"Since dogs bear their full weight on their paw pads, maintaining healthy pads is vital to a happy and pain-free dog," says Angelica Dimock, DVM, managing shelter veterinarian at Animal Humane Society in Minn.
While wear and tear on your pup's paws is normal, dry cracked dog paws are a cause for concern. Be on the lookout for rough, uneven paws with cracks on the pads, often accompanied by abnormal behavior, including symptoms such as:
what to put on dogs cracked paws
Ice melt salt and chemicals lining the sidewalks in winter may prevent you from taking a nasty spill, but they may cause your dog's paws to crack or sting. The ASPCA recommends carrying a towel on walks to wipe down prickly paws and giving them a full wash and dry once back home. Get into the routine of checking paw pads for cracks or redness after each walk."The easiest way to prevent injury to paw pads is to keep your dog on softer surfaces while outside, use booties, and limit time while outside in extreme weather," Dimock says.
If, despite your best efforts, your poor pooch's paws remain problematic, try taking matters into your own hands. Coconut oil can help soothe cracked dog paws, Dimock says, as can Vitamin E oil. For an "over-the-counter" topical paw balm solution, Dimock recommends Bag Balm. Apply a thin layer to the affected areas and make sure your dog does not lick the product off.
Don't allow cracked dog paws to go untreated. Consistent at-home care may not always be the solution. "If left untreated, cracked paws will lead to pain, lameness, and infection," Dimock says. "Bring your dog in if you notice any lameness, constant licking or chewing, and/or changes in pad appearance."
In rare instances, your dog's cracked paws may be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as an autoimmune disorder, previous exposure to canine distemper virus, or a skin disease, such as hyperkeratosis. Hyperkeratosis is characterized by rough, hairy pads, Dimock says, though this condition is not always painful to dogs and might not present as an issue. Your vet can run diagnostic tests if you suspect an underlying condition.
As a dog parent, you know everything about your dog, from their body language to the thickness of their coat during each season. You also know that dogs like to groom themselves, especially their paws. Most pet parents don't spend too much time worrying about their dog's paws, but they might notice their paw pads seem dry or cracked from time to time. Even though dogs' paw pads protect them from rocks or sharp objects, allowing them to walk outside without shoes, they're never supposed to be rough or cracked. But, of course, some cracking is normal because of the wear and tear your dog's paws go through on a daily basis.
Most dogs that don't go on walks often and spend most of their time in the yard will have smooth paws, but dogs that enjoy going on adventures outside and taking long hikes with their pet parents will have tougher paws because they're walking on dirt, rocks, and pavement. However, your dog's paws should never crack to the point where they're causing your dog discomfort or bleeding. Causes of cracked dog paws range from regular wear and tear to underlying health conditions and injuries. This article will discuss the causes of cracked dog paws and what you can do about them to relieve your dog's discomfort and prevent infection.
Dog paws go through regular daily wear and tear, so some dogs may have paws that are more cracked. Dogs that spend most of their time indoors will have smoother paws than dogs that spend a lot of time walking on pavement or in nature. However, everything from harsh chemicals like carpet cleaning solutions to ice outside can cause paws to crack. Contact irritation is common, but it shouldn't cause your dog distress unless they begin chewing on their paws or their paws don't have time to heal.
Additionally, hot pavement and asphalt can cause cracking and burn your dog's paw pads in the summer. Therefore, it's always best to check the temperature of the pavement where you walk your dog before taking them on a walk. If it's too hot, walk them on the grass instead. Other summer activities, like swimming, can cause dry dog paws or red dog paws as well because chlorine can aggravate the skin.
Meanwhile, skin is more likely to dry in winter, leading to cracking. Your dog has to step on ice and salt during the winter, which dries out the paws and can cause them to crack and bleed. In weather that's too cold, your dog also faces the risk of frostbite, which can cause their paws to become red.
Contact irritation can affect one or all paws, depending on the cause. For example, dogs with irritated paws in the winter might begin limping as a way to give their paw relief from the cold, while in the summer, they may choose to walk on the grass because the pavement is too hot.
