Pododermatitis and inflammation of the paws
Pododermatitis is a common – yet often overlooked – condition that affects a dog’s paws, leading to discomfort, inflammation, and even infection. If you notice that your pup can’t stop licking its paws, or if they’re walking a little bit tenderly, pododermatitis could be the reason.
Understanding what causes this condition, how you can recognize the symptoms, and what treatments are available will help you manage and prevent it.
Read on to find out how to keep your pup happy and active!
What is pododermatitis?
Essentially, pododermatitis is the official term for inflammation of a dog’s paws, and it affects the skin, hair follicles, and nail beds on their paws. Because our pup’s paws are always on the move and in contact with the ground, they tend to be more prone to irritation, infections, and environmental factors that can trigger this condition.
While it can sometimes be a temporary issue, other dogs may experience chronic pododermatitis, which unfortunately requires ongoing management.
Symptoms of pododermatitis in dogs
Dogs aren’t exactly shy about showing discomfort, but sometimes the signs of pododermatitis can be subtle.
Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Redness and swelling of the paw pads.
- Excessive licking and chewing.
- Reluctance to walk, particularly on hard surfaces.
- Pus-filled sores or open wounds.
- Hair loss around the affected area.
- Thickened or crusty skin.
When to see a vet
If your dog’s paws look irritated and the symptoms hang around for more than a few days, it’s best to schedule a vet visit.
Signs of infection like pus, a strong smell, or significant pain or discomfort should be addressed immediately to prevent complications.
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Causes of pododermatitis in dogs
Pododermatitis can be caused due to a number of factors. And since it’s not a one-size-fits-all condition, there are different types depending on the cause:
- Allergic pododermatitis: Caused by environmental allergens or food sensitivities, leading to itchiness and irritation.
- Infectious pododermatitis: Overgrowth of bacteria (ex. Staphylococcus) or fungi (ex. Ringworm), especially due to excessive licking, and can cause redness, swelling, and sometimes even yeast infections on a dog’s paws.
- Autoimmune pododermatitis: Some dogs suffer from immune system disorders such as Lupus, that mistakenly attack their own skin cells. Tumors and cysts can also be the culprits.
- Hormonal pododermatitis: Conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can upset the skin’s balance and trigger inflammation.
- Trauma-induced pododermatitis: Injuries from rough surfaces, excessive licking of the paws, or stepping on irritants can lead to inflammation and infection.
- Parasitic pododermatitis: Fleas, ticks, mites, mange mites, hookworms, nematodes can also lead to irritation, similar to the overgrowth of bacteria or fungi.
And there are some other causes to take into account, too:
- Obesity: extra weight increases paw pressure and irritation
- Parasites: fleas, ticks, mites, mange mites, hookworms, and nematodes are some of the potential parasites that can cause pododermatitis
- Malnutrition
- Idiopathic (no known cause)
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How excessive paw-licking can contribute to pododermatitis in dogs
Whenever dogs lick their paws a lot, it can exacerbate pre-existing inflammation, creating an ideal environment for bacterial and fungal growth. So breaking this cycle early is key to preventing long-term issues.
Diagnosis of pododermatitis in dogs
If and when the time comes to visit your vet, they might begin with a thorough medical history. Make sure to mention any symptoms you've noticed, when they started, and any environmental or dietary changes that might have triggered the condition.
Your vet will likely then conduct a physical exam, including checking your dog's temperature, listening to their heart and lungs, and carefully inspecting their paws for swelling, cuts, or signs of infection.
Tests to determine the underlying cause
While pododermatitis can often be diagnosed through a physical exam, your vet might recommend that further diagnostic tests are performed to identify the root cause.
Your vet may recommend one or more of the following tests:
- Bloodwork & serum biochemistry panel: Helps assess overall health and detect infections or underlying conditions.
- Urinalysis: Identifies systemic health issues that may contribute to inflammation.
- Bacterial & fungal cultures: Determines the specific pathogens responsible for infections.
- Skin scraping & cytology: Checks for parasites, yeast, and bacteria under a microscope.
- Hypoallergenic food trials: Evaluates whether food allergies are contributing to inflammation.
- Biopsies: Performed under sedation to examine deeper skin layers for chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, or tumors.
- DTM Culture: Helps rule out ringworm or dermatophytosis.
- X-rays: Necessary if a tumor or deep infection is suspected.
In some cases, your vet may refer your dog to a veterinary dermatologist for specialized testing and advanced treatment options.
Pododermatitis vs. other dog paw conditions
Other conditions, like interdigital cysts, burns, or some autoimmune disorders, can present similar symptoms. Proper diagnosis makes sure your pup gets targeted treatment and effective relief.
Treatment of pododermatitis
Since there are so many causes of pododermatitis, there are many treatment options, too. Depending on what’s causing your pup’s condition, here are some different routes to choose from:
Topical treatments and at-home care
For more mild cases of pododermatitis, simple at-home treatments can sometimes provide relief:
- Medicated shampoos & paw soaks: Helps remove bacteria and fungi while soothing irritation.
- Topical creams & ointments: Reduces inflammation and prevents infection.
- Epsom salt baths: Helps reduce swelling and promotes healing.
Medical treatments for pododermatitis
More severe cases may require vet intervention through, for example, prescription medications:
- Oral antibiotics & antifungals: Treating bacterial or dog paw yeast infection causes.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Corticosteroids for allergy-related cases.
