If you have been shaking your dog’s paw recently, you might have noticed that their paw pads are a little bit rough. While sometimes this can be normal, other issues could be a cause for concern.
And sometimes, changes in paw pads might signal an ongoing or chronic underlying health concern. In this article, we’re going to aim to discuss everything that can go wrong with paw pads and what we can do to protect our pups’ perfect tootsies.
The 5 Reasons a Dog’s Paws Might Be Rough
1. Cold Weather
You might not give much thought to your pup’s paw pads in cold weather. After all, they come fully equipped with a fur coat, and it might not seem like they need much help otherwise. But the paw pads are exposed to cold, snowy, or icy pavement, grass, sand, etc., and therefore susceptible to damage.
In extreme cold temperatures, it can cause the paw pads to dry out or become irritated, causing cracking or other uncomfortable irritation.
2. Hot Surfaces
Similar to cold weather, during the warmer months, hot surfaces can really do a number on your pup’s paw pads. If you’re taking walks on sidewalks or pavement, these hot surfaces can damage the paw pads, even causing burns and blisters in the worst cases. This can lead to cracks, infections and roughness to the pads.
It is incredibly important to be mindful of temperatures. Even when it might not feel very hot to you, the pavement and concrete can really retain heat! We highly recommend walking your pup in the cooler hours of the morning and evening.
3. Rough Terrain
Have you been taking your dog on the road less traveled lately? If you’ve been doing a lot of hiking or you are walking on uneven or unusual surfaces, it can cause your pup’s paw pads to start to feel a little rough.
Think about walking barefoot. You eventually develop calluses on your feet that protect your feet from the elements. A dog’s paw pads will adapt to the environment they are walking on.
4. Hyperkeratosis
Hyperkeratosis occurs when the body produces too much keratin, which is the primary protein that makes up hair, nails and skin. In dogs hyperkeratosis typically affects the paw pads or the bridge of the nose.
It causes thickened areas of dry, rough skin on the paw pads which can become cracked and infected. Hyperkeratosis is more common in certain breeds of dogs including Labradors, Dogues de Bordeaux and Irish Terriers. It is also frequently seen in brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs such as English Bulldogs due to poor conformation and abnormal weight bearing on the paw pads. This typically leads to rough, thickened areas of hyperkeratosis on the edges on the pads.
5. Health Issues
In some circumstances, dry paw pads might be a signal that there is an underlying health condition. Allergies and some other chronic conditions can affect the paw pads and skin in general.
- Pododermatitis: Pododermatitis is inflammation of the skin of the paw, it typically affects the skin between the digits but can also affect the paw pads and nail folds. It causes dogs to have painful, swollen, red and itchy feet, and can progress to painful sores if left untreated. Your dog might obsessively lick the infected paw, which can also lead to an increased risk of drying and cracking. Several things can cause pododermatitis including parasites (e.g. demodex mites), foreign bodies, allergies and conformation issues (often heavy set dogs with splayed feet). It is important for your vet to diagnose what’s the root cause of this issue so it can be treated appropriately.
- Autoimmune Conditions: Autoimmune conditions cause your dog’s immune system to attack their healthy cells. The underlying cause can stem from various factors, but certain autoimmune conditions can affect the health of the paw pads. Pemphigus foliaceus is the most common autoimmune skin condition in dogs and can cause thickened, crusty and cracked paw pads among other signs. Autoimmune diseases are not generally curable, but your pup’s signs can be controlled with certain medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.
- Endocrine Issues: Your dog’s endocrine system consists of glands that create and release hormones. If they have any type of hormonal imbalance or condition related to the endocrine system, it can cause a multitude of signs. The most common endocrine issues that affect a dog’s paws are Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism. Dry paw pads can result in chronic dryness of the skin and paw pads, leading to cracking and infection. One possible cause is mineral deficiency, particularly zinc deficiency, which can cause skin thickening and cracking of the paw pads. Liver disease, although rare, can also lead to thickened, cracked, or crusty paw pads. To protect your dog’s paws, consider using doggy-specific balm, paw protectors, and ensuring appropriate hygiene. Additionally, applying oils like coconut or olive oil can help moisturize and protect the paw pads. Always consult with a vet before trying any home remedies, especially if the paw pads are sore or painful. following sentence:
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