Dog Paws Dry And Cracked
This could be a sign of a nutrient deficiency an allergy or even a serious medical issue.
Dog paws dry and cracked. Causes of cracked foot pads in dogs. If your dog has cracked pads you will need to keep these as clean as possible which can seem like an impossible task. Additionally walking on hot pavement can cause paws to blister and rough rocky terrain can cause cuts in the pads. If your vet suspects that your dog s chronic paw pad lesions or infections stem from endocrine issues she will run a panel of tests.
If your four legged friend has chronically dry irritated paws make sure to take him to the vet. This condition causes cracked paws in any weather. It s important to use a good dog paw cream in such instances to keep the dog s paw pads moisturized healthy and void of cracks and especially in extremely hot or cold temperatures. Fish oil may be prescribed by your vet.
However if you gently clean the pad with a very mild soap and water solution or even a very mild antiseptic and do so frequently then you should be able to keep on top of the problem. Remember most problems with cracked or dry dog paws can be handled by you at home but make sure you consult with your veterinarian if you notice deep cracks with excessive bleeding or oozing crusting or an obvious injury like a bleeding cut or missing pad. How dogs get cracked paw pads my dog wearing a sock over his paw. Perhaps one of the most common causes of cracked paws is wear and tear.
Allergies can lead to cracked paws especially food allergies. A zinc deficiency may lead to cracked paw pads. Cushing s disease usually occurs in middle age to older dogs. Common opinion would tell you that a healthy and happy dog will have a wet shiny nose any hint of dryness is usually seen as a bad thing.
Does a dry nose mean that my dog is sick. Dealing with cracked paw pads may be a very frustrating issue because paw pads hold most of the dog s weight and because they create discomfort while interfering with walking. Our dogs paws go through a lot and if they become split and cracked it can cause them a lot of pain and discomfort. Dealing with cracked pads.
If your dog is biting at their paw or licking it excessively he may be allergic to something. Some breeds are prone to zinc responsive dermatosis. Harsh chemicals like ice melt and floor cleaners can cause your dog s paws to become irritated and cracked says dr.