Dog Paw Pad Callus

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Has your dog developed calluses on their paw pads? Have you heard about calluses before and are wondering what they are? We all want the best for our furry friends and their health is important to us. That is why it is essential to learn about paw pad calluses, how you can treat them and ways to prevent them from returning. So, let’s get started and take a look at dog paw pad calluses.

What are Dog Paw Pad Calluses and Why Do They Develop?

First of all, it is important to understand what exactly a callus is so that you are able to spot them on your dog’s paw pads. Essentially, they look like a chunk of dry skin on the paw pads. Think about skin corns or warts. They look different to a cut and they have a rough and firm texture when you touch them. They should not be painful for your pooch to begin with. But they can become worse over time and get infected if you do not treat them or they remain detected. Calluses can actually form on other areas of the body and not just the paw pads. This includes on the elbows and hips; anywhere that your dog rests on during the day.

Calluses on your dog’s paw pads often develop from walking on hard surfaces continuously. They are caused by friction. For example, if you walk your dog on a lot of concrete sidewalks, this can lead to calluses over time on their paw pads. Because the paw pads rub along the concrete, this motion can lead to these chunks of dry and hardened skin to form. It is a way for the paw pad to adapt and dry to prevent this friction. They will start small and get bigger over time. In addition, the weather can play a part in the development of calluses. For example, if they are walking on hot sidewalks without boots, this can thicken the pads. Plus, icy and cold sidewalks can make them worse too. Your dog’s paw pads are sensitive and they can even become infected if you are not careful.

On some occasions, calluses are caused by underlying health conditions. For example, some vitamin deficiencies can cause calluses to appear on your dog’s paw pads. If your dog has them a lot or they keep returning despite your best efforts, it may be time for a trip to the veterinarian. They will be able to examine your pooch and come to a conclusion on why calluses are forming, as well as give you tips on how to rectify the problem.

If you see your pup limping, check your dog's feet and look for blisters. Long dog walks specifically on hot pavement, rough surfaces or during cold weather could create a medical condition for older dogs. Pet parents can use booties or dog's pads to address canine distemper. Abrasions and a specific skin condition may require a biopsy from the vet to ensure your pup is not suffering from an undiagnosed autoimmune disease or dvm specifically common in terriers. Keratin can have an effect and a foot pad will certainly addressed crusty or cracked paws.

Dog owners or a groomer often find similar symptoms on a dog's nose and this can be a side effect of an immune system shutting down or liver disease. Particularly common in golden retrievers and sometimes caused by zinc deficiency, these scrapes can be smoothed by pet owners with paw wax and zinc supplements.

Ways to Remove a Callus from Your Dog’s Paw Pad

If the callus is small and minor, you can remove it on your own at home. There are just a few things you will need first. For your pooch, you will definitely need some tasty treats. This treatment will require them to stay still for a while. So, you want treats on hand to reward them and keep them interested. An impatient dog is going to make this task a lot more difficult. You will also need a handheld pumice stone. You can get these at your local store. Simply look in the cosmetic section. Other things you will need include warm water, a bowl and some Epsom salt and a drying towel. Then you are ready to start.

To begin to remove the callus, you will need to soak your dog’s paw pad in water. You can use a bowl of warm water for this task. It just has to be deep enough to cover your dog’s whole paw. You will need to soak the foot for around five minutes. Of course, if your dog starts to get impatient and wants to move around, this is when you bring in the treats. You can add some Epsom salts to the bowl if the calluses are bad and you want to clean them. This can help to soften the area and clean them of any bacteria. It may also help with any swelling or discomfort in the area. Use a small amount of Epsom salts in the water bowl. Once the five minutes are up, towel dry your dog’s paw pad thoroughly. Get all the water away and pat it gently. Then you want to take the handheld pumice stone and rub it over the top of the callus.