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Cracked paw pads of your dog? What are the causes

April 24, 2024
Rissige Pfotenballen deines Hundes? Was sind die Ursachen

Unlike human fingertips, those of dogs appear resilient and hard to allow the animal to roam and sniff the world without suffering injury and trauma. Nevertheless, the surfaces of the fingertips sometimes tend to crack and it is important to understand the cause and take action to ensure your pet's well-being.


Let's examine together what possible reasons there could be, both internal factors such as dermatological diseases and external factors such as aggressive cleaning products in the home.


Why are your dog's fingertips cracked? Possible causes
Just like humans, the skin of animals can suffer irritations and unpleasant changes that require a quick solution. The animal tends to scratch and bite the painful areas, which can cause infections that, if left untreated, can become dangerous.


Have you changed his food?
The first question to ask when you notice that your dog has cracked fingertips is whether their food could have had an effect. For example, if you have recently changed the type of dry or wet food, there could be an ingredient that causes a more or less severe skin allergy. The animal will therefore tend to scratch and injure its fingertips, causing them to become immediately irritated and sensitive.


So the suggestion is to change the food or temporarily go back to the previous one to find out if the trigger is really the food.


Wear and tear of fingertips in older or active dogs
As with humans, dogs are subject to the ravages of time, and it can happen that the fingertips of older specimens are cracked. Constant contact with the ground in different climatic conditions can cause this phenomenon over time, just as it does with dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors on uneven terrain or on paved roads.


In this case, you can limit the problem by using oils, creams and balms for the fingertips of dogs, which we will discuss in more detail later.


Presence of irritating substances on the road
The streets are often covered with substances that are irritating to dogs' paws, such as salt in winter to combat ice formation or cleaning products used to remove dirt and grease from cars.


Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to avoid this situation, but if possible, it is better to walk the animal in a meadow or in secluded places where there is less chance of it coming into contact with chemical products. Particular attention should also be paid to the use of floor soaps and cleaning products inside the house, which irritate and make the dog's fingertips sensitive.


Pay attention to the temperature reflected on the road
Although a dog's paw pads are extremely hard and durable compared to those of humans, some extremely cold or hot weather conditions can cause them to crack.


In the height of summer, the perceived temperature on the asphalt can even reach 60 degrees, causing real wounds under the animal's paws. The same applies when there is ice or very cold ground. Therefore, if possible, it is better to walk your pet during the cooler hours in summer and during mild hours in winter


Cracked fingertips can hide some diseases
Certain types of skin diseases such as hyperkeratosis can manifest themselves precisely through cracked fingertips. In this particular case, this pathology presents itself with an excessive flow of keratin, which tends to dry out the skin under the paws and lead to cracks that can sometimes be quite painful.


The condition is made even worse due to pemphigus, a disease that causes the body to recognize skin cells as enemies, attacking them and destroying them like pathogens. If not treated properly, this disease can spread to the nose and ears, causing blisters and potentially infected sores.


Therefore, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian immediately if you notice that your dog's fingertips are cracked despite paying attention to the diet or walking during the best climatic hours.


Are you sure your dog is getting the right amount of zinc?
As with humans, sometimes a lack of certain substances can cause skin irritation and dryness. In the case of animals, cracked fingertips can be due to a zinc deficiency, which can easily be corrected through diet or special supplements. Dogs that are particularly susceptible to zinc deficiency include beagles, poodles, Great Danes and German Shepherds.


Given the possible causes we have identified, what measures should you take to prevent your dog's fingertips from becoming cracked? First of all, I recommend a balanced diet and if you notice changes in the skin and dryness of the fingertips, try to change the product immediately.


Consider using shoes to avoid direct contact with extremely hot or cold surfaces, pay special attention to the cleaning products you use in the house and prefer meadows and secluded places for the daily walk to avoid the possible irritating substances on the street.


Finally, you can help yourself with natural cosmetics since, as we will see shortly, there are numerous plant-based products available that can be used on the fingertips of dogs to soften them and strengthen the skin.

Natural remedies for fingertip care

The pads are an extremely sensitive and important area for dogs, as they absorb shocks, insulate the paws from the ground, regulate body temperature and balance when walking or running. Dryness of the pads is an extremely common problem, but it must be treated before it becomes chronic and causes discomfort to the animal, causing it to scratch and lick itself to relieve the irritation, which produces the opposite effect.

