A dog's paws can take quite a beating in his daily life. Unlike humans, dogs do not have anything to cover their paws to protect them from the elements. Whether indoors or outdoors, a dog's paws are constantly exposed, which makes them susceptible to injury and irritation that can lead to swelling. If your dog tends to carry a lot of weight or is extremely active and often jumping, his paws may be even more susceptible to swelling from the constant impact. A dog owner should be on the lookout for the causes and methods of prevention for swollen paws.
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Allergy
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An allergic reaction can cause a dog's paw to swell similar to the way a human's skin would swell. A dog with sensitive skin is prone to paw swelling because all of the substances he will encounter while he is outside. If a dog is allergic to pollen, pesticides or even grass, you will likely notice irritation and swelling in his paws. Take your dog to the vet if you notice these reactions in your dog. You may be prescribed an antihistamine or special foot wash to help keep the swelling and allergic reactions at bay.
Insect Bite
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Another element that can produce swelling in your dog's paws is insect bites. As your dog is walking around outdoors, he is likely to come across a variety of different insects. Unfortunately, your dog will not know to avoid ant piles or bee hives and can easily get stung or bitten by stepping in the wrong place. The insect bite may swell and cause irritation on your dogs paw and in between his toes. It will be a good idea to call your vet when this happens to see if there are steps you can take to relieve the irritation. Additionally, make sure to pay attention to where your pet walks to prevent future insect bites.
Injury
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When a dog jumps, runs and plays, he is capable of inuring himself. Landing the wrong way on his paw, tripping over an object or stubbing one of his toes can all result in swelling. You will likely see your dog limping or avoiding movement as well. Take your dog to the vet when he has injury-induced swelling in his paw.
Foriegn Item
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If your dog steps on an object such as a piece of glass or even a plant spur, his paw may swell from the irritation, especially if the small object is lodged in his skin. You will want to take your dog to have the object removed as soon as you notice it.
Licking and Chewing
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Occasionally, a dog will lick and chew on his paws because they are itchy or he is bored. Excessive licking of the paws and toes can cause irritation and produce swelling.
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