Sand Irritated Dog Paws

Paw pads provide insulation for a dog s feet provide traction aid with balance slowing down and stopping and act as shock absorbers for the bones and joints.

Sand irritated dog paws.

Pododermatitis is a medical term for skin inflammation particularly inflammation in the feet or paws. Dogs can get blisters and burns due to friction from their paw pads rubbing together and causing a blister or from walking on a hot surface such as scorching pavement or sand. To care for a dog paw pad blister or a burn the first step is to gently wash the paw with an anti bacterial wash. But it can cause a lot of irritation to your dog who might try to lick or bite at the area since it will likely be itchy.

If you live in a cold climate winter can be hard on your dog s paws. Snow and ice can cause cracked and sore pads. Some disorders may be managed in a relatively short amount of time and without a great deal of trouble but others complaints may be more stubborn and take weeks or months to be fully eliminated. With treatment prognosis is positive.

For minor burns apply antibacterial wash and cover the paw with a dog bootie. In either case your vet will be able to diagnose and address the real issue as well as the symptoms. Dogs spend the majority of their time on their paws walking running and fetching so it s easy to see how important it is to make sure that you take good care of your dog s paws. Rock salt sand and other chemical de icers are commonly used to clear ice.

For serious burns visit your vet immediately. Foot soaks are beneficial for dogs that have itchy inflamed irritated paws and also for dogs that are exposed to specific contaminants in the winter. Signs include blisters loose flaps of skin and red ulcerated patches. Even though you should speak to your vet there are other things you can do to help ease irritated dog paws while you wait for your appointment date.

Irritated dog paws are generally either a symptom of allergies or of a foreign body in the paw. The disease is more common in dogs than it is in cats. In these cases the swelling is usually centralized at the top of the paw. It is important to remember your dog s paws feel heat extremes too.

The prognosis for dogs who are exhibiting painful or swollen paws will depend on the ability to treat the underlying disorder. If your four legged companion is crate trained it is the best time to confine him there and make sure. But if your dog has an allergic reaction to a bite or sting it could cause their paw to appear swollen and red. Because dogs aren t aware of how much they move you need to be proactive at preventing your dog from walking unnecessarily.