If you notice your dog’s paws swollen, it’s important to figure out why. Swollen paws in dogs can be a sign of anything from a small injury to a more serious health issue.
The sooner you notice that your dog’s paws are swollen, the better. Early assessment and observation are key to figuring out what’s going on and getting your dog the right treatment.
This guide will give you a complete overview of swollen paws in your canine companion, including how to identify the problem and what to do next.
Recognizing the Signs: Symptoms of Swollen Paws
If you suspect your dog’s paws might be swollen, here are some key signs to look for:
Visible Indicators
- Swelling: An obvious increase in the size of the paw.
- Redness and Inflammation: The paw looks irritated, inflamed, or generally “angry.”
Behavioral Changes
- Limping or Lameness: Your dog is having trouble putting weight on the paw.
- Excessive Licking or Chewing: Your dog is paying a lot of attention to their paw, licking or chewing at it, which can sometimes make things worse.
Other Potential Symptoms
- Discharge or Odor: You notice pus or an unusual smell coming from the paw.
- Sores or Lesions: There are open wounds or other unusual skin conditions on the paw.
Common culprits: Causes of swollen paws
There are many reasons why your dog’s paw might be swollen. Figuring out the root cause is key to getting your dog the right treatment. Here are some of the more common causes:
Injuries and trauma
- Paw pad injuries: Cuts, punctures, or abrasions to the pads on the bottom of the paw can definitely cause swelling.
- Sprains and fractures: Damage to the bones or ligaments in the paw itself can cause inflammation and swelling.
- Overuse injuries: Just like human athletes, dogs can sometimes develop inflammation from repetitive strain or too much activity.
Infections
- Bacterial infections: Bacteria can enter the paw through a wound or cut.
- Fungal infections: Fungi thrive in moist environments, so be sure to dry your dog’s paws thoroughly after they’ve been in water.
Foreign objects
Thorns, splinters, and shards of glass can become lodged in your dog’s paw and cause swelling and discomfort.
Allergic reactions
- Environmental allergens: Pollen, grass, and mold can cause inflammation in sensitive dogs.
- Food allergies: Less common, but food allergies can sometimes cause a dog’s paws to swell.
Insect bites and stings
Bee stings, spider bites, and ant bites can trigger allergic reactions in dogs, resulting in swelling.
Underlying health conditions
Swollen paws can sometimes be a sign of a deeper health issue. Here are a few possibilities:
- Arthritis. Especially in older dogs, inflammation of the joints can lead to swelling in the paws.
- Autoimmune diseases. In diseases like lupus and pemphigus, the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, including the skin and paws.
- Tumors. Cancerous growths in the paw area can cause swelling and discomfort.
- Parasites. Ticks and other parasites can lead to irritation, inflammation, and swelling in your dog’s paws.
If your dog’s paws are swollen and you can’t identify an obvious cause, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems.
Environmental Hazards: Protecting Your Dog’s Paws
It’s a ruff world out there, and your dog’s paws take a beating every day. Be aware of these hazards and take steps to protect those precious pads.
Hot Pavement
Hot asphalt can cause burns and blisters on your dog’s paws. Try to walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening.
Ice and Snow
Ice melt and road salt can really irritate your dog’s paws. Use pet-safe ice melt around your home, and wipe or rinse your dog’s paws after every walk.
Chemical Irritants
Household cleaners and lawn chemicals can cause contact dermatitis and make your dog’s paws swell. Choose pet-safe cleaning products, and keep your dog off chemically treated lawns.
My dog’s paw is swollen! What should I do?
If you notice swelling, try to stay calm. Your dog may be picking up on your anxiety. Start by looking closely at your dog’s behavior and how severe the swelling seems to be.
Next, gently inspect the paw. Look for anything obvious, like an injury, something stuck in their paw, or signs of infection (like pus or a bad smell).
Clean the paw carefully with warm water and a gentle soap made for dogs.
Then, try to keep your dog from running around too much. Movement could make the injury worse.
Finally, put a cold compress on the paw to help bring down the swelling.
When to see a vet
A little swelling might not always be a cause for alarm. But you should take your dog to the vet if:
- The swelling doesn’t go down after a day or two. Swelling that sticks around could mean there’s an infection or something stuck in your dog’s paw.
- Your dog seems to be in a lot of pain or is limping badly. If your dog won’t put any weight on the paw, it could be seriously injured.
- You see pus or notice a bad smell. These are signs of infection.
- Your dog has other symptoms that worry you. Trouble breathing, fever, or new lumps should always be checked out by a vet.
In Closing
Paying attention to your dog’s paws is essential. Swollen paws can indicate a range of problems, some of which require immediate veterinary attention.
As a responsible pet owner, you play a vital role in maintaining your dog’s paw health. Regularly check your dog’s paws for any signs of injury or irritation, keep them clean, and take preventive measures to protect them from harsh surfaces and extreme temperatures.
If you notice any swelling, redness, or discharge, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.