Increased horny feet Often referred to as “hairy dog paws” because the paw pads have a distinctly furry appearance.
In fact, what you’re seeing is an overgrowth of a stiff, fibrous protein called keratin that resembles fur, but is actually shaggy, stiff, and quite uncomfortable for your dog.
Keratin provides strength and resilience to the epithelial cells of the skin, hair, and nails, but sometimes the body makes too much of it, resulting in hyperkeratosis. When overproduced, this excess horny substance forms a hard, fur-like crust on the skin. nose and/or feet.
Hyperkeratosis comes in varying degrees of severity, but in its most aggressive form, it can cause cracking, bleeding, and infection of the feet.
Several breeds are genetically predisposed to hyperkeratosis of the feet, including Golden Retrievers, Labs, Dogues de Bordeauxs, and certain terrier breeds. Puppies with hereditary hyperkeratosis often develop the “dog-paw” markings by their first birthday.
Non-inherited hyperkeratosis can be idiopathic – that is, with no identifiable cause – or a symptom of the disease. Dogs with idiopathic hyperkeratosis usually don’t develop the problem until they are adults, while dogs with “hairy feet” as a symptom of the disease can be at any age.
The following diseases are known to cause hyperkeratosis of the feet:
- Leishmania is a skin disease spread by sand flies, characterized by lesions on the skin and can also cause overproduction of keratin.
- Sick dog Dermatological disease responds to zinc inability to absorb zinc properly and may develop hyperkeratosis as a symptom.
- Pemphigus leaves causes pustules and scabs as well as thickening and cracking of the feet.
- scattered dogA highly contagious and potentially life-threatening virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems also causes hyperkeratosis of the feet in some dogs.
If you observe changes to your dog’s normally soft, smooth paws, schedule an exam with your veterinarian to rule out disease and prevent the condition from progressing. Hyperkeratosis cannot be cured but can be controlled.
If left unchecked, hairy growths and cracks can cause a dog’s pad to become extremely sensitive, especially when walking on rough, hard, hot, or cold surfaces. Some dogs experience pain so intense that they are unwilling or unable to walk, reducing their quality of life.
Long-term treatment and maintenance is essential to keeping your dog strong!
After examining your dog and ruling out the above conditions, your veterinarian will likely remove the excess keratin with medical scissors or a drill. This procedure should only be attempted by a professional. Trimming is painless if done properly, but an untrained hand can accidentally injure the delicate footpads beneath the crust.
Preventing overgrowth will allow your dog to walk more comfortably, but regrowth is rapid and maintenance pruning should be done every few months. Some veterinarians may recommend soaking or steaming the paws to help soften excess tissue and ease discomfort between cuts.
To heal and moisturize your dog’s damaged pads, apply a gentle balm rich in pet-safe essential oils and butters. Natural Dog Company Paw Soother is a unique blend of all-natural ingredients including Cajeput Essential Oil, Calendula Extract, Rosemary Extract, Jojoba Oil, Hemp Seed Oil and Cocoa Butter – just to name a few!
Each nutritional ingredient is designed to provide safe healing effects. From the highly antiseptic power of Cajeput Oil to the anti-bacterial moisturizing power of Jojoba Oil, your puppy’s paws will be effectively relieved. Plus, you can choose from tin or stick applicators for ease of use.
When all Products of Natural Dog Company contains no harmful ingredients, you don’t have to worry about your dog getting sick, and with daily applications, pain relief is quick and lasting!
Soothe your puppy’s paws and get 15% off your first order when you shop from Natural Dog Company.
With your care and attention, paws can be controlled, giving your dog the chance to live his best life without pain and discomfort!
These claims have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a direct relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.
H/T to dog magazine & Natural Dog Company
