You can try treating dog paw cracks at home and see how they respond if they don’t appear to be particularly deep and aren’t bleeding.
Dr. Ryan advises using a washcloth, warm water, and antibacterial soap to clean the pads.
After patting them dry, use petroleum jelly, being sure to rub it in thoroughly to prevent your dog from licking it off and causing further discomfort and stomach distress.
Dr. Ryan also advises covering your dog’s paws with bandages or stockings to make walking more bearable while the fissures heal.
You may find many various kinds of topical treatments to moisturize and mend the paws, but you should be sure to use an Elizabethan collar on your dog so they don’t lick the salve off straight away, advises Dr. Margolin.
Dr. Ryan advises shortening walks in order to preserve pet paws even more and hasten recuperation.
Will Vaseline work on my dog’s paws?
If your best friend doesn’t feel comfortable wearing boots, try Vaseline or a paw balm like Musher’s Secret.
Apply balm on your dog’s paws before walks to provide a barrier that keeps snow, ice, and salt from entering in between your dog’s toes. Their paw pads stay moisturized thanks to the balm or Vaseline. When you return inside, just make sure you have a towel on hand to wipe it off.
How should a split paw pad be treated?
Although they are in a humble position, your dog’s feet are quite important. Without the assistance of four strong feet, how can a dog move about in the world? And where “the rubber meets the road” is on the soles of those feet!
The dog’s feet have thick, rubbery pads that act as a cushion for each step and as traction to keep the dog from slipping. From the trauma that running and walking cause, foot pads shield bones and joints. Additionally, they protect the foot from severe temperatures (cold and heat) and facilitate movement across uneven or difficult terrain.
What happens if my dog hurts her foot pads?
Foot pads must be healthy, thus injuries must be treated very once. Pay attention if your dog limps or licks her pads. She might have burned, punctured, or torn foot pads.
Cuts and punctures take longer to heal because a torn foot pad doesn’t adhere well to sutures. Walking on the hurt foot frequently aggravates the wound and slows recovery. Additionally, if infection spreads, the dog can develop issues other than simply his feet. It’s a good idea to administer first aid at home and then visit your veterinarian right away because even tiny foot pad injuries can be difficult.
What do I do if my dog has a torn foot pad?
Before you can see your veterinarian, there are a few first aid fundamentals to cover at home:
- sanitize the wound. Check the pad for any debris or foreign objects that may be lodged there, such as glass or metal shards. Gently remove the foreign object if it is close enough for you to reach it with tweezers. Dislodging minute particles could be made easier by drenching the paw in cool water or spraying it with a hose. Leave the debris alone if it is severely embedded. Too much digging can simply make the damage worse and make it worse. Your veterinarian, who can sedate your dog to make the surgery more comfortable, needs to remove deep-seated foreign bodies. To clean the wound, apply betadine or a mild antibacterial soap.
- Apply pressure to the wound with a fresh cloth to stop bleeding. In a matter of minutes, minor tears will stop bleeding, but deeper wounds take longer to heal. Additionally, if the dog walks on the leg, bleeding can resume. This is an emergency if you cannot stop the bleeding within 10 to 15 minutes. Visit the emergency veterinary facility with your dog.
- Apply a bandage on the wound to keep it closed. To absorb blood and cushion the foot’s bottom, use gauze pads. The gauze cushioning will lessen any discomfort experienced when walking on the foot. Wrap the entire foot in a self-sticking material, such as Vetwrap, to hold the gauze in place. It’s crucial to cover the entire paw, from the toes to the ankle (tarsus) or wrist (carpus). Covering the ankle or wrist joint will stop the bandage from falling off, while covering the toes will stop them from swelling. A tight bandage should not be used. Two fingers ought should fit between the bandage and the leg.
