Dog paws are the unsung heroes of your pet’s mobility, absorbing shock and pressure from every step, walk, and run. Given their crucial role, it’s no surprise that paws are susceptible to injuries and infections. Integrating regular dog paw care into your routine is vital for your dog’s well-being. A simple inspection of the spaces between your dog’s toes and their paw pads after outdoor activities, or as part of their regular grooming, can help maintain healthy paws. This proactive approach can prevent discomfort and potential health issues, ensuring your dog can continue to explore the world with happy, healthy feet.
Common Culprits Behind Unhealthy Dog Paws
When a dog’s paws aren’t in good condition, it can lead to pain and discomfort for your pet, and may even signal underlying health concerns. Understanding the common causes of paw problems is the first step in prevention and treatment. These include:
- Bacterial infections
- Yeast infections
- Flaking or dandruff
- Hot spots
- Burns, often from hot pavement
- Paw pad injuries
- Irritation from snow and ice melting agents
- Parasitic infestations such as ticks and parasites
- Blisters and sores
- Cysts or growths
- Allergies
- Fungal infections like ringworm
- Insect bites
- Foreign objects lodged in the paw
- Mites
- Overgrown or injured toenails
Decoding Your Dog’s Paw Licking and Chewing Behavior
Excessive licking and chewing of the paws is a common indicator of an underlying issue. While dogs do groom themselves, persistent paw attention can signal a problem such as a dog paw infection, burns, an injury, or an insect bite. If you observe your dog licking their paws more than usual, it’s time for a closer examination or a consultation with your veterinarian.
Addressing Dry, Cracked Dog Paw Pads
A dog’s paw pads are naturally tough to provide traction for quick turns, sprints, and stops. However, when pads become dry and cracked, they are more likely to collect dirt and debris, potentially leading to further injury. To combat this, use a specialized dog paw cream designed for moisturizing. Avoid using human hand moisturizers, as these can over-soften the pads, making them more vulnerable to damage.
Recognizing the Signs of a Dog Paw Pad Injury
Typical paw injuries can manifest as abrasions, lacerations, punctures, burns, blisters, dryness, cracking, or the presence of foreign objects lodged between the toes. Keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Bleeding paws
- Limping
- Holding an injured paw off the ground
- Discoloration of the pad (though this can be hard to detect on dark-pigmented paws)
- Excessive licking and chewing of the paw
If your dog exhibits any of these signs, it’s crucial to identify the cause. Exercise extreme caution when handling an injured dog, as even the gentlest can bite when in pain or feeling threatened. Using a muzzle can help ensure your safety during examination and treatment.
Treating Dog Paw Injuries Effectively
Dog paw pads are rich in blood vessels, meaning even minor cuts can appear to bleed significantly. While bleeding usually subsides after treatment, persistent bleeding warrants a call to your vet. For abrasions and small cuts, clean the wound with an antibacterial wash (a diluted chlorhexidine solution works well) and apply a light bandage. To prevent your dog from interfering with the healing process, an Elizabethan collar can be effective. Since dogs sweat through their paw pads, bandages can become moist, hindering healing and increasing infection risk. Therefore, change the bandage every two to three days. If the wound doesn’t heal within a few days, consult your veterinarian. For deep lacerations, stitches may be required, along with bandaging and possibly a splint. A splint is often necessary because the pad can spread under your dog’s weight with each step, potentially reopening the wound.
Preventing Burns, Blisters, and Red Paws: Be mindful of hot surfaces like pavement or sand, which can easily burn and blister your dog’s feet. Look for loose flaps on the pad or red, ulcerated patches where the pad has detached. Apply an antibacterial wash and bandage the paw until it heals. If a flap is present, it will typically detach on its own, or your vet can trim it.
Foreign Object Checks: Regularly inspect between your dog’s toes for foreign objects such as burrs, small stones, glass fragments, dried mud, or matted fur. These can usually be removed with tweezers, and matted fur can be carefully trimmed.
When a Vet Visit is Necessary for Paw Injuries
It’s always best to contact your veterinarian if you are:
- Uncertain about the cause of the injury.
- Not confident in your ability to treat the injury yourself.
- Observing that the wound is not healing.
- Noticing swelling in your dog’s paw.
Your vet can provide guidance for home care or recommend an in-clinic visit.
Proactive Steps for Preventing Unhealthy Dog Paws
While accidents can happen, you can significantly reduce the risk of paw pad injuries by maintaining a safe environment. Keep your home and yard free of sharp objects and rough debris. When outdoors, be vigilant about hazards like broken glass, excessive gravel, hot pavements in summer, and road salt in winter. A good rule of thumb is to consider if you would be comfortable walking barefoot on a surface; if not, it’s likely unsuitable for your dog’s paws as well.
