Paw Pad Issues and Injuries in Dogs

The pads of the feet of dogs have specialized skin, very different from our own, or from the skin on other parts of the dog. Cuts, scrapes, and broken nails may require specialized treatment and veterinary care. Although injury to the paw pad and surrounding area can happen to any dog, some steps can be taken to help reduce the risks, including using the proper gear for your environment, keeping your dog’s paw pads moisturized, and keeping his nails properly trimmed.

The pads of dog feet have specialized skin that does not heal in the same way as normal skin and that may require veterinary evaluation and treatment for moderate to severe injuries and conditions.

General signs of paw pad injury may or may not require veterinary care. If you are unsure, it is best to call your veterinarian for advice. 

• Inflamed, raw, or blistered paws
• Limping
• Loose flaps of skin on paw pads
• Refusal to walk
• Sudden obsessive licking or chewing at paws

If your pet exhibits these signs, a visit to the veterinarian is needed

• Bleeding (that cannot be controlled within five minutes)
• Blistering
• Cracked nails
• Damage to webbing between toes 
• Damaged nail bed
• Foreign objects in the pad
• Lacerations or punctures
• Limping that lasts longer than a day
• Pus discharge
• Refusal to bear weight on the paw or paws

Chewing and licking of the feet also need to be addressed if it is causing injury to the paw or if it continues for longer than a day or two. This behavior may be indicative of other serious health problems including food allergies, arthritis, or even hormone imbalances.

Types

• Laceration - A cut or tear in the skin is called a laceration; lacerations and punctures of the paw pad may be deeper than they appear or may harbor foreign objects
• Abrasion - An abrasion is an area of the skin where it is scraped or worn away; paw pads often suffer abrasions from running and playing on rough surfaces
• Burns - Burns to the paw pads can be caused by heat or by chemical reactions
• Frostbite - The toes are particularly at risk from damage due to frostbite
• Allergic reaction - Allergic reactions can cause the skin on the feet to be swollen and itchy, and some dogs will chew and lick their feet to excess
• Infection or infestation - Infection or parasite infestation can cause damage to the feet and may require medication to cure

Infections

• Fungal and bacterial infections can cause itching, swelling and redness that can cause your dog to chew and lick their feet
• Excessive chewing and licking can lead to wounds, lick granulomas, and cracking of the feet. Infestation by mites, fleas, or ticks can cause similar reactions

Winter dangers

• There are some serious risks to your dog's paws that are unique to colder weather
• Frostbite generally occurs at freezing or subfreezing temperatures and can affect not only the paws but commonly affects the tail, ears, and genitals of dogs
• When ice is on the ground, there is also the possibility of ice melt being present; ice melt that is left on the paws can cause burning and cracking and can be toxic to dogs that attempt to lick it off

Nail trouble

• Damage to the nails or nail beds can be a serious issue for dogs
• Ingrown nails often become infected and require cleaning and draining to prevent the infection from becoming systemic
• The toenails of dogs also have a blood vessel running through them, so breaks that extend higher than this vessel are best attended to by a veterinarian to prevent extensive bleeding or infections

Physical trauma

• Cuts, tears, and abrasions can occur at any time, often during routine activities
• It’s important to keep an eye out for sharp objects on the ground when walking your dogs and to make sure that you provide the proper protection when running on rough or uneven ground or on pavement
• It is not uncommon to find foreign objects and debris in cuts and tears

Many things can be deduced about the status of your pet’s paws with a thorough inspection of the paw and pad on affected feet. Be cautious when inspecting your dog’s paws as he may react unpredictably to the pain. Areas to check on your dog's feet include:

Paw pads

Peeling away of the paw pad is often the most visible injury, in which the thick outer covering is peeled away due running or skidding on hard or rough areas, and the tender inner part becomes exposed. This can happen due to it being worn away or due to burning or blistering that causes the pads to peel. Dogs can also get cuts and punctures on their paw pads that may sometimes be harder to see. If debris is present in the cut, it should be removed, and pressure applied to stop bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop within five minutes, contact your veterinarian right away. 

Nails and nailbed

Dogs that have nails or nail beds that have pus in them or are bleeding profusely should be transported to the veterinarian immediately. Don’t forget to check the dew claw as well for damage. Broken or split nails that extend past the quick can also be a hazard if left untreated as it can cause bleeding from the blood vessels that are located in the nails as well as allowing an entry point to potential bacteria, viruses, or parasites. These injuries can also be quite painful.  

In between the toes and pads

Check here for cuts, polyps, or foreign objects. This is also a good place to spot yeast infections, rashes, and pests such as mites, ticks, and fleas.

The veterinary treatment for damage to the foot pads and surrounding areas will depend on the type of injury or disorder that is affecting the paw. Burns, cuts, and abrasions will first be cleaned and evaluated. Debris and foreign objects will be removed, and if there are any tags or flaps of skin, these are likely to be removed. If the damage is more than superficial, the area around it may also be debrided to help encourage regrowth of healthy tissues. The paws affected by moderate to severe loss of the foot pad or more profound lacerations will be treated and bandaged. Treatments that are placed on the foot prior to bandaging could include Acemannan-containing hydrogel, a neomycin-bacitracin-polymixin (Neosporin), or silver sulfadiazine cream. 

In many cases, a splint may also be placed on the limb to prevent undue pressure on the foot pad. This is particularly important in regard to deep lacerations as pressure on the pad of the food can lead to the reopening of the wound and potentially to infections. If the damage to the foot has an underlying cause, such as pests, infections, foreign objects, or allergies, the root cause will need to be addressed as well. Ingrown nails will also need to be removed from the area they have grown into, which is most often the side of the paw or the paw pad itself. This is a more common occurrence with the dew claw than with the other nails.

Ensuring that you trim your dog's nails, including the dew claw, on a regular basis will prevent ingrown toenails, as well as helping to maintain proper alignment of the feet and improving traction. 

Check the pads for damage frequently. If you are going to be walking on very hot or freezing surfaces, protect the feet with boots designed specifically for dogs or a paw wax for those dogs who will not wear the boots. 

Applying moisturizer formulated for canines to the pad of your dog's feet when the weather is dry can help protect and heal from cracked pads, cuts, and hotspots. 

Avoid letting your dog walk in areas with sharp rocks, broken glass, or run on pavement. Check the temperature of the surface the dog will be walking on to ensure it is neither too hot nor too cold. Continually monitor your dog’s behavior and gait to address any abnormal behavior for your pet.

Paying for a paw pad injury or issue out of pocket can be a major financial burden. Fortunately, most pet insurance companies reimburse claims within 3 days, putting 90% of the bill back in your pocket. In the market for pet insurance? Compare leading pet insurance companies to find the right plan for your pet.

Paying for your pet’s routine shots, bloodwork and tests can be also difficult to budget for. Fortunately, Wag! Wellness plans cover costs for routine care for your pet, getting your money straight back into your bank account within 24 hours. In the market for wellness plans? Compare wellness plan packages to find the right plan for your pet!