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Get your dog’s paws back to normal with this simple guide
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If your dog’s paws turn red, you’ll probably notice your pup licking their paws frequently, limping, or biting at their nails. This is a condition known as pododermatitis, and it’s an extremely common symptom in dogs. While you usually need a vet to check this out first, the good news is that your treatment is likely going to be very straightforward and easy. Read on to learn what causes red paws, how you can treat them, and what you can do to prevent this in the future.
Things You Should Know
- Your dog’s paws are red because they’re swollen. This is known as pododermatitis, and it’s a symptom of irritation or an underlying medical condition.
- Pododermatitis is usually caused by overactivity, an allergy, or an infection, all of which are relatively easy to treat with medication, rest, or simple treatments.
- Potential serious causes of pododermatitis include autoimmune disorders, endocrine disorders, or cancer, all of which require medical intervention.
- Unless it’s a minor cut or overactivity, you must see a veterinarian to get a diagnosis for pododermatitis.
Steps
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Tips
- This is an extremely common issue among dogs and while it can indicate something serious is going on, pododermatitis is usually not a big deal. [27] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to sourceThanks
- If you’ve ever had your skin swell up from a bee sting or allergic reaction, that’s basically what’s happening with pododermatitis. If your dog isn’t bleeding, rest assured that they’re not in serious pain—although they may be a little annoyed by the sensation. [28] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to sourceThanks
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Warnings
- If your dog’s paw won’t stop bleeding, it won’t stop swelling, or it’s impeding your dog’s ability to walk, take them to an emergency vet as soon as you can. [29] X Research sourceThanks
- If you don’t regularly trim your dog’s nails, it can lead to paw irritation and potentially nerve damage. [30] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/accidents-injuries/e_dg_swollen_paws
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pododermatitis-in-dogs
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatment/
- ↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/accidents-injuries/e_dg_swollen_paws
- ↑ https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2021/03/25/how-can-i-tell-if-my-dog-has-an-infection/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4982575/
- ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/health-info/canine-skin-autoimmune-diseases
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pemphigus-in-dogs
- ↑ https://www.nhah.com/metabolic-a-endocrine
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4982575/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cancer-senior-dogs-signs-symptoms-to-watch-for/
- ↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/accidents-injuries/e_dg_swollen_paws
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-torn-or-injured-foot-pads-in-dogs
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4982575/
- ↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/accidents-injuries/e_dg_swollen_paws
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/antibiotic-resistant-bacterial-infections-in-dogs
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4982575/
- ↑ https://veterinaryemergencygroup.com/blog/dog-allergies/
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/common-emergencies-in-dogs
- ↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cancer/c_dg_squamous_cell_carcinoma_digit
- ↑ https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/caring-for-your-dog/keeping-dogs-paws-healthy.html
- ↑ https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/caring-for-your-dog/keeping-dogs-paws-healthy.html
- ↑ https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/caring-for-your-dog/keeping-dogs-paws-healthy.html
- ↑ https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/summer/dogs
- ↑ https://dogsbestlife.com/dog-health/weed-killers/
- ↑ https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/caring-for-your-dog/keeping-dogs-paws-healthy.html
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4982575/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4982575/
- ↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/accidents-injuries/e_dg_swollen_paws
- ↑ https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/caring-for-your-dog/keeping-dogs-paws-healthy.html
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