Your puppy’s paws are important to their everyday life, but they can also be quite delicate. Conditions that seem unrelated to the paws can have a significant effect on them. Stay on top of sneaky ailments by monitoring your dog’s paws!
What is Pododermatitis?
Pododermatitis refers to the inflammation of the feet. Usually, pet owners notice the behavioral symptoms of pododermatitis first. Is your dog excessively licking or pulling at their feet? This is a common response to inflammation.
Take a closer look at your puppy’s paws. Are they red and swollen? Are there scabs or blisters? Is there hair loss? These indicate that something may be wrong. Additionally, the paws may also have abscesses and/or lesions, with potential pus leakage.
The Environmental Factor
Your puppy may be reacting to something environmental. These can occur in any setting, particularly on outdoor walks. For example, contact with irritants or excessive walking on concrete or gravel paths can cause inflammation. Sometimes even changes in the weather such as sudden rain or humidity may trigger a reaction. Inflammations based on environmental changes can occur on one or more feet. It can include swelling between their toes, ulcers, abscesses, or pus discharge. Puppies may or may not scratch at an environmental inflammation.
Fleas or ticks can also be considered an environmental factor. These parasites can be encountered in any setting. Luckily, there are many good treatments to avoid the negative impacts of exposure to fleas and ticks. For more information about ticks, see our blog on how to avoid them.
Something More
Pododermatitis may be indicative of something more sinister. One of the most common causes of foot inflammation is an undiagnosed food allergy. For more information, see our blog about diagnosing and treating various food allergies.
Inflammation may also have a fungal cause such as yeast infection or ringworm. Fungal infections are known to be extremely uncomfortable, so these will be supplemented by a lot of scratching. Reactions can also be triggered by autoimmune diseases, namely pemphigus foliaceus (PF) or symmetric lupoid onychitis (SLO). PF is related to the skin, while SLO is directly related to the nails.
Regardless, pododermatitis warrants a vet visit. Your trusted veterinary professional can diagnose pododermatitis with a physical examination. They will help you determine the best route to take when treating it.
Claws N Paws owns and operates a full-service grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. Stop by today or call us at 714-962-1005 for more information.