Crusting on Paw Pads in Dogs
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
ORANGE for Lameness/pain, deep cracking/Bleeding, purulent discharge, significant Swelling/overheating, or Fever/apathy.
Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity
Definition
Crusting on paw pads in dogs refers to the development of hard, scabby deposits on the skin surface of the paw pads. These crusts can protect the underlying tissue or be a sign of an underlying condition.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Basics and possible causes
A dog’s paw pads consist of thick, resilient skin that protects them from injuries and facilitates walking on various surfaces. Crusting occurs when this skin is irritated by external or internal factors.
Environmental factors such as extreme weather conditions can dry out the skin and cause cracks or crusting. Cold, dry weather can make the skin brittle, while hot asphalt in summer can lead to burns.
Allergies are a common cause of skin problems in dogs. They can be triggered by food, pollen, dust, or other environmental factors. Allergic reactions often lead to Itching, and constant Scratching or Licking can damage the skin and lead to Crusts.
Both bacterial and fungal infections can also cause crusting. These infections can occur primarily or secondarily as a result of injuries or skin damage from Scratching or Licking.
Autoimmune diseases, where the dog’s immune system attacks its own skin cells, can also cause crusting on the paw pads. These diseases are often complex and require specific diagnosis and therapy.
Typical accompanying symptoms
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Redness and swelling: Often the skin around the crusts is reddened and swollen, indicating inflammation.
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Itching: The dog may frequently lick or scratch the affected areas, indicating discomfort.
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Pain or lameness: If severely affected, the dog may experience pain and begin to limp or shift weight to relieve the affected paw.
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Bleeding: With excessive scratching or licking, the crusts can be torn off and lead to bleeding.
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Discharge: In the case of an infection, there may be a yellowish or greenish discharge from the Crusts.
When to visit the vet?
If crusting on the paw pads is accompanied by other symptoms such as Lameness, severe Itching, Bleeding, or a foul odor, a veterinarian should be consulted. This could indicate a serious infection or a systemic disease that needs to be treated.
If the Crusts do not heal or worsen within one to two weeks despite home care and precautions, a veterinary visit is also advisable. Long-lasting or worsening symptoms can indicate an underlying condition that requires a professional diagnosis.
Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures
Pet owners should regularly check their dog’s paws for signs of crusting or other Skin changes. This can be done during daily grooming or after walks. Attention should be paid to redness, Swelling, unusual odors, or changes in the dog’s gait.
The veterinarian will conduct a thorough medical history and physical examination to determine the cause of the crusting. This may require taking skin samples to test for bacteria or fungi. In some cases, blood tests may be necessary to rule out systemic diseases.
A biopsy of the affected skin area may be necessary to diagnose autoimmune or other rare diseases. This procedure is usually performed under sedation to spare the dog stress and discomfort.
What can pet owners do and professional therapy options
Before consulting a veterinarian, pet owners can gently clean the affected paw pads with warm water and dry them carefully. A mild, moisturizing ointment suitable for dogs can be applied to soothe and moisturize the skin.
It is important to prevent the dog from Licking or Scratching the affected areas, as this can worsen the crusting. A protective collar (also known as an Elizabethan collar or “cone”) can help prevent access to the paws.
If possible, walks should take place on soft surfaces to avoid additional pressure on the affected areas. In cold weather, special dog boots can help protect the paws from the cold and prevent further damage.