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
Labrador Retriever
Seven Years
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Paw
We went on a walk and by the time we got home she was limping. I went to work and 4 hours later came home and she wasn’t limping then I checked her paw later tonight and it’s swollen :(. What can I do for her, it seems she’s acting normal now but her leg/paw is still swollen
Aug. 4, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question .
It may help to rest her for a few days, and limit how much she is walking, and see if the limping and swelling gets better. If she had a strain or sprain, that may resolve on its' own. If it is not getting better and the swelling continues or worsens after rest, then it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine her and see what might be going on.
I hope that she feels better soon!
Aug. 4, 2020
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Boston Terrior
6 years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen And Enlarged Back Pads Mainly On Hind Legs
Was a pound puppy mommy so don't have a lot of info on her. Noticed Maggie was lipping I thought it was her leg but upon examination I found her limp was from very enlarged back dog pad on hind legs mainly. Front legs slightly swollen. Gave children's benadryl last night and also sprayed her paws with an antifungal spray. Have gone down slightly and is not limping as badly today. She loves to sit in dog swimming pool to cool down. Sleepy today but ate and drank good last night. Thank You
Aug. 3, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If the Benadryl that you gave helped, you may want to repeat that dosage and see if it continues to improve. If it was an insect bite or an allergic reaction, that may help. If that does not help, and she is not getting better, then it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian who can examine her and see what might be going on. They will be able to see what the cause of this might be and let you know what treatment options there are. I hope that everything goes well for her.
Aug. 3, 2020
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Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Two Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Paw, Licking Paw Excessively, Has Bump In Between Toe
Hi my corgi has been licking his paw excessively and when i checked his paw i found a bump in between his paw, its smooth looks like a cyst? I started soaking in warm water with salt but should i take him to a vet
Aug. 3, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello-
Thank you for your question. I do think a visit to your veterinarian would be a good idea. That looks consistent with an interdigital cyst which frequently needs antibiotics and sometimes allergy medications to help clear it up. If she is licking it an e-collar to prevent that would be helpful as well.
Aug. 3, 2020
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Mutt
Four Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
My dog hairs around his penis is turning colors it was originally white and now it is a brownish looking color I just washed him and it won’t go away.
July 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello,
Sometimes these hairs become discolored due to urine staining. If your dog has a bladder infection or skin infection in this area you will notice a change in the color of the fur. He may even be licking this area more causing the discoloration. If he seems like he is uncomfortable when he is urinating, it would be best for your vet to check him for a urinary tract infection. There are over the counter whitening shampoos that are used on totally white dogs that may also help this discoloration.
July 29, 2020
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