Dry Cracked Paw Pads Dogs

It s common for dog paws to become dry rough or even cracked for a variety of reasons.

Dry cracked paw pads dogs.

Cracked paws occur when cracks or fissures appear on the surface of the dog paw. Dogs like humans have an immune system that s responsible for fighting off foreign cells within their body. Use mild detergents and remember that your dog is licking whatever cleaners you re using off his or her paw pads. Causing the covering and edges of these areas to grow excessively.

Road salt can then enter these cracks and cause infection or burn the skin. Excessive paw licking can be linked to a ph imbalance resulting from not enough meat in his or her dog food. If your dog is excessively licking his paws and experiencing swollen or cracked reoccurring lesions or blisters that spread to more than one paw it could be an autoimmune disease. Seasonal tips winter for dogs who live in cold climates ice snow and salt can be a huge risk to paw pads.

Clean the paw pad gently with a mild soap and water or a mild antiseptic such as chlorohexidine or an iodine scrub. If you notice your dog has rough or dry paw pads the best thing you can do is provide natural moisturizing relief. Keep the cracked pad clean. Nasodigital hyperkaratosis this disorder affects the tough outer covering of the foot pads and also the nose in older dogs.

With proper treatment uninfected paw pads typically heal within a week or two depending on the dog and severity of the injuries. And that can leave your canine friend compulsively nibbling and licking its paws for relief often making the problem worse. Deep or infected cracks heal more slowly. A pet balm or dog paw cream like vermont s original bag balm can help the cut heal and soften its dry pads.

Fish oil may be prescribed by your vet. Tiffany margolin dvm cva. Dry air freezing cold ice and salt or other de icers can wreak havoc on your pup s paws during winter walks eventually leading to painful cracks and even infections. For example if you look under your dog s foot you may notice that one of the pads has a crack or opening in it that may cause the dog to limp or lick at the area explains dr.

As the weather shifts from fall to winter and snow begins to cover the ground one thing dog owners will need to be wary of is dry or cracked paw pads. Sometimes these allergies make your dog s feet itch leading to compulsive nibbling and chewing that may result in painful infections or dry cracked pads. Hard dry cracked pads and or nose excess horn shaped tissue will protrude from the afflicted area causing pain and discomfort. A zinc deficiency may lead to cracked paw pads.