Treating and Preventing Dog Paw Pad Infections: Expert Care & Prevention

Dogs can get an infected paw pad many ways, including from a cut because they stepped on something or from excessive itching or chewing their paw. The latter can be a symptom of a larger issue, from anxiety to allergies, and solving the root cause will be important, not just curing the resulting infection. Before you treat your dog for anything else, you'll need to treat the dog pad infection with antiseptic and possibly veterinary-prescribed antibiotics.

For instance, regular dog pedicures or nail trims might be the best prevention. Nails should not touch the ground when a dog walks. Scheduling regular visits with a professional groomer is often the least stressful way to get the job done quickly and correctly.

Caring for dog paws

If you live in a dry or cold climate, applying dog paw balm to the bottom of the paws can help. Some balms have the added benefit of providing protection from road salt, which can also be a source of cuts and infection. Wiping the dog's paws regularly will help to remove infection-causing grit, salt, chemicals, and other irritants. Consider the climate or temperature before you head out for a walk. Extreme cold contributes to dry pads, and extreme heat makes pavements burning hot, sometimes hot enough to blister paw pads.

Treatment of an infected paw pad

If you notice a small cut or blister on your dog's paw pad, clean it with water and disinfectant immediately. This is likely all you'll need to do to prevent or cure a surface infection. Other topical treatments include foot soaks, shampoo washes, or anti-bacterial wipes.

However, if the cut is bigger or doesn't heal in a couple of days, you might need to reclean it, wrap it, and put a sock or boot on the paw. Antibiotics from the vet might be necessary, and in severe cases, corticosteroids, such as prednisone, might be prescribed.