Paw infections in dogs can be a serious problem, especially if they’re not treated quickly. In this article, we’ll explore what paw infections are and how to handle them properly. If your dog has a paw infection, it’s important to diagnose the type of infection as soon as possible so that you can get the appropriate treatment and prevent any further complications from developing.
Types of Paw Infections
In most cases, bacteria and other microbes that enter the body and stimulate the immune system are what cause infections.
The main types of dog paw infections are:
- Bacterial
- Fungal
- Yeast
Causes of Paw Infections
Dog paw infections occur when the paws’ protective padding is damaged, allowing microorganisms to enter the paw pads and multiply.
Here are a few ways the paw can become damaged and prone to infection:
- Trauma. Trauma to the paw can range in size from a little puncture wound to a lengthy gash. In either case, bacteria enter the wound and create a painful infection.
- Allergies. Dogs frequently experience allergies to food, parasites, and the environment. The intense itching that results from allergies causes dogs to constantly lick and bite at their paws. The protective coating on the paws will eventually be damaged, enabling germs or other microorganisms to enter.
- Immune suppression.When a dog is receiving therapy for cancer, for example, its immune system may be diminished. An immune system that is repressed is unable to develop a potent immunological response to combat an illness.
- Body type. Dogs with skinny legs and thin paw padding, like Whippets and Greyhounds, are more prone to paw infections than other breeds.
Dog Paw Infection Signs
Here are some signs of a paw infection in dogs:
- Limping or favoring the paw: A dog with a paw infection may limp or favor the affected paw due to pain and discomfort.
- Swelling: Infections can cause swelling of the paw or toe, which may be red and tender to the touch.
- Discharge: There may be a discharge from the paw, which can be pus-like, bloody, or clear.
- Excessive licking: A dog with a paw infection may lick or chew at the affected area excessively, which can make the infection worse.
- Odor: A foul odor may be present in the paw or surrounding area.
- Loss of appetite or lethargy: In severe cases, a dog may lose their appetite or become lethargic due to the infection.
Diagnosing a Paw Infection
In order to identify the illness and ascertain its origin if your dog has symptoms of a paw infection, your veterinarian will need to make a diagnosis and run a few simple tests.
Your dog’s paws will be carefully examined as part of your dog’s physical examination after your veterinarian first obtains a medical history from you. Inform them of your dog’s symptoms, when they started, and whether or not your dog has lately sustained a paw injury. In order to learn more about the problem from you, the veterinarian will ask you additional questions.
Your veterinarian will also do a few quick tests, such as a skin scrape and tape imprint, to check for germs in the paw. In order to gather skin cells for the skin scrape, they will carefully scrape a tiny layer from the paw pad, which they will then place on a microscope slide. Your veterinarian will apply a piece of tape across the injured paw and place the tape on a microscope slide to create a tape impression.
Your veterinarian can identify whether bacteria, yeast, or fungi caused the infection by examining the microbes’ appearance under a microscope.
Infections in the paws that are severe require additional diagnostic tests. Your veterinarian can assess if the infection has gone beyond the paw by taking X-rays of your dog’s paw and leg. The results of a blood test show whether the illness has reached your dog’s bloodstream.
How CBD Can Help
While there is some evidence that CBD may be helpful in reducing inflammation and pain, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for treating conditions such as a swollen paw. According to a study, CBD has the potential to reduce inflammation by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating immune responses and inflammation. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on inflammation and other health conditions. If a pet has a swollen paw, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian for appropriate treatment.