Paw Problems

You wouldn't walk barefoot over sunbaked rocks, hot sand or thorny fields. That's just what dogs and cats do every day. That is why nature designed their paws to be tough and thick. Between the pads is a very sensitive area and they can still get cuts, scrapes and bad burns.

If your pet is limping or favoring one foot, take a close look to see what is wrong. Look for redness, swelling, bleeding, or other signs of irritation. Be gentle because your pet might nip if you hit a sore spot.

Prickly burrs can stick painfully in the pads or between the toes. To remove, grab it firmly with a pair of tweezers and wiggle it free gently. If it is tangled in the hair, you may need to clip it out with scissors, taking care not to snip the skin. Dabbing a little oil on the burr helps loosen its grip.

Mud that accumulates between the toes can cause pain and irritation. Wash feet thoroughly with soap and water to remove the grit. Paws can also become irritated from too much wetness. Always remember to dry feet thoroughly with a soft towel.

Paws that have been burned from standing on a hot surface should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and warm water to prevent infection. Dry paw well with a soft towel. Smooth on an antibiotic or calendula ointment and cover it loosely with a thin gauze bandage to keep it clean. Cover the paw with a light cotton sock to keep the gauze in place.

Motor oil, antifreeze and corrosive cleaners can be especially hard on your pet's paws, and toxic if licked off. Wash your pet's feet with Dawn or apply olive oil. Apply to a damp washcloth and scrub the paw, repeating until it is clean. Do not rub too hard.