'This can generate a yeast infection called malassezia.' 'Some dogs have atopy (allergy) and one of the characteristic signs is when they chew or pick at their paws,' says Dr. Dog owners need to investigate the source of the irritant to determine if there is a particular reason or location of the dog’s attention to its feet. Look between toes, on the top of the foot and between the pads on the bottom of the feet.ĭoes your dog spend an inordinate amount of time licking his feet? If so, this could be a warning sign. However, if your dog suddenly starts limping, you should examine your dog’s paws immediately. To keep those very important paws in top shape, you could err on the side of caution and inspect your dog's paws every time they come in from outside to make sure they've not picked up a stick, thorn, or bee stinger in a paw or in-between the toes. We take them to the store with us, for a hike up the nearest mountain and to the seashore for the weekend with many opportunities for dogs to walk on varied terrain. Cowing, DVM., president of the California Veterinary Medical Association in Sacramento, Calif.ĭogs thrive on participating in activities just like any other family member. Damage more than one paw and the animal is severely handicapped,' explains Chris C. 'If damage occurs to one paw, a dog can still get around, but it will limp. Bernard and the Newfoundland have large paws with greater surface that allow them to walk steadily and with ease on cold and icy terrain. Water dogs, such as retrievers, have webbing between toes to help them swim better in the water. Paws allow dogs to move around comfortably on land and in the water. To prevent cold weather damage to dog's paws, avoid going outside for long periods of time. Wintertime presents more issues for dogs with salt on the roads, icy streets and frostbitten toes. Hammer adds, 'So over time, usage and exposure helps dogs build up the tolerance needed to walk on hot and cold surfaces,' and uneven terrain.ĭuring the summer months, exercise your dog before sunup or after sundown to avoid pad blistering and other heat-related conditions. It would be just like if we went without shoes.'ĭr. 'If you have an inside dog and you never walk that dog on hot streets, they are going to blister or ulcerate their feet. 'Dogs have some sensitivity to hot and cold but they build up a tolerance much quicker than we do,' says Greg Hammer, DVM and former president of the AVMA in Dover, Delaware. But as tough as they are, paw pads are not made of armor. Since dogs spend so much time running, jumping, fetching and generally romping indoors and outside, is it any wonder that having healthy paws is so important for a dog's well being?Ī dog's paw is made up of skin, bone, tendons, ligaments, blood supply, and connective tissue.

Dogs webbed feet