How do you tell if a dog's paw pad is infected?
Keith Little
2025-07-31 23:29:33
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When you’re checking, be sure to check for these symptoms of paw infections:
General swelling across the paw or on one of the toes
An obvious injury– puncture, graze, cut, gash, etc.
Limping, favoring one leg
Puss or discharge oozing from the paw
A foul smell coming from the paw
Itching/skin irritation on the paw
Obsessive licking or biting of the paw
Reluctance to walk on the affected paw
Reluctance to let you examine the paw
If you notice the above symptoms in your dog, you should allow your vet to give them a physical examination.
They will be able to identify whether your dog’s paw is affected by an infection versus other possible problems.
This is typically determined by taking a skin scraping of the infected tissue for analyzation.
Malika Hirthe
2025-07-31 22:31:35
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Regularly checking your dog’s paws after walks for abnormalities helps early detection. Common signs of infection include: Swelling in the paw or individual toes, Obvious grazes, wounds or cuts, Foul odour emanating from the paw, Pus or discharge, Limping or reluctance to bear weight, Itching, irritation or continual licking and biting, Reluctance to have the paw touched or examined. In cases related to allergies, additional symptoms like skin rash or watery eyes may be present.
A thorough physical examination is essential to distinguish infections from other paw problems. Vets often take skin scrapings or swabs to identify the causative organism, and in severe cases, blood tests and x-rays may be needed.
Check paws daily for cuts, foreign bodies, or redness, Clean and dry paws after exposure to wet, muddy, or hot surfaces. Early veterinary consultation is crucial if the paw shows signs of infection, as timely intervention prevents pain and chronic issues.
Kasey Stanton
2025-07-31 19:22:57
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You won't really know if it's a paw infection until your vet sees it, but signs of a paw infection include: Behavioural changes, like vocalising, constant licking, irritability and not letting you look at the paw. Discoloured nails, paw discharge, redness, reluctance to exercise, swelling, walking issues or limping are also signs. Symptoms will vary depending on the severity and the infection‘s cause. A dog with an infection between their toes may have red, inflamed skin or swelling. They usually lick their paw excessively and may limp. Sores of the pad itself could be caused by a burn or trauma, you may notice visible damage to the paw pads and affected dogs often limp. Dogs with swollen paw pads may limp and lick at their paws, the paws may appear puffy, inflamed, or cracked.