Disorder of Paw Pads in Dogs

Injuries and damage to the feet are common in dogs, according to Vetinfo. Medical disorders and physical problems also contribute to paw pad issues. Pododermatitis, or inflammation of the feet, can result from more than one factor at a time.

  1. Injuries

    • Hot surfaces can burn paw pads.

      Pad injuries include burns, cuts, crushing injury such as when someone steps on the paw, insect bites and foreign objects stuck in the pads.

    Physical

    • Common physical injuries arise from licking or chewing, which may be due to an underlying medical problem, such as food allergies, or obsessive disorder. Long nails can curl into the pad or cause uneven pressures that damage the pads. Dry pads can result in cracking.

    Medical

    • Common medical paw problems are cysts, autoimmune diseases, liver or pancreatic disease and fungal infections, according to veterinarian Rosanna Marsalla, PetPlace contributing writer. Mange mites may cause demodectic pododermatitis.

    Identification

    • Identification of the paw disorder may require skin scraping or a tissue biopsy. Damage and infection from chewing or licking may make diagnosis more difficult. Treatment depends on the cause.

    Prevention

    • Check your dog's feet daily for problems. Avoid taking your dog on surfaces that are hot or have thorns or objects that can injure the paws. Treat problems promptly and consult your veterinarian for any issue that does not clear up or keeps returning.