- Immunotherapy injections: Effective for dogs with chronic allergy-related pododermatitis.
- Pain management: Over-the-counter NSAIDs can also help alleviate discomfort.
Preventing pododermatitis: addressing underlying causes
Once you’ve diagnosed and treated pododermatitis, you’re almost out of the woods. How can you help your dog avoid this condition in the future?
Luckily, there are some preventative measures you can take as a pet parent:
- Dietary changes: Switch to hypoallergenic food if food-related allergies are causing your pup’s condition.
- Weight management & exercise: Reducing excess paw pressure can help alleviate stress and ensure they’re at a healthy weight.
- Environmental modifications: Keep paws clean and free from allergens.
- Use an Elizabethan Collar (E-collar): Help prevent your dog from excessively licking their paws.
- Apply paw balms: Help keep paw pads moisturized.
- Provide enrichment toys: Reduce boredom-induced licking to prevent the spread of potential bacteria or fungi.
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Recovery of pododermatitis in dogs
If your dog had surgery for pododermatitis, your vet’s surgical team will provide you with specific post-op care instructions. Make sure you follow these to ensure your pup recovers well!
You may need to administer prescribed pain medications and antibiotics to help their recovery and prevent post-op infection. Keeping the bandages dry and clean is crucial, since moisture can lead to complications, and using an E-collar will help prevent your dog from biting or licking at their bandages.
Follow-up vet visits will be necessary to monitor healing progress and remove sutures if needed. Exercise and walks should be restricted during the recovery period to avoid strain on healing paws.
How long does it take for pododermatitis to heal?
Every case is different, so there’s no blanket answer for how long the recovery period can be, simply because there are so many causes of pododermatitis.
However, some average recovery times can be:
- Mild cases: 1-2 weeks with treatment.
- Chronic cases: May take several months to manage fully.
Inflammation of the Paws Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
mix
Five Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
I have no Idea what it is but it’s attacking them and me . Found in dog paw
April 22, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello, I am not for sure what this is based on the picture. I would try to remove these from your dogs paws. If it is swollen or there are any cute you can apply triple antibiotic ointment
May 11, 2021
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Pit Bull
Two Months
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Paws
My puppy has red rash along his groun area and all 4 paws are swollen. His back.legs are red and swollen
Jan. 26, 2021
Answered by Dr. Maureen M. DVM
6 Recommendations
Hi,
Sorry about that.
That sounds like an allergic reaction. Please visit the vet for some antihistamines or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Good luck
Jan. 26, 2021
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Maltese
Eight Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
My dogs started limping about a week ago, the pad on the front paw was a little swollen, I took her to a vet and they gave her antibiotics and anti inflammatory medication, since then it is just getting worse, first developed what looks like a wart and the other pads are swollen and red in between them. I cut the hair between her pads and washed with Curaseb. Nothing is improving and I am doubting my vet diagnosis since we had issues before. Please any guidance would be appreciated. She is in pain and not walking at all. I put an e-collar to avoid licking and soaked with Epson salt today.
Jan. 6, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
2 Recommendations
Hello, this looks like a growth between the foot pads. I would have this removed and sent off for a biopsy. The antibiotics and anti-inflammatories will help some but may not make this go away.
Jan. 6, 2021
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Yorkshire Terrier
Seven Years
9 found this helpful
9 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
My sister closed the door on one of his toes . He’s limping and using his good paw to walk.Now it’s swollen. We’ve been trying to cover it with a sock so he can stop licking it . It’s a lot more swollen today . I’m putting Neosporin . What are other recommended treatments that I can do to help him get better.
Jan. 4, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
9 Recommendations
Hello, he may have hurt his toe. There are not many good over the counter pain medications that you can give to dogs. The best thing is for your vet to prescribe your dog some pain medications and make sure it isn't broken. He needs to rest as much as possible to allow this to heal. If he is continually licking at things, it would be best for him to wear an e-collar to prevent him from being able to lick his toe.
Jan. 4, 2021
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West Highland White Terrier
One Year
15 found this helpful
15 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
My westie mutt has been licking her right paw nonstop and it looks like her two middle toes are swollen. Is this from a bite or from allergies? If she stepped on something, what can I do to help with the swelling?
Nov. 23, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
15 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is possible that she did get a insect bite or some kind of irritation to those toes, but sometimes having her licking at it can cause more damage. If she is not leaving it alone, it would probably be best to have her seen by a veterinarian, as they can look at the area, see what might be going on, and get the right treatment for her.
Nov. 23, 2020
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Mini Australian Shepterrier
Ariel
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
Pain
Limping
I took my dog running on a hot day. Some of it was on pavement. The next day she was limping. I thought she had a blister. The next day she was limping more so I took her to the vet to see if it was something other than a blister. The vet took x-rays and did a thorough exam but could not see anything. They prescribed pain medication. Two days later one of the toe pads was swollen to about three times the size it should be. Again, I took her to the vet. Still, no idea what is wrong. They prescribed an antibiotic and pain medication. Something is wrong and no one seems to know what it is! She just keeps getting worse.
Labradoodle
Xena
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Feet, Rash, Licking,
My 1 1/2 year old labradoodle has suffered since we got her at 4months old with a rash on her feet, back worse than front...I am able to treat locally and clear up most of the time but recently the rash covered her spine and stomach. Vet said staff and put her on 3 weeks of antibiotics. We finished those and the next day her feet started again.. I’m at a loss
