A swollen dog paw is one of the most common problems you can see in your dog. Though the condition is not very serious it can be extremely painful and uncomfortable to your pooch if you are not taking care of it. Dogs’ paws can be swell due to several reasons like environmental problems, allergic reactions, autoimmune disorders, infections, and many more. In some cases, you might need a vet call but you can also use natural treatment.
Why is your dog’s paw swollen?
Paw pad injuries
Paw pad injuries including burns, bruises, and lacerations can lead to discomfort and swelling. Look at your pup’s paw for any traumatizing indication, foreign object, or wound. To heal the problem, your vet will suggest some topical ointment.
Infections
Swollen paws can be due to fungal and bacterial reactions. It may show signs such as unpleasant smell, discharge, hives, and redness. If you see any symptoms, call your vet so he can diagnose and suggest a treatment that may include antifungal and antibacterial medications.
Use a mild cleanser to wash your pup’s paws, and dry them to ensure they are free of contamination and living a clean life without any infection.
Ticks and other pesticides
If you inspect a tick or any other parasite on your dog’s paw, remove it immediately with care, and don’t forget to make a vet call if necessary. Your veterinarian might suggest some medications for ticks and fleas.
Contact dermatitis
When your pup’s paw runs into infuriating materials like certain plants, detergents, and chemicals can cause contact dermatitis. Blisters, itching, redness, and swelling may occur. When you go for a walk with your pooch, use protective booties for him to avoid pollutants. In case you see any sign, call your vet.
Autoimmune disorders
Swelling dog paws can be due to autoimmune disorders like pemphigus or lupus. Call your vet if you see consistent symptoms of an autoimmune disorder in swollen dog paws. Your vet will diagnose and give a proper treatment to cure the problem. Treatment may include some therapies and immunosuppressive medications.
Allergies
External factors like dust and pollens can cause allergic reactions which can lead to swollen dog paw. Your vet will suggest some allergen or alternative cure. It might include antihistamines but in severe cases, allergy shots will also reduce swelling.
Environment
Swollen dog paws can also be due to having a walk in places where small sticks and stones are present, continuous walks without any rest and hot blazing suns.
Symptoms of dog swollen paws
Some of the common signs of dog swollen dog paws include:
- Sloughing paw pads.
- Lameness.
- Paw warmth.
- Redness on paws.
- Constant paw licking.
- Constant paw biting.
- Unpleasant smell.
- Leaping.
- Paw bleeding.
- Nail biting.
What can you do?
- Inspect for any trapped foreign object or particle in paws.
- Though it is difficult, try to find if there’s a wound or insect stings.
- Try removing foreign objects or particles with tweezers and give a betadine wash.
- If there is no foreign object trapped in the paw then inspect the legs for constricting material presence that can lead to swelling.
- Regardless of the swollen dog paw cause, you can soak the paws in Epsom salt water solution for relief of the pain.
- Swelling will not go quickly in case of an obvious lesion or if your dog has consistent swelling in paws, make a vet call.
Prevention
Whenever you go back home after exercising your dog, always inspect your pup’s pads, particularly after hot asphalt, jagged terrain, overgrown ground, and running over. The problem can be seen in the summer season.
Some dog breeds get more swollen paws
| Idiopathic sterile granuloma of feet | Familial footpad hyperkeratosis | Zinc-responsive disorder |
| Great Dane Doberman pinscher Golden retriever Weimaraner Dachshund Collie English bulldog Boxer | Bedlington terrier Kerry blue terrier Golden retriever Irish terrier Dogue de Bordeaux Labrador retriever | Siberian husky Alaskan malamute |
Some natural treatments
Soak in warm water
Osak your pup’s paw in warm water in case he has rough and scaly paws.
Epsom salt soak
If your pup has swelling paws and you don’t know the reason behind it, just add two tablespoons of Epsom salt in water and soak your pup’s feet in it for 15 minutes.
Apple cider vinegar
Medical aids are present in apple cider vinegar which aids in reducing swelling in paws. Make a dilute solution of apple cider vinegar and soak your pup’s paw if he has a yeasty smell then air dry without rinsing.
Betadine wash
If a foreign object is trapped in your pups, this method will help you out. Make a solution of betadine and warm water and wash the swelling dog paw after removing the object.
Conclusion
Swollen dog paws are very painful for your pup so to prevent this painful condition you should have a keen eye on paws for allergic reactions, ticks and pesticides, or any other foreign object. The blessing is that you can treat the problem at home but if you see the consistency then call your vet.
