Limping? Check Paws Closely
Marty Smith, DVM
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
Limping or favoring a foot can be caused by a broken toenail, a cut, a foreign object between the toes, dry or cracked pads, or a burn.
The first thing you need to do is identify the source of the problem by examining your dog's paws closely. Be gentle and use caution when touching a sore paw. Even the most mild-mannered dog is likely to nip if it is not used to having its feet handled and you touch the source of its pain. (We always advise dog owners to handle their dog's feet often beginning at an early age in order to build trust for situations just like this.)
Once you have identified the problem, here is what we suggest:
If the dog has a torn nail, it can be very painful. The fractured nail should be removed entirely. Anesthesia may be required. Hemorrhage should be controlled either with styptic powder, bandage, or cautery. Once the nail is removed, healing will begin. Eventually, a new nail will regrow. This may take months, and the nail may be malformed. Depending upon the injury, antibiotics may be given.
If your dog has a small cut, wash the foot with a wound cleanser and apply an antiseptic ointment. Wrap in gauze and cover with a dog boot. If you have problems keeping the foot bandaged or the cut is large, deep, or bleeding a lot, consult your veterinarian.
If a foreign object is lodged between toes or in the pad, carefully remove it with a tweezers. Burrs and dried mud are common culprits. Hair mats can also form and cause discomfort. Clip back mats. Wash and apply an antibiotic cream if necessary.
Dry, cracked pads need a moisturizer. You can use the same lotions you use on your hands, but if you do, only use for a few days in a row. If pads get too soft they will be vulnerable to injury. We like the Protecta-Pad Cream product for dogs because it moisturizes and toughens pads at the same time. Cover with a boot to prevent pet from licking off the lotion or cream.
Handle mild burns as you would a cut. Wash, apply an antibiotic, and cover with gauze and a boot. If the burn is severe, consult your veterinarian.
Examine your dog's feet weekly as part of your health maintenance check. If your dog is going to be walking or running on surfaces that are hard, very cold, hot, or full of stones, twigs, or other loose objects, consider putting boots on your dog to prevent injury. Clip your pet's nails to avoid broken nails and cut back broken nails. Keep foot pads clean by rinsing off dirt and mud, removing burrs, twigs, stones, etc., and trimming back hair.
Include a close look at your dog's feet as part of your weekly pet health check. If a minor problem does not heal, or there is serious pain, redness, fever, loss of appetite, or you are unsure of what to do, contact your veterinarian.