Allergies are another common cause of cracked dog paws because they can cause itchy, irritated skin. Dogs can be allergic to pollen, mold, mites, food, and almost anything else in the environment, causing their feet to itch.1 Dogs that engage in paw chewing may have allergies or a dog rash, and the only way they can relieve the itching is through biting or licking their paws. Unfortunately, licking this area can cause yeast infections between the paw pads, which can result in even more chewing and even bleeding paws.2
BIting their paws can be a sign of any type of allergy, and some dogs are more likely to develop allergies than others. Dogs with allergies may also scratch other areas of their skin, have dandruff, sneeze, or have watery eyes.
Lack of zinc in the diet can lead to skin disorders in dogs. One disorder, called lethal acrodermatitis, is associated with skin lesions on the face, head, and paws.3 However, this nutritional deficiency is usually most common in puppies. Therefore, if your adult dog has cracked paws, a nutritional deficiency is not likely the cause, especially if they eat a balanced diet.
Dogs with acral lick granuloma lick themselves so much that they form tiny lesions on their skin and continue to lick them until they become bigger. A dog's natural instinct when they're hurt is to lick themselves as a way to heal. However, it can also cause minor skin problems to worsen and become infected. Dogs can get acral lick granuloma at almost any point in their lives because they lick themselves to groom themselves or to stay occupied when they're bored. It may also be a compulsive behavior when they become anxious. Unfortunately, dogs can lick one spot so much they create an open wound that never heals because they won't stop licking it.4
There's no way to prevent this condition because dogs lick themselves for a variety of reasons, and you can't always stop your dog from licking their paws. Vets use surgery to remove infected tissue to help it heal. However, pet parents must protect their dogs from licking the lesion once it forms, which can include methods such as bandaging them. Most dogs with this issue will be put on antibiotics to help them heal while preventing infection. They'll also likely receive topical medications.4
Cracked dog paws can also be caused by autoimmune diseases, including hyperkeratosis, in which the skin becomes thickened on the pads due to an accumulation of keratin, making them crack.5 Peeling dog paws are also common because the skin is being pushed from the inside, and left untreated, it can cause fissures and infections. Hyperkeratosis can be caused by other immune diseases, fungus, parasites, or weather. However, it can also be genetic.5
Hormonal imbalances, including Cushing's disease and hypothyroidism, can cause skin infections that lead to dry or cracked dog paws.1 These imbalances ultimately affect skin and fur health, causing chronic paw dryness or lesions. Cushing's disease typically occurs in adult to senior dogs with symptoms including skin thinning that becomes damaged by regular wear and tear, along with excessive thirst and urination.1
Dogs can also experience dry or cracked paws due to a sex hormone imbalance with abnormal estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone levels.6 This disease, called hyperandrogenism, is most common in intact males, causing reproductive tract abnormalities and skin problems, including dandruff, hyperpigmentation, and cracked paw pads.6
Several autoimmune issues can cause red dog paws or cracked paws because the body begins attacking itself, with immune cells attacking healthy normal cells and destroying them.1 Dogs with autoimmune diseases have recurring cracked paws and blisters on one or more paws.
Liver disease can also cause cracked paw pad lesions that don't heal, chronic infections, crusting, thickening, and blisters.1 Dogs with liver disease may wear down their paws faster than healthy dogs, causing contact irritation wounds faster, and their paws may bleed more easily. Since the liver plays a role in nutrient absorption and metabolism, dogs with liver disease may have cracked paw pads because they're not getting the nutrients they need to stay strong and healthy.1
Hepatocutaneous syndrome is a disease that can affect the liver and skin, including the dog's lips, nose, paw pads, ears, and around the eyes.7 Although it's a rare disorder, it can cause peeling paw pads and is more likely to occur in dogs with long-term illnesses, including diabetes.7
Taking proper care of your dog's paws can help prevent cracking and infection. Consider inspecting them once a week to ensure they're healthy and our dog isn't experiencing any severe cracking or bleeding. Signs to look out for include:
While cracked paws are typically due to regular wear and tear, salt or ice, or hot pavement, it can indicate a serious health problem. Dogs with cracked paws due to wear and tear may lick their paws more often or limp when their paws hurt. However, they typically don't experience symptoms of illness. If your dog experiences bleeding, lethargy, or brown discoloration, take them to the vet as soon as possible because these symptoms could indicate a serious underlying health issue. 2ff7e9595c
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