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• Paw Paw Paw Cracked
• Paw Paw Ok

All dog owners know just how excited their four legged friends get when they are out on a walk. All those new scents and smells test tail wagging to new limits, and then there's the chance to be off the lead in a park or woodland, which is heaven for any dog running around to their heart's content. However, this is often when an injury to a paw may happen and it's something all owners need to watch out for.

A dog's paws are incredibly tough but they are not indestructible. Apart from objects on the ground that might injure a paw, there are other things that might be the cause of the problem. This includes dryness of the pads which then develops into a more serious problem, namely painful cracks.

What Causes Cracked Pads?

There are many things that can lead to your dog developing cracked pads, which includes the following:

• An illness
• Allergies
• Irritants
• Autoimmune disorders
• Nutritional deficiencies

Checking Your Dogs Paws After a Walk

As long as you have noticed there is a problem early enough and the pad has not become infected, with the correct treatment cracked pads will heal pretty quickly – usually with a week or two. However, if the crack is deep and has got infected then it will take more care and longer for the pad to heal.

If you take a look at your dog's paws after a walk, especially if you think there is a problem, you will be able to deal with it sooner rather than later, which is always the best case scenario when dealing with any injury. Here are some pointers to bear in mind if you think your dog has injured a paw or is suffering from a cracked pad.

• If you are out on a walk and notice there's a problem, then cut the walk short to avoid your dog having to suffer any further pain or worsen the injury
• It is always a good idea to check over your dogs paws after a walk in the great outdoors, even if your dog is not showing any signs of lameness, pain or discomfort – it's always better to be safe than sorry!
• Make sure there are no puncture wounds made by thorns or any other sharp objects your dog may have come across out on a walk – the smaller the hole, the more problems it can cause!
• When you examine your dog's paws, gently squeeze them to make sure nothing is caught between their toes – this includes burs which can be really painful if not removed – you need to do this very gently to avoid hurting your dog who might just bite if you do! Even the nicest of characters may object to their feet being squeezed if there's any pain there!

How to Deal With Cuts & Injuries

If the paw has a deep cut whether on the pad or elsewhere on the foot, you will need to take your dog to the vets. However, if the cut is just an abrasion, then you should be able to deal with it yourself. The first thing you have to do is clean the cut thoroughly using a gentle antiseptic solution, and once the cut is clean apply some iodine or other antiseptic ointment to the wound.

If the cut is deep, then the vet will have to clean it out for you and treat it with all the right ointments and maybe even a painkiller and slow acting antibiotic jab to prevent any infection from setting in. The vet may also decide to bandage the paw and a put a collar on your dog to stop them from removing the bandage and licking their wound.

How To Deal With Bandages

If the paw has been bandaged, then it will need to be changed frequently so the wound remains clean. This rule applies to both minor and more severe injuries to the paw. Dogs actually sweat through their paws and pads which means moisture builds up under the bandage, and this is something you need to avoid at all costs. Remember, bacteria thrives in moist places! Damp bandages will also slow down the healing process!

Dealing With Cracked Pads

If your dog has cracked pads, you will need to keep these as clean as possible which can seem like an impossible task. 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. You must remember to dry the paw thoroughly after washing it for the same reasons as mentioned above.

Applying Creams & Ointments

If your vet has given you a prescription cream or ointment to use on the cracked pad, you must apply this to the paw as directed by the vet. Once the pad has healed, you should stop applying the ointment because it may soften the pads too much which then leads to further problems – the pads become more vulnerable to any injury and they have a tendency to split!

What if Cracked Pads Are Due to Something Else?

If you notice your dog has cracked pads and you are not sure why, then you need to discuss the problem with your vet. There are a few conditions that can cause cracked pads as mentioned above, and one of them is called Pemphigus. This is a rare condition seen in dogs, but it is one that affects their immune system and one symptom is cracked and sore pads. Vets usually prescribe some kind of immunosuppressant drug as an effective treatment for the condition.

Nutritional Problems

Occasionally, a dog on the wrong type of diet can end up with cracked and painful pads. Yeast infections are usually a result of some kind of food allergy and this needs to be discussed with your vet. There are many very effective anti-fungal treatments on the market which clear up the problem pretty quickly. However, you would need to look at your dog's diet and make sure you change it so the problem does not reoccur. A zinc deficiency in a diet can also lead to cracked pads which means vets normally recommend a zinc/selenium supplement be given to dogs to speed up the healing process.

Your dog’s paws should be rough, but if they are excessively dry or cracked this can put your pooch in pain. Read on to find out what you should do if you suspect your dog is suffering from cracked paws.

What Are Paw Pads and How Do They Crack?

The pads on your dog’s paws absorb shock, sparing excessive pressure on their joints. Fun fact: dogs actually do sweat, contrary to popular belief. They produce sweat in areas not covered by fur, such as their noses and paw pads! Several factors can lead to cracked paw pads.

Using floor cleaners with harsh chemicals could affect your dog’s paws. Remember to use more mild or organic cleaners. Whatever you use, your dog will be licking it when they lick their paws. Paw licking is normal, but if it goes on for more than just a few minutes this is a sign that your dog’s pads are not healthy. There could be a pH imbalance caused by not enough meat in their dog food. A zinc deficiency can also lead to cracks. Fish oil can combat this, which may be prescribed by your vet. The climate and weather can also lead to cracked pet paws. If winters in the area where you live are snowy or you live in a very dry climate, your dog may have dry paws.

Prevention

Being proactive is the best way to keep your dog’s paws healthy. Change the chemicals you use to clean your house, change your dog’s diet, and check their paws on the daily for dryness during winter. Have you ever seen your dog limping or raising their paw during a walk in the winter? It’s not because their paw is cold, but because the rock salt is burning them. Prolonged exposure leads to chemical burns. When you get home, if your dog licks their paws they are ingesting deicing chemicals.

To prevent this, simply wash your dog’s paws with warm water when you get home from a winter walk. When doing so, be sure to remove any chunks of salt or ice. You could even put booties on your dog if they are willing. Putting boots on your dog will save you the trouble of washing their paws, but it is not the solution for everyone. Some dogs will fuss and remove them immediately. Limiting the length of walks in winter will also decrease irritation.

You should not use moisturizers designed for humans on your dog’s paws. These can contain chemicals that are harmful if ingested. You can find moisturizer specifically designed for dog noses and paws at any big store with a pharmacy section, or you could even try making some of your own.

Caring For Cracks

If you spot cracks and they don’t seem very deep, try treating them by cleaning them with a rag, warm water, and antibacterial soap. After drying them, apply petroleum jelly and rub it in well so even when your dog licks, it won’t be ingested. The salves that are safe to ingest will also not work if it is not rubbed in well and your dog immediately licks it off. Put an Elizabethan collar on your dog to prevent this.

Paw Paw Paw Cracked

If the cracks are more severe or bleeding, do not hesitate to go to the vet. Before doing so, you should still wash and bandage your dog’s paws gently. Wash with warm water and antibacterial soap and then bandage them. If you don’t have bandages, then a soft, clean sock can also be used. Cracks in pads could be a sign of a serious illness, so your vet may want to do bloodwork on your dog to figure out the best prescription. After your visit, your dog’s bandages must be changed regularly.

Paw Paw Ok

In short, cracks can be caused both by external and internal forces. Winter is hard on everyone, including your dog. If you suspect something more serious, like an illness that could be causing cracks in your dog’s paws, consult your veterinarian.