose, to cough, or sneeze etc.
While socks and stuff can help w/ the consequences of the licking/chewing - it doesn't help w/ the misery behind the need/desire to do it.
I'd try to treat the symptom. I know he's getting his shots, but I'd get this fella on Atopica asap and keep him on it for the 4-6mths needed before you can evaluate the effectiveness of the shots (then, do the usual "Atopica wean"). If Atopica doesn't show relief w/in 3-4 weeks, I'd try steroids after that (alone). In addition, I'd probably use steroids to provide relief
while the Atopica is ramping up (Atopica must go thru a ramping up period).
While steroids may not be ideal (long term), they really do have a place (imo) when it comes to symptoms like this. Steroids can be great therapeutic agents, when used correctly.
