Cracked Dog Paw Pad Treatment and Home Remedies
If, despite your best efforts, your poor poochs 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.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, wax-based petroleum and lanolin products may be applied to your dogs paws before heading outdoors to protect from cold and ice.
When in doubt, your veterinarian is your best resource. Ask if they can recommend a product best suited to your dogs paw pad health.
Dont 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 dogs 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.
If your pet is exposed to extreme temperatures and has burns or frostbite on their paw pads, consult with your vet about the best way to treat the wounds. Superficial pad injuries may take a couple weeks to heal, Dimock says, but deep burns or frostbite can take around a month to recover.
Have you ever wondered, “Why does my dog lick his paws?” If it happens for more than just a few minutes, it could be an indication that something is amiss.
A number of immune diseases can cause cracked paws. “Cracked paws can also be part of a problem called Hyperkeratosis, which means that the skin is thickened on each of the pads, predisposing them to cracking,” says Dr. Margolin. “This can be caused by immune or metabolic diseases, or fungus or parasitic causes, and sometimes it’s strictly weather or genetic related.”
Dog paw pads are meant to be tough; “They protect your dog’s joints by absorbing shock, and they allow him to enjoy time outdoors with his favorite people,” says Dr. Kelly Ryan, DVM, Director of Veterinary Services at the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Medical Center of Mid-America. “While some cracking of the dog paw pads is normal, if your dog’s paws start bleeding, or his cracked paws seem to be causing him pain, it’s time to call your veterinarian.”
While some cracking might be a normal result of just walking around on uneven terrain, once the cracks get deeper and you see your dog starting to show signs of discomfort, it’s time to do something about it.
In addition, because the pads are an extension of your dog’s skin, Dr. Margolin suggests looking at other areas of your dog’s body, including the face and ears, to see if the cracking and irritation is part of a more widespread problem. If you see similar symptoms somewhere else in the body, this could indicate that something else is going on with your dog’s body that needs to be addressed by a veterinarian.
TREATMENT: How do you treat dry cracked dog paws?
How best to treat your pup for cracked paws depends on the severity of the condition.
In mild cases, getting rid of irritants and applying a good paw wax balm such as Pup Wax® on the affected surface takes care of the problem.
In severe cases, you may have to bandage the paw and restrict your dogs movement for a while.
Lets go through the process step-by-step.
Dog Paw Problems: 7 Most Common Issues and What to Do About Them
Is your dog licking its paws? Have you noticed any unusual behavior after playtime? Is it some kind of discomfort? It can be an alarming sign of dry and cracked dog paws. Unfortunately, just like human heels, cracked pads are common among dogs. If not treated in an early stage, the itching starts worsening, causing great discomfort.
Though a wide range of home remedies and paw balms are available, finding the core reason behind it is important. This article will provide you with detailed insights about it.