Yes, dog paws are certainly made for walking but did you know they require protection just like human feet? Walking on hard concrete on a sunny day can burn your dog’s paws and cause pressure on their joints. It is thus important you invest in dog shoes for your pet to reduce the risk of paw injuries. Before we discuss ways to prevent dog paw injuries in your pet, it is integral you learn about the signs and symptoms of a paw injury.
Signs And Symptoms of a Paw Injury
If your dog has been limping and is refusing to go for a walk, perhaps you should keep an eye out for the following signs and symptoms:
- Frequently licking the affected paw
- Limping and reducing to walk
- Not willing to use the affected limb
- Redness and swelling
Additionally, if your dog’s paw injury has been caused because of a cut and injury on the footpad, there may be bleeding, sometimes profuse depending on the injury. If a foreign object has lodged itself between the dog’s toes, you will be able to identify and find the object upon inspection.
Remove Snow & Ice from Dog's Paws after Playing in the Snow. Otherwise, the Snow will Melt and Form into Painful Ice Pellets.
Causes for Dog Paw Injuries
If your dog is suffering from the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, there could be numerous possible causes behind their injuries. The most common possible causes include:
- Insect bites and stings
- Cuts on the paws due to a sharp object such as a broken piece of glass
- Cracks on their paws due to extremely dry or cold weather conditions
- Torn or broken toenails
Treatment For Dog Paw Injuries
Treatment typically depends on what caused the injury in the first place. Do not try treating a serious injury at home, such as an injury sustained from a deep cut or a dislocated toe. If your dog is suffering from an injury, here’s how you can treat the following injuries:
Bleeding
If your furry friend’s paw is bleeding, your first step should be to stop the bleeding. Clean and disinfectant the area using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide or water in equal parts and then apply a bandage over it. Be careful not to wrap it up too tightly.
Broken Toenails
A broken toenail can cause great pain to your dog, hence deal with your dog carefully. In such cases, pull out the damaged nail and then disinfect it with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide or water in equal parts and then apply a bandage over it. However, do not attend to the wound yourself if your dog’s paw is bleeding profusely.
Tips to Avoid Paw Injuries
- Avoid walking your dog on concrete and asphalt on a hot day
- Invest in dog shoes for your pet
- Trim your dog’s toenails
- Protect your dog’s paws while taking him out for a walk during extreme weather conditions
Hopefully, this useful guide will teach you how to avoid paw injuries in the future.