- Every day, change the bandage. Spray the bandage with an anti-lick substance, such as bitter apple, if your dog chews at it. When she steps on wet grass, she tapes a plastic bag over the bandage to keep it dry. When you are changing bandages, pay special attention. Consult your veterinarian if the toes start to swell or turn dark, if there is a bad odor, or if there is a moist discharge. These symptoms could point to poor circulation or an infection that could cause long-term harm to the foot. After three days, if the wound is still bleeding or hasn’t healed, it’s time for a follow-up appointment with your veterinarian, who can give you strong antibiotics and painkillers to hasten the healing process.
What do I do if my dog has a burned foot pad?
Dogs frequently hurt their pads when exposed to high temperatures or chemicals, in addition to cuts and punctures. Even while foot pads are durable, they can still burn when used on a hot pavement in the summer or an icy surface in the winter. After a summer or winter stroll, if your dog licks at her feet or limps, soothe her pads by soaking the foot in room temperature water. Contact your veterinarian if the pads start to seem discolored or if the tissue underneath the pad starts to show. Professional care must be provided for severe burns.
Chemicals can also result in burns. If your dog accidentally treads in something caustic, keep the foot submerged in running water for a while. Next, thoroughly rinse the paw after washing it with mild soap. Wearing gloves will help prevent skin irritability. Your dog’s burns could also burn you.
Bandage the paw and apply antibiotic ointment to the burned foot pad. It’s crucial to closely check the injury and change the bandage every day. Inform your veterinarian of any alterations mentioned in the section on torn foot pads.
What can I do to prevent foot pad injuries?
Examine the areas where your dog plays and walks to prevent foot injury. Get rid of any glass shards, metal shavings, or other sharp things. In the summer, avoid walking on scorching sidewalks, and in the winter, cover your dog’s feet with boots. Keep in mind that your dog shouldn’t walk barefoot in a certain place if you wouldn’t!
How are cracked paws treated?
Both Michigan residents and their pets are accustomed to the cold weather. Your pet is waiting with its paws exposed while you are busy tying up your winter boots to go outside. In fact, regardless of the weather, our pets rely solely on their bare paws to get them where they need to go.
All About Those Pads
While the pads on the underside of paws are very cute, they have a much more important function for our dogs. Paw pads work as shock absorbers and traction devices, cushioning the impact of walking, running, and climbing on the bones, tendons, and ligaments of the legs.
Skin, bone, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue make up the paw pads, which become more resilient to heat, cold, and rough surfaces the more your pet uses them. Despite how durable the pads are, they are not impenetrable.
Winter Proofing Paws
Preventing damage to the paw pads before they happen is the key to maintaining your pet’s paws in peak condition.
- Trim the hair in and around the toes to maintain the appearance of your pet’s paws. Ice won’t be able to build up between the toes and the pads as a result of this.
- Make care to cut your pet’s nails. Too-long nails may make it difficult for your pet to walk with his or her paws together, increasing the likelihood that snow and ice may build up between the pads.
- Both salt and chemical deicers have the potential to be poisonous to our pets and to further harm their paw pads. Every time you get home, make sure to properly wash your pet’s paws in warm water to remove any salt or other chemicals that may have adhered to them from the road.
- Dog booties are a great method to keep your pet’s feet dry and safe when out for walks.
Healing Cracked Paws
Regularly bathing dry, cracked paws with warm, gentle water will help keep them as clean as possible. Before putting a sock or bootie on the paw, massage a therapeutic, animal-safe balm into the pads.
Paw pads that are dry or damaged are not just a wintertime problem. There may be more elements, such as:
- Allergies
- nutrition-related issues
- autoimmune conditions
- endocrine problems
Please take your pet to the doctor if the cracked paw pads persist despite your best efforts. Your vet can rule out any underlying health issues and recommend the best course of action.
What can I use to assist my dog’s paw pads heal?
