Paws

Paws are the foundation of mobility for dogs and cats. They bear weight, provide traction, and offer sensory feedback from the environment. Despite their tough appearance, paw pads and interdigital spaces are susceptible to injury, infection, and chronic conditions. Recognizing problems early and understanding basic paw care can improve comfort and prevent complications.

Quick Q&A: Common Questions

Question: Why is my dog licking his paws constantly?

Answer: Persistent paw licking often indicates irritation from allergies, a foreign body lodged between toes, or a secondary bacterial or yeast infection. It can also stem from pain or behavioral issues. If licking continues for more than a day or is accompanied by redness or swelling, a veterinary examination is recommended.

Common Paw Problems in Dogs and Cats

Causes

Paw issues can arise from many sources:

• Allergies: Atopic dermatitis, food allergies, or contact allergies often manifest as interdigital erythema, pruritus, and secondary infections.
• Infections: Bacterial (often Staphylococcus or Pseudomonas) and fungal/yeast (e.g., Malassezia) thrive in moist, warm interdigital spaces.
• Foreign bodies: Grass awns, thorns, glass shards, or burrs can embed between pads or digits, causing lameness and abscess.
• Trauma: Cuts, abrasions, pad burns from hot pavement, frostbite, or overgrown nails that split or curve into the pad.
• Autoimmune or metabolic disorders: Conditions such as pemphigus foliaceus or symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy affect the pads and nail beds.
• Tumors: Digital squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma, though less common, may present as a non-healing mass on a toe or pad.

Clinical Signs

Owners may notice limping, excessive licking or chewing, redness, swelling, discharge, bleeding, or a foul odor. The pet may be reluctant to walk on certain surfaces or may constantly lift a paw.

Clinical Examination of the Paw

A thorough paw exam is a key part of any lameness workup. At the veterinary clinic, the clinician will:

• Observe the patient’s gait and weight bearing.
• Palpate each digit and pad for swelling, heat, or pain.
• Examine interdigital spaces for foreign bodies, masses, or lesions.
• Use a magnifying lens or otoscope for deep inspection.
• Perform cytology (tape or swab samples) to identify bacteria, yeast, or inflammatory cells.
• Consider imaging such as digital radiography to rule out fractures, joint disease, or osteomyelitis in chronic cases.

At home, owners can gently check between toes and under pads after walks. Look for debris, matted fur, or any abnormal growth.

Home Care for Minor Paw Issues

For superficial cuts or abrasions:

1. Clean the area gently with warm saline or a chlorhexidine solution (diluted).
2. Apply a thin layer of veterinary-approved antimicrobial ointment.
3. Protect the paw with a clean, dry bandage or a protective bootie if the pet is active.
4. Change the bandage daily and monitor for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, discharge, odor).

For dry or cracked pads, use a pet-safe moisturizing balm (avoid human lotions, which may contain harmful ingredients). Keep the paws dry between applications.

Important: Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol on paw wounds, as these can damage tissue and delay healing.

When to Visit the Veterinarian

Schedule a veterinary appointment if:

• Lameness persists for more than 24 hours.
• There is a visible foreign body that cannot be safely removed.
• Signs of infection (pus, severe redness, heat, swelling) develop.
• The pet is in obvious pain (crying, refusing to bear weight).
• Nails are fractured or bleeding.
• There is a mass or lump that does not resolve within a week.
• The pet has a known systemic disease (e.g., diabetes) that impairs healing.

At the clinic, treatment may include foreign body removal, drainage of abscesses, systemic antibiotics or antifungals, anti-inflammatory medications, and specialized wound care. For chronic conditions like allergies, a long-term plan involving diet trials, immunotherapy, or topical therapy will be developed.

Prevention and Maintenance

Regular paw inspection and care can prevent many problems:

• Trim nails every 2 to 4 weeks to prevent overgrowth and splitting. Use guillotine or scissor style trimmers and avoid the quick.
• Keep fur between paw pads trimmed short to reduce matting and moisture trapping.
• Wipe paws after walks, especially during wet or icy weather, to remove salt, deicers, and debris.
• Protect paws from extreme temperatures: avoid hot asphalt (test with your hand), use booties in snow or ice, and apply pad wax if needed.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints and paws.
• Provide a clean, dry environment to minimize exposure to irritants and infectious agents.

By combining attentive home care with regular veterinary checkups, you can keep your pet’s paws healthy and comfortable for a lifetime of active living.