If the cause of dryness is external factors such as extreme temperatures, surfaces that are too rough or irritating substances, the problem can be solved by using a foot bale cream or oil. The ointment can be applied before the walk and after returning home to isolate the foot bales from the ground and soften them after walking.

Pay close attention to the composition of the ingredients, ideally all natural substances should be used, which rarely cause side effects. In addition, you should check the condition of the pads daily, because if swelling, deep cracks and itching are added to the dryness, it is advisable to consult the veterinarian to find out if the cause is a disease that can be treated.

Why is it important to protect your dog's paws?

Compared to their small size and their little visible location, the pads are essential for the dog. If their health is neglected, significant effects on posture can be observed, since pain causes the animal to walk in a natural way, which has a negative impact on the joints.

In addition, cracked and injured pads, possibly due to thickened skin, may not regulate body temperature properly and cause dangerous reactions to heat and cold. The dog is also unaware of not touching the irritated area by licking and biting it, which can lead to further infection and deep wounds, causing the situation to quickly worsen.

The lack of exercise that injured pads can cause, due to the discomfort the dog feels, leads to weight gain and has overall negative health effects, as an active dog exercises muscles and burns off energy in a healthy and positive way.

Balm and cream for dog paws with moringa. What are its benefits?

Recently, the problem of cracked pads has found an excellent solution, appreciated and approved by those who have had the opportunity to try it on the dry skin under the paws.

Moringa balm or cream for dogs is effective thanks to its purely natural ingredients that have a nourishing, moisturizing and repairing effect and that combat skin abrasion and insulate the area from contact with ground that is too hot or too cold. So let's see what the main ingredients are and why they are used to bring benefits to your dog and allow him to walk and run without discomfort.

Moringa oleifera

We are talking about an ingredient used since ancient times, immediately recognized and appreciated for its healing and repairing properties. It is an oil rich in antioxidant substances that slow down the natural aging of the skin and help cells to regenerate faster, making the tissues compact and resistant.

In addition, they contain important vitamins and fatty acids that help repair injuries that can occur when walking on asphalt or rough surfaces. In case of irritation, Moringa oil soothes redness, itching and burning, so that the dog is not tempted to scratch and worsen his condition.

Sunflower seed oil

Also used in human cosmetics, sunflower seed oil is very moisturizing and rich in nutrients, thanks to the fatty acids it contains and especially vitamin E, which has repairing and antioxidant properties. By using this oil, the skin of the pads gradually becomes firmer and more elastic, resistant to atmospheric agents and ground abrasion.

olive oil

When used together with the other substances mentioned, olive oil increases moisture and helps repair damaged tissues. It is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that has been used for centuries to soothe and reduce irritation, and to heal wounds and make the skin noticeably more elastic.

Shea butter

Among the richest and most nutritious ingredients to relieve itching and irritation of the pads we certainly find shea butter. It is a rich and thick substance that forms a kind of protective layer that insulates the area and allows it to better withstand the temperature changes and the rough ground. In addition, rubbing the pads with shea butter helps to preserve their natural moisture and prevent dehydration.

Beeswax

Beeswax is an excellent ingredient for repairing damaged surfaces and makes the dog's pads elastic and smooth thanks to its moisturizing and soothing properties. In this case too, the substance forms a protective barrier so that the moisture remains constant and the skin does not crack or harden.

Among the daily checks to be carried out, checking the pads is one of the most important for the dog. The consequences of cracked pads and the formation of lesions can be more serious than expected and lead to posture problems and joint pain. The good health of your four-legged friend also depends on the firmness and elasticity of his skin.

You should pay attention to the diet, temperature changes and the ground on which he walks. By taking all these precautions and using natural remedies for cracked pads, such as creams and balms, your dog will thank you and be able to happily explore the world around him every day.

That's why we will soon be launching a line of products based on Moringa Oleifera, dedicated to the well-being of dogs. The line will include cosmetics suitable for the care of the pads and nose. Would you like to know what other benefits Moringa has for your four-legged friend? Then read on here.

Sources

https://www.dulacfarmaceutici.com/it/blog/polpastrelli-cane-secchi-screpolati/

https://zampettaverde.it/come-protector-the-dogs-from-eastern-aggression-cushions/

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