Beeswax can help mend and protect your dog’s paw pads if your dog spends a lot of time outside. Real beeswax, especially in the winter, acts as a fantastic barrier between your dog’s paw pads and the outside world. Avoid processed beeswax goods and speak with a local apiary or beekeeper for the beeswax instead.
Vitamin E & Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E is a necessary nutrient that supports a number of processes, including the health of the skin and coat. Salmon oil, which is high in vitamin E and omega fatty acids, can assist your dog’s paw pads by preventing dry skin. Use a small amount of vitamin E oil topically to treat any dry or cracked areas on your dog’s paw pads.
Olive Oil
Olive oil works wonders as a paw pad salve, especially on scorching summer days when your dog’s paws may have been sensitive. After spending time outside in hot weather, rub some olive oil on your dog’s paws to relieve any pain or irritation. It may also assist if your dog’s pads are dry, however shea butter and coconut oil may be more effective merely for dryness.
What Should Healthy Paw Pads Look and Feel Like?
Healthy paws will have a dry, somewhat gritty texture that guards against sharp pebbles and unforgiving ground. They have pads on their paws that resemble the soles of our shoes, which protect our feet from the ground. The paw pads on your dog shouldn’t feel overly smooth or soft to the touch. It’s important to remember that healthy paws shouldn’t be mistaken for dry or injured paws because dog paws are naturally made to be somewhat rough and protective.
What Causes Dry or Cracked Paws?
Your dog’s paw pads may be drier than usual for a variety of causes, which can result in itchy skin and cracked paw pads. Dry and sensitive paw pads are caused by a variety of factors, including poor air quality, excessive paw licking, skin diseases, and a host of others. A dog’s persistently dry or cracked paws should be examined by a veterinarian to determine the reason because they could be an indication of a more serious problem.
What is Hairy Paw Syndrome?
Hyperkeratosis, often known as “Hairy Paw Syndrome,” is a condition that results in your dog’s paws developing patches of spiky, crusty skin from the extra keratin their bodies create. Although it doesn’t hurt and resembles hair, if it continues to develop, it could become problematic. The home remedies on our list cannot treat hyperkeratosis because applying balms, oils, or salves won’t stop the excess development.
The walking of your dog may start to feel uncomfortable and painful if the keratin patches grow too lengthy. Consult your veterinarian about available treatments and procedures. Never try to trim, shave, or cut the keratin growth areas at home. Your veterinarian can instruct you on how to treat Hairy Paw Syndrome in your dog at home.
How Do I Protect My Dog’s Paws?
There are a few things you can do to protect your dog’s paws and keep them from drying out, cracking, or burning. Here are the recommended practices for protecting your dog’s paws:
Dog Boots
Dog boots are the finest way to protect your dog’s paws, but the majority of canines don’t enjoy wearing them. Dog booties are the finest paw protection option if you can convince your dog to wear them.
Paw Pad Wax
Dog paw pad wax can act as a barrier on your dog’s paws to shield them from harm if you intend to walk your dog on unpaved surfaces or in bad weather. There are several different waxes with various characteristics that might help protect your dog’s paws from the weather.
Avoiding Extreme Weather
Avoiding harsh temperatures, both in the summer and the winter, is one of the greatest ways to save your dog’s paw pads. Even if your dog can tolerate the heat from the pavement and walkways, it might still be uncomfortable. You might need to invest in some paw pad wax during the winter because the salt that melts with the snow and ice might burn your dog’s paws.
Before taking your dog for a stroll, make sure all surfaces are tested in high heat. For five to ten seconds, place your hand on the ground. Your dog is capable of walking safely if it is at ease. Stay inside if the temperature is barely bearable or if your hands are burning!
What cream is ok for dogs?
For a number of reasons, it is always preferable to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any over-the-counter drugs.
You must first determine the proper dose to deliver because there are differences between the doses for humans and canines. In order to prevent any negative outcomes, your veterinarian should check your dog’s medical history. Drug combinations can be harmful. Third, many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs should not be used on canines. Making the assumption that a medicine is safe for your dog simply because you can buy it over-the-counter might have harmful implications.
