Dog Paw Pad Problems – Complete Guide [2021]
This is a complete guide for dog paw problems.
What we will be covering?
- Common dog paw pad problems
- How to soften dog paws
- Signs and symptoms of dog paw pad problems
- Why is your dog licking and biting paws
- General care and prevention tips
Let's get started!
Dog Paw Problems
Right under your dog’s paws are paw pads.
Paw pads are like thick skin that performs several amazing functions for your dog.
They serve as shock absorbents, a cushion against stress in the bones and joints, they offer insulation, and they protect your pup as they walk on rough surfaces.
Paw pads do a lot.
But as helpful and heroic as they are, paw pads can still encounter problems that bring pain and discomfort to your dog.
It’s quite unfortunate that most pet owners don’t pay proper attention to their pup’s paw pad health.
Maybe it’s an issue of out of sight is out of mind or misinformation that paw pads are unbreakable.
Well...
Thankfully now you know that dog paw pad problems are more common and can be more troublesome than you think.
Read on as we explore dog paw problems.
>> Also Read: Dog Sore Paw – How to Soften Dry Cracked Paws (Home Remedies)
Common dog paw pad problems
- Bacterial and fungal infections
Bacteria and Fungi live naturally on your dog’s paws.
It is to be expected with the amount of exposure paw pads endure.
However, just like the microorganisms in our bodies can sometimes grow out of control to cause infections, so do the bacteria and fungi on dog paw pads.
These infections can cause itching, drainage, discoloration, redness, and a case of dog sore paw.
You might also find your dog licking and biting paws often.
How to treat it?
This condition is usually treated with antibiotics, topical creams, washing regularly, and any other means recommended by a vet.
>> Also Read: Puppy Separation Anxiety: Curbing Dog Anxiety Quickly (3 Great Tips)
- Allergies
Some pet owners don’t know that dogs suffer allergies too.
Well, they do.
Check this out:
And like humans they experience uncomfortable symptoms of these allergies.
The allergies could be food allergies or even seasonal allergies and the most common reaction to these allergies are itching.
Dogs itch when they encounter an irritant.
There will be lots of licking, biting, and chewing on the paw by your dog in an attempt to relieve the symptoms.
Chronic ear, skin, and anal gland infections can also develop.
How to soften dog paws?
Well, here's a great tip I found to be tremendously helpful:
Shea butter is a natural plant butter that is extracted from the Shea trees, only found in Africa.
Its healing properties have been known for centuries.
The natural fat extracted from the seed has been used for generations to help protect the skin and hair from harsh elements including the sun.
Shea butter is actually edible!! – Which is why it is super safe to put on your pet.
Shea butter soothes, softens, and hydrates skin. It creates a protective layer that can minimize or stop itching, moisture skin and heal inflammation. It can lubricate the area and keep your dog from scratching at it.
You can check out the Petsonik Pet Moisturizer which is intended for daily use and it consists of nothing but 100% natural Shea butter manufactured here in the USA!
It can help a wide variety of skin problems including:
- Cracked paws
- Itchy fur
- Red bumps
- Irritation
- Dry scaly skin
- Dull fur
- Small cuts and wounds
- Parasites
It’s common knowledge that dogs carry some parasites with them everywhere, especially ticks.
Ticks that hide in your pet’s toes can easily cause dog paw pad problems.
Mite infestations can also lead to all sorts of problems like hair loss, scaling, and swelling.
The ticks can be pulled out gently from the paw at home or with a vet.
>> Also Read: CBD Oil for Dogs with Anxiety: How it Works and What Are The Health Benefits?
- Problems with nails
Your dog’s toenails are sensitive and without proper care they can cause serious problems for your pup.
Long toenails make it difficult for your dog to walk and they likely cause pain as they hit the ground while walking.
Consistently doing this can lead to broken or fractured nails with injuries.
Nails that are not trimmed as they should be can become ingrown nails that cause pain.
Torn nails occur when your dog’s nails catch on something.
Your dog will likely pull it off with force and bleeding and limping are the first signs of torn nails.
You can always prevent nail problems by trimming your dog’s nails regularly.
If the worst has already happened apply antibiotic ointment, cut any ingrown nails, and keep your furry friend off his paws.
