Paw infections in dogs

Paw infections in dogs

Dogs spend most of their lives on their paws. Despite the fact that they are very durable and developed to withstand a large amount of activity and wear and tear, these parts of the body also have a number of problems. Paw infections in dogs know to be a big problem for dogs.

Although this is done by a relatively small number of owners, regular checks of the appearance and condition of the paws will help both in the prevention and in faster solving of the problems that have arisen.

The following numerous symptoms should be noted:

– licking and nibbling paws
– lameness or limping
– redness and inflamed paws
– presence of lesions and cracks
– hair loss
– the presence of ulcers and blisters
– scratches and cuts
– cracked or broken nails
– dry and cracked pads
– refusal to walk
– bleeding
– unpleasant odor

Problems with dog paws can have a number of causes. Physical injuries, parasitic or fungal infections are the most common, but you should know that they occur in almost all parts of the paws.

Allergies

As it is known, allergic reactions in dogs are mostly manifested on the skin.

We recommend this preparation if your dog has problems with allergies to his paws – Zesty Paws Allergy

They mostly itch and cause discomfort that dogs try to solve by licking, biting, and scratching.

As a rule, the skin in the area of the paws is most often affected by reactions.

Due to biting and scratching, skin damage often occurs in which secondary bacterial or fungal infections develop.

Bacterial and fungal infections

The paws are in constant contact with the unclean environment, so it is not surprising that they are exposed to bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi in the environment.

It is quite natural that a certain number of these pathogens exist on the skin and pads of the paws, but in some cases, they can break into the body and cause more serious problems.

Remove bacteria from your dog’s breath with the help of these wet wipes – Deodorizing Hypoallergenic Pet Wipes

Redness, swelling, pain, itching, and even discharge are common signs of infection. Yeast and lichens are the most common fungi that attack the paws of our pets.

Fungal infections are most common in dogs, caused by fungi of the genus Microsporum and Trichophyton.

The conditions of keeping and caring for the dog play an important role in the development of fungal infections in dogs. Fungal diseases are much more common in dogs that are kept indoors.

Removes fungus from your dog’s feet, efficiently, quickly, and safely. Use Curaseb Chlorhexidine Wipes

Synthetic and woolen fabrics are favorable places for the development of fungi. If they are used as a place of residence, and their regular hygiene (washing) is not maintained, then they become the main source of infection.

Always keep the space in the room where your dog is staying safe, disinfect it and remove unpleasant odors left by your dog with the help of Nature’s Miracle Advanced Stain and Odor Eliminator Dog

The infection is transmitted directly – from dog to dog, or indirectly – through objects and equipment.

Simultaneously with the treatment of a sick dog, the area where the dog resides should be cleaned and disinfected.

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Therapy (antifungal preparations) is carried out until the negative result of the fungal culture.

Animals whose condition is not improved by local treatment in the period of 2 – 4 weeks, it is necessary to conduct oral therapy with antifungals and possibly give antibiotics, in order to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

The therapy is long-lasting (6-8 weeks), and the animal is considered cured with a negative skin smear.

It takes a lot more time for the hair to fully recover.

Dermatomycoses are zoonoses and are very easily transmitted to humans (as well as other animals), especially to children and the elderly, due to weaker immunity.

Nail problems

Nails and inadequate care for them represent a special group of causes of problems on the paws.

– Too long nails

How to trim dog nails

First of all, they make walking difficult. When nails that are too long come in contact with a hard surface, it returns them to the nail bed and produces pain.

At the same time, the pressure is applied to all finger joints and the risk of breaking nails increases.

– Ingrown toenails

If the nails are not worn naturally or treated properly, they can grow into the flesh and cause pain.

– Torn and broken nails

If a nail gets caught on a solid obstacle during walking or running, it can break.

This can often be accompanied by bleeding and pain, so in such cases, you should seek the help of a veterinarian.

Dry and cracked pads

Walking on concrete, asphalt, and other rough surfaces, on hot surfaces during the summer, and in the winter on cold or ice, various chemicals or industrial salt, and even excessive licking can lead to the pads drying out and cracking.

The condition is painful and poses a risk for infections.

Burns and blisters

If you can’t walk barefoot on concrete or sand on the beach because of the heat – then neither can your dog.

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During the summer, check the temperature of the sidewalk before taking your pet for a walk.

Unfortunately, our dogs suffer from burns on their pads very well.

But that doesn’t mean there are no consequences.

The burnt pads look swollen and are red. Such burns require prompt intervention by a veterinarian.

Scratches and cuts

These types of problems are common because dogs run and play on a variety of terrains.

If your dog suffers an injury, cuts and needs to sterilize an open wound, we recommend this preparation as a first-aid – Skin and Wound Care Gel Spray

Broken glass, metal, small stones are all around us and pose a constant danger to the paws of our dogs.

When repairing such injuries, the remains of such objects are often found in cuts.

Parasites

Ticks often know how to settle between the toes of a dog’s paws in order to start feeding on the dog’s blood.

To remove parasites from your dog’s fur, we recommend this shampoo – Sentry Flea & Tick Shampoo (fleas and ticks)

And that is logical considering that ticks live in the grass on which our dogs are very happy to play and run.

After the walk, when examining the pet’s body, special attention should be paid to the paws.

Mites, which are frequent residents of our homes and inhabit carpets and furniture upholstery, are also a source of potential problems.

Mite infestation can cause hair loss and swelling of the paws.

Cysts and growths

Growths and wet cysts also cause pain and pose a risk of developing infections.

They can occur as a result of some other problems, but also as a result of the presence of flat bodies.

One of the most common causes of cysts and abscesses is Foxtail grass. All growths should be examined by a veterinarian to determine what they are and whether they need to be removed.

Paw infections in dogs – conclusion

Dog paws are part of the body that is most exposed to various influences.

Different surfaces, different weather conditions, and different activities are circumstances that should force us to take much better care of our pets’ paws.

After all, we care so much about our hands and feet that we can set aside some time for our four-legged friends.


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