Antihistamines. Common antihistamines include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin), which reduce allergy symptoms or prevent allergic responses. Antihistamines are mostly safe, however some dogs may become drowsy or hyperactive when taking them. OTC antihistamine medications could also have unsuitable components for dogs, including decongestants. Verify that the product solely includes antihistamine by carefully reading the label. Make sure the antihistamine you have is appropriate for your dog by consulting the medical staff at your local animal hospital.
Antidiarrheals/Antinauseants. For stomach problems, bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is frequently stored in medicine cabinets and can be given to your dog. Consult your veterinarian healthcare team before administering if your dog has never taken it before. To treat both diarrhea and vomiting, a dose of 1 teaspoon for every 5 to 10 pounds of body weight may be used. However, contact your veterinarian if your dog throws up the Pepto-Bismol. Another anti-diarrheal that calms unsettled stomachs and is normally harmless is kaopectate. A large dog, however, requires a lot of Kaopectate at a dose of 1 ml per pound. You can get a dog-specific medicine from your vet.
Loperamide (Imodium). If given to your dog at a dose of 1 mg per 20 pounds of body weight, it should be safe to treat diarrhea in an emergency. Give just one dosage. Contact your veterinarian if the diarrhea does not stop. The condition can only be effectively treated if the cause of the diarrhea is correctly identified.
Cimetidine plus famotidine (Pepcid AC) (Tagamet). These drugs can be used to treat or prevent heartburn in humans, and they also function in canines. These drugs can improve a dog’s condition by reducing the generation of stomach acids. For dietary transgressions, it is acceptable to use them sometimes; nevertheless, if your dog continues to experience gastrointestinal problems, consult your veterinarian to identify the underlying cause.
creams, gels, and sprays containing steroids OTC steroid formulations are often quite safe and have a lower percentage of active components than prescription steroids. They have the advantage of making hot areas and bug bites less itchy. Steroids have the drawback of delaying healing, particularly if the incision is infected. Have your dog’s wound examined by your veterinarian if it still doesn’t appear to be healing after a few applications.
antibacterial topical cream. A typical topical antibiotic used on minor wounds and scrapes is neosporin. Every first aid kit should contain this ointment because it is generally safe for dogs. Check to be sure the cream only contains antibiotics and not steroids, which can actually slow healing. Before administering the antibiotic ointment, make sure your dog’s wound is clean. Cover the wound to prevent your dog from licking the lotion off.
Sprays, gels, and creams that are anti-fungal. The majority of fungal infections are too complex to be effectively treated with over-the-counter medications, but you can use them while you wait to take your dog to the vet. It’s crucial to rapidly and successfully treat these diseases since some fungal infections can spread from pets to people.
Peroxygenated water. If your dog consumes something he shouldn’t have, hydrogen peroxide can be administered orally to cause vomiting in addition to being applied topically to wipe out a superficial flesh lesion (i.e., your medications, rodenticides, toxic plants). However, vomiting can do more harm than good, so speak with your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital PRIOR to giving your dog an oral dose of hydrogen peroxide to find out how much to give.
a mineral oil There are several applications for this generally safe liquid. To prevent soap stinging your dog’s eyes, put a few drops in his eyes before bathing him.
synthetic tears Your dog may have dry eyes or may have some dust or debris in his eyes if he blinks or squints too much. The smallest speck in your eye or dry eyes can irritate you. Sometimes all that is required to clean junk out is a tiny amount of lubricating eye drops. Take your dog to the vet straight soon, though, if he continues to blink or squint. He might need to have a foreign body removed, have a scratch on his cornea, or have an eye infection. Contact your veterinarian right away if you observe a discharge or if your dog’s eyes appear red or inflamed. A prompt treatment helps ease your dog’s discomfort and could perhaps save permanent visual loss.