- Injuries
Injuries, cuts, and abrasions are common as dogs play, run, and walk on all sorts of surfaces.
If you are out on a walk with your dog, be watchful of sharp objects in his path and steer him away from them.
Objects that can lead to injuries on dog paw pads include stones, broken glass or broken sharp objects, sticks, debris, and so on.
If you notice a cut or injury...
...Rinse your dog’s paw with clean water.
If there is severe bleeding, apply pressure as normal to stop the bleeding.
Put a clean towel with ice, or suitable ice pack on the affected area.
For mild injuries, skip applying pressure to rubbing antiseptic cream on the area.
If you would prefer to see a vet, by all means do so.
- Dry and cracked paw pads
Cracked paws can be triggered by walking on hot surfaces, dehydration, cold weather, allergies, chemicals, and more.
Without proper and quick intervention, cracked paws can lead to dog sore paw, blisters, infections, and more.
Prevention of dry and cracked paws is mostly by moisturizing your dog’s paws regularly and keeping them hydrated.
When the cracked paws have occurred...
The solution is an All Natural Dog Paw Balm.
The Petsonik Paw Repair is a vitamin-rich formula made from 100% natural ingredient.
And, that’s important...
Because pets tend to lick off whatever you put on their paws.
It’s got Shea Butter, Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Beeswax, Lavender Extract…
These handpicked ingredients are proven to:
- heal cracked paws
- Soften rough pads
- Moisturize dryness
- Soothe cuts and sores
- Relieve rashes and insect bites
- Nourish irritated and itchy skin due to weather or allergies
- Effective for hot spots and burns too.
In addition, it may be used as a nose balm, to soothe your pup's sensitive snout.
Petsonik went out of their way to make sure that the balm has a smooth consistency so it’ll be easy to apply.
And, unlike other brands, it’s not to greasy or sticky, so it won’t leave residue or become too slippery.
Click here to check it out on Amazon!
- Burns and blisters
Yes, those thick pads can get burned and blistered.
Really hot pavement can cause a burn or blisters.
If you know or think there has been too much heat outdoors, you can feel the pavement with your hands before letting your pup walk on it.
Burns on your dog’s paws may appear swollen, red, or blistered.
Take your pup to a vet as soon as you can.
>> Also Read: 10 Most Important Dog Training Tips
Signs and Symptoms of dog paw pad problems
- Limping
- Licking and biting paws
- Hair loss
- Itching
- Inflamed paws
- Red paws
- Blisters
- Lesions and discharge
- Smells
- Loose flaps of skin on paw pads
- Refusal to walk or use the paws
- Bleeding
General care and prevention tips
- Always indulge your pet in pet pedicure. Trim nails, wash paws, soak paws, and more. [For a quick and easy way to wash your pup's paws, we recommend the Petsonik Dog Paw Cleaner]. Don’t cut your dog’s nails when they show fear or confusion. Train your dog to be calm during this activity.
- Take precautions according to the weather. When it’s cold outside, wear your pup boots and rinse or clean their paws as soon as you get indoors again. [for an easy way to do this, again be sure to check out the Petsonik Dog Paw Cleaner]. For hot weather, avoid scorching hot surfaces and keep your pet’s paws moisturized.
- Perform regular paw checks on your pet to avoid missing any dog paw pad problems until it is too late.
- Keep the right products handy. Most of the prevention and care techniques for paw pad problems involve having a moisturizer or paw repair cream handy. Petsonik’s combo of Paw Repair and Pet Moisturizer are two rich and effective products designed to provide the exact dog paw care you need. It's a 2-piece healing kit, that enables you to carry out the "Effective Healing Plan". The Paw Repair soothes and heals naturally and is 100% safe. The Pet Moisturizer is natural and is whole Shea butter with strong moisturizing quality. Check them out and keep them close by.
4 comments
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Wow! Loved this post!! Never knew how powerful Shea butter was!! Thank you so much for the advice!!
Thank you so much for the wonderful information
Thank you for sharing your knowledge about dog paws. After being a dog owner for over 10 years I thought there paws were ok. Now i learn a lot and I will begin taking care of my dogs paws starting tomorrow.
Thank you!!!!!!!
