As we walk around in shoes all day, it may be hard to remember that our dogs’ paws and footpads come in direct contact with pavement, sidewalk, gravel and other rough surfaces every day. There are many opportunities for injury or irritation to develop, and a dog’s paws and pads should be checked weekly for signs of injury and infection, according DogPro.com. Some common problems can be treated at home, while others require veterinary attention.
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Significance
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Canine footpads are resilient enough to carry your dog’s weight, but they contain a large number of blood vessels, according to Pet Place. This means that dog pads can bleed a lot when they’ve been injured, and since the dog must put weight on its paws to walk, paw and pad injuries can take a long time to heal. Avoiding injury when possible and treating injuries promptly goes a long way toward maintaining healthy dog paws and pads.
Soreness
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Dry and cracked pads are more likely to become sore from long walks over rugged terrain or hot pavement. Dogs suffering from soreness benefit from paw wax, a compound that softens pads, according to DogPro.com. Booties also are recommended for paws healing from soreness before it progresses to open sores.
Minor Cuts and Cracks
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Small cuts and cracks in footpads that are not infected can be treated at home, according to Vet Info. Check for any foreign objects in the cut and remove them with tweezers. Clean the pad and soak in warm water with bath salts, which helps soften the skin. Finally, apply povidone-iodine solution as a disinfectant plus an antibiotic ointment, then bandage. You’ll need to change the bandage frequently because bacteria can build up under a dressing, according to Pet Place. For cracked paws, look for hydrating ointments at your local pet store.
Lacerations and Punctures
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More serious cuts and punctures require veterinary attention followed by home care. Depending on the severity of the laceration, your vet will clean the area, disinfect and apply a bandage at the very least, according to Pet Place. More serious lacerations might require stitches and perhaps a splint to keep some weight off the injured paw and pad as it heals. At home you’ll need to change bandages frequently to avoid infection.
Burns
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Mild burns can be treated at home, according to Pet Education. As with minor cuts, you should clean minor pad burns, slather on antibiotic ointment and cover with a light bandage such as gauze. Severe burns should always be treated by your vet.
Allergies
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Some dogs suffer from allergies that manifest as itchy paws. Many topical irritants, including ragweed and lawn chemicals, can cause itchy paws, and even some food allergies create excessive pad itching. If you notice paw chewing or licking, consult your vet about some possible causes. Allergies can be controlled by helping your dog avoid topical or food irritants or, in some cases, with medication, according to Vet Info.
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