Why is my dog paw red and swollen? Simple and Effective Tips

What are Inflammation of the Paws?

Pododermatitis, or the inflammation of the paw and pad, can become painful and debilitating if it is left untreated. The diseases and disorders that can instigate this kind of swelling are many and the treatment plans may vary depending on what the cause of the discomfort is diagnosed as.

Mild cases may have fewer symptoms, although excessive grooming and licking of the paws are relatively standard regardless of the cause of the disorder. More severe cases may escalate to bleeding, sloughing of paw pads, and reluctance to stand or walk. Swollen feet should be evaluated by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.

Inflammation of the paws, also known as pododermatitis, can be quite irritating and often painful to the dog. As pododermatitis has multiple triggers, treatment is usually focussed on the underlying cause of the swollen feet.Youtube Play

Causes of Inflammation of the Paws in Dogs

Several different circumstances can lead to paws becoming swollen. Some of these may well include:

Allergies – Allergies of all sorts, environmental, contact, and food allergies, tend to show up on the skin for most canines, and one of the first areas they can affect are the paws

Bacterial and Fungal Infections – This type of disorder often presents with feet that are swollen, itchy, and often smelly

Environmental – Dogs may also get swollen feet by burning them on hot pavement, injuring them with caustic materials, or by stings or bites by insects

Immune-Mediated Disorders – Autoimmune disorders such as Pemphigus Foliaceous can induce painful hyperkeratosis of the pad of the paw

Tumors – In some cases, the swelling may be due to a tumor or tumors that have grown on the patient’s paw or paws

Treatment of Inflammation of the Paws in Dogs

Treatment of pododermatitis will be dependent on treating any underlying disease or disorder that is responsible for the pain and discomfort. If the cause is related to any sort of substance, such as ice melt or cleaning solution, the feet should be thoroughly washed and cleaned and medications such as antibiotics or antifungals may be needed to help with any bacterial or fungal infections. Corticosteroids or anti-inflammatories may also be administered either orally or by injection to reduce swelling and inflammation or medications to adjust for imbalances in the patient’s blood chemistry levels. Dogs with tumors or pustules on the feet may require surgery to remove the growths before the pain and swelling will be eliminated.

Many of these methods of treatment take days or weeks before the underlying illness is controlled, and the animal may be reluctant to stand or walk. Excessive discomfort in the feet may be further treated with topical anti-inflammatory and corticosteroid drugs. It is crucial to follow a veterinary professional’s instructions on all medications that are administered in order to be certain that the different specific drugs that are provided do not interfere with one another, and that no overdoses occur due to treatment with various forms of similar medications.

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Excessive Paw Licking? Why it happens and What you can do.

Pododermatitis is an inflammation and/or infection of the foot. It is not a specific disease but rather a descriptive condition that can result from a number of medical problems. Because the prognosis and treatment can vary greatly, depending on the underlying problem, your veterinarian will likely run a thorough checkup to locate the cause. Causes of pododermatitis may include1:

Symptoms of pododermatitis The inflammation may be limited to the feet, with no other areas affected. Unfortunately, inflammation leads to redness and an itchy sensation in the feet. Your dog may start licking and/or chewing his feet, nails and even foot pads. Excessive licking and chewing may result in secondary infections which cause even more itch, as well as an abnormal odor. Other changes that may occur include:

If an allergy is suspected there may be a need for a more complete workup including allergy tests. biopsies and surgical exploration may be required too. Treatment of pododermatitis Treatment of pododermatitis is variable because it really depends on the underlying cause. Without question, treatment should be as focused as possible to enhance the results and improve the prognosis for recovery. Combinations of therapy are often required.

Systemic (internal) antibiotics or antifungals can be used to treat secondary infections and may require 3-6 weeks or more of treatment. Topical agents may be used but will usually not afford much improvement on their own and will need to be combined with other drugs2. Prognosis of pododermatitis Early and specific treatment will improve the likelihood of a positive outcome for your dog. Chronic inflammation that causes scarring will make the treatment more difficult and increase the likelihood of recurrence. Prevention of pododermatiis Regular inspection of the feet is important. It is also helpful to shave the feet between the toes (particularly for long-haired dogs). Prompt veterinary attention is important to prevent chronic damage. Questions to ask your veterinarian

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian — they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.