Article: Why does my dog have cracked paws
Why does my dog have cracked paws
What you love most in the world is to go for a walk with your dog, no matter where you go, he would follow you to the ends of the earth... but sometimes we don't realize that his paw pads may not withstand our daily pace: city pollution, temperature changes, hot asphalt, salt, or snow can cause injuries to his paw pads. Realize that for him, they are like your shoes are to you; they protect you from daily external aggressions, and they do the same for him.
In this post, we explain the factors that cause cracked paw pads and how to prevent them. Keep reading, or visit our website now to see the solution for cracked paw pads
1. What factors cause cracks in your dog's paw pads?
There are different factors, some are genetic, and others are due to illness...
- Depending on the breed: some breeds are more prone to suffering from cracked paw pads. Due to the morphology of their paws, for example, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs...
- Due to excessive exercise: if your dog can't stay still for a second and doesn't stop jumping and walking, his paw pads may suffer from so much activity. Make sure that if he plays a lot, it's on soft ground and not on pavement.
- Intense training in puppies: puppy paw pads are more sensitive to erosion or ulceration.
- Long nails: improper trimming and hygiene of the nails causes the toes to bear weight abnormally and affect the paw pads.
- Chronic diseases: Leishmania, fungal infections, immune-mediated diseases.
2. Regular checks of your dog's paw pads
When you check your dog's paw pads, make sure they are not cracked. The paw pads of a healthy dog should be hard, rough, and at the same time elastic; they should not be dry, flaky, or cracked. If your dog's paw pads are thick, it means they are strong and there's nothing to worry about; they are healthy. The problem is cracks and excessive dryness.
Cracks in dog paw pads are very painful and mainly occur from walking on rough terrain, running on asphalt or abrasive surfaces. It can also happen due to long walks on uneven terrain or places your dog is not accustomed to. Keep in mind that having thick and strong paw pads is useless if they are dehydrated, as they tend to crack and even form wounds.
3. When should we check paws and paw pads?
It's good to do it periodically, but more frequently after a trip to the countryside, or if we see him licking his paws insistently (it could also be a symptom of allergy), limping or walking strangely. Check for any foreign objects (foxtails, small stones, thorns, or even chewing gum that may be stuck) or if he has cuts or a broken or chipped nail, and we will see if they are dry, flaking, or cracked. We must trim the hair that grows between the paw pads.
When you discover that your dog's paw pads are cracked, make sure to clean the area thoroughly with saline solution and chlorhexidine, and apply a moisturizing ointment or balm. We recommend Lila Loves It's Paw Care pad protector, which you can find in our Cosmetics section.
Important: If the nails grow excessively and the paw pads are always dry or flake despite care, talk to your vet to perform a leishmania test, as these are characteristic factors of this disease.
4. Paw pad care:
A dog's paw pads are essential for maintaining balance, acting as soft support that cushions the impact of their weight, and also protecting them from possible fractures and other bone damage.
Special attention must be paid to them, as they can easily crack and dry out, even to the point of bleeding.
To make our dog's city walks pleasant, a series of precautions must be taken:
- Combine asphalt areas with green spaces. Concrete can significantly crack paw pads, especially in summer when the pavement is hot and therefore more abrasive, literally burning them and causing sores and burns.
- Inspect the terrain your dog is walking on, making sure there are no sharp objects such as glass, bottle caps, sharp edges, etc.
- Try not to go on long walks when the dog is very young, as his paw pads need to harden gradually, alternating different terrains: hard, soft, grassy, earthy, wet..
- In winter, caution is needed, as snow and cold can damage your dog's paw pads.
When you discover that your dog's paw pads are cracked, make sure to clean the area well and apply a moisturizing ointment or balm. Its proper use is essential for their elasticity and good health. At tQel, we have a German cosmetic line, Lila Loves It, organic and natural, which cares for dogs' skin and fur with natural ingredients, helps prevent paw pads from cracking, and protects them from dirt, germs, snow, or asphalt... Lila Loves It's Paw Care balm protects and cares for their paw pads.
Its special patented formula, created with natural ingredients, repairs, protects, moisturizes, improves elasticity, and prevents possible damage to your dog's paw pads. If there are cracks, a gentle massage a couple of times a day soothes the wounds until they are fully repaired.
Being completely organic and natural, it is perfect for our dogs, as they won't be intoxicated if they lick their paws. It is made from beeswax, calendula, coconut oil…
It improves the regeneration process and keeps the paw pads soft, elastic, and protected against the elements. This prevents cracks and keeps your dog from suffering during temperature changes on their walks.
There may be cases where your dog needs boots for damaged paw pads specifically designed for them, made with neoprene, which adjust with Velcro and can be purchased in specialized stores. Currently, boots are even made with the surfaces the dog will walk on in mind: asphalt, stones, snow, sand, etc.
You know that whenever you see a strange symptom, you should immediately go to the veterinarian, and the specialist will be the one to tell you what is happening to your dog better than anyone. Only they should evaluate these problems and indicate the appropriate treatment for recovery.
We hope this post has helped you learn how to care for your dog's paw pads and that you enjoy your walks.
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