Dog Paw Injury

Dog Paw Injury Symptoms: If your dog is limping, dragging or holding up one foot awkwardly it could be a sign of some dog paw infection.



It could also be a sign of dog paw injury caused by cuts, in case your pet has recently got into a fight with another animal, or gone walking over rough thorny terrain. Other signs of dog paw infection could be that your pet has a swollen foot and the pads are spongy and soft, rather than firm. If your dog is constantly biting or licking his feet, or if the nails are cracked, broken or bleeding it could also be an indication of dog paw infection.



Sometimes, there could be burns, blisters or growths on the paw pads. If the infection is too severe you may find that your pet is unable to get up, walk or climb stairs. Sometimes the infection could extend to the rest of the body and cause patchy fur.

Dog Paw Injury Causes

Dog paw injuries can be caused whether you live in the country or in the city.



City hazards include broken glass or gravel on the roads, ice or road salt during winter and hot pavements during summer. In the countryside, injuries could result from sharp jagged rocks or burrs and thorny paths when you take your pet for a walk.

Sometimes food deficiencies especially zinc deficiency can cause a dog to get sore or dry and cracked foot pads, which gradually become inflamed and infected. An allergic reaction to some foods or something in the environment could lead to a paw infection. Sometimes it could be caused by chronic yeast infections that are quite similar to athlete’s foot. Pumphigus which is an auto-immune disease of the skin may also cause pus-filled sores.

Dog Paw Injury Treatment

Whether it is dog leg injuries or infection, it could be a very painful condition, and should be treated as quickly as possible before it becomes too severe. You must take your pet to the vet, who will treat it with proper cleaning and medication. But sometimes, you might have to provide dog paw first aid for immediate relief.

The first step would be to clean the affected paw with warm water and mild antiseptic. You could then apply some antibiotic cream or paw wax, and bandage the foot using some gauze. Secure it with medical tape to keep it in place.

Prevention: Always check your dog’s feet after a walk on thorny ground. Check for bits of dried grass, burrs or thorns. If your pet has been walking on a road which has been dry-iced, wipe his feet dry.