How to soothe dry & cracked dog paws
Common causes for dry & cracked dog paws and how to treat them
What causes dry & cracked paws in dogs?
Have you noticed that your pup has really dry and cracked paws? Or is your dog constantly licking its paws?
Healthy dog paws should feel smooth and soft to the touch. They shouldn’t have any rough patches or cracks, redness or swelling. Dry and rough paws can not only be irritating and painful for your dog, they can also lead to more serious health conditions, if left untreated.
There are several factors that can contribute to dry and cracked paws in dogs, including:
Exposure to harsh weather: Extreme hot or cold weather, as well as dry conditions, can cause the skin on your dog’s paws to become dry and cracked.
Allergic reactions: Dogs can develop allergic reactions to various substances, including grass, chemicals, and food, which can lead to dry and cracked paws.
Bacterial or fungal infections: Infections like Staphylococcus, yeast infections or ringworm can affect the skin on your dog’s paws, causing dryness and cracking.
Nutritional deficiencies: A diet lacking in essential fatty acids can lead to dry skin, including on the paws.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or autoimmune diseases, can cause dry and cracked paws.
Trauma or injury: If your dog sustained any injuries to it’s paws, this can lead to cracking and dryness
How to treat and prevent dry & cracked paws in dogs:
The treatment of dry and cracked paws in dogs will depend on the underlying cause. The following steps can help to relieve the symptoms and promote healing:
Avoid walking your dog during the mid day sun - On hot days, the surface of the road can heat up to unbearable temperatures. Try the 5 second rule: Place the back of your hand on the surface for 5 seconds. If it's too hot to hold your hand there for 5 seconds, then it's too hot for your dog! The same goes for very cold conditions.
Keep the paws moisturised - Applying a paw balm like CritterKream to your dog’s paws can help to keep the skin moisturised and prevent further cracking.
Provide a balanced diet - A diet that is rich in essential fatty acids can help to prevent dry skin and promote healing of the paws. The two primary essential fatty acids for dogs are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They can be found in various food sources, such as fish oil, flaxseed oil, and canola oil, as well as in commercial dog food that is formulated with these ingredients.
Avoid harsh chemicals - Using harsh chemicals, such as shampoos & soaps, on your dog’s paws can further irritate the skin and make the condition worse. Try cleaning your dog’s skin with CritterKleen Natural Skin Repair instead. It cleanses your dogs fur and skin while maintaining the natural protective oils and forming a physical barrier that reduces the chances of environmental irritants contacting the skin.
Limit exposure to allergens: If your dog has an allergic reaction to a substance, avoiding exposure to that substance can help to prevent further irritation of the paws.
Consult a veterinarian and follow their treatment plan
To maintain healthy and happy paws, it is important to provide proper care and protection for your dog's paws. This includes regular inspection, proper moisturization, and avoiding exposure to harsh environments. With the right care, your dog's paws can stay soft, supple, and pain-free, allowing them to enjoy life to the fullest.
