Dry Cracked Paw Pads Dogs

A zinc deficiency may lead to cracked paw pads.

Dry cracked paw pads dogs. If you notice your dog has rough or dry paw pads the best thing you can do is provide natural moisturizing relief. Cracked paws occur when cracks or fissures appear on the surface of the dog paw. A pet balm or dog paw cream like vermont s original bag balm can help the cut heal and soften its dry pads. Hard dry cracked pads and or nose excess horn shaped tissue will protrude from the afflicted area causing pain and discomfort.

Dogs like humans have an immune system that s responsible for fighting off foreign cells within their body. Clean the paw pad gently with a mild soap and water or a mild antiseptic such as chlorohexidine or an iodine scrub. As the weather shifts from fall to winter and snow begins to cover the ground one thing dog owners will need to be wary of is dry or cracked paw pads. Bag balm vermont s original 2 pack.

Deep or infected cracks heal more slowly. Dry air freezing cold ice and salt or other de icers can wreak havoc on your pup s paws during winter walks eventually leading to painful cracks and even infections. If your dog is excessively licking his paws and experiencing swollen or cracked reoccurring lesions or blisters that spread to more than one paw it could be an autoimmune disease. It s common for dog paws to become dry rough or even cracked for a variety of reasons.

Seasonal tips winter for dogs who live in cold climates ice snow and salt can be a huge risk to paw pads. Sometimes these allergies make your dog s feet itch leading to compulsive nibbling and chewing that may result in painful infections or dry cracked pads. For example if you look under your dog s foot you may notice that one of the pads has a crack or opening in it that may cause the dog to limp or lick at the area explains dr. Fish oil may be prescribed by your vet.

Nasodigital hyperkaratosis this disorder affects the tough outer covering of the foot pads and also the nose in older dogs. Road salt can then enter these cracks and cause infection or burn the skin. And that can leave your canine friend compulsively nibbling and licking its paws for relief often making the problem worse. Excessive paw licking can be linked to a ph imbalance resulting from not enough meat in his or her dog food.

Keep the cracked pad clean. Causing the covering and edges of these areas to grow excessively. With proper treatment uninfected paw pads typically heal within a week or two depending on the dog and severity of the injuries. Tiffany margolin dvm cva.