Dogs suffering from hyperkeratosis of the paw pads require regular examination and treatment. Keratin build-up may be painful for your dog and leave cracks open for possible bacterial infections to come in through.
Treatment for Paw Pad Hyperkeratosis should involve routine care and use of pet-safe moisturizers to soften keratin growth, in addition to regular trimming, soaking and application of ointments or patches as effective forms of treatment.
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Moisturize
Hydrating your pet’s paw pads regularly in order to prevent hyperkeratosis and help avoid hyperkeratosis. Irritated or cracked pads could leave her vulnerable to infection as she walks on hard or abrasive surfaces, while also being uncomfortable for her when walking on harder surfaces.
Applying a pet-safe moisturizer or balm containing ingredients such as avocado oil, shea butter and plant-sourced botanical wax can be useful in maintaining skin hydration. In severe cases of paw pad hyperkeratosis, soaking feet in warm water with Epsom salt or 50% propylene glycol could also soften growths and reduce inflammation.
Hyperkeratosis can be very uncomfortable for dogs, so early treatment should be sought. A veterinarian exam should be completed to ascertain its source, such as conducting blood work to detect parasites or diseases present. Antibiotics will likely be prescribed if any infections are identified – and your veterinarian can show you how you can trim extra growths at home as well.
Trimming
Dog paw pads are regularly exposed to harsh environments, from hot pavement and de-icing salt during winter walks, to dirt and debris during walks. Maintaining regular trims of their pads is crucial in order to prevent overgrowth of hardened keratin.
Overgrown paw pads can cause both discomfort and potential infection in dogs. Dogs’ natural instinct is to lick or chew at anything that causes discomfort, leading them to introduce bacteria into their skin further compounding the issue.
Prevention is key when it comes to hyperkeratosis in dogs, so ensure they’re on a whole food, raw diet containing sufficient zinc. Regular wellness exams with your veterinarian will allow them to identify any underlying health concerns that may lead to hyperkeratosis; furthermore, ensure your dog has been fully immunized against canine distemper as hyperkeratosis is one of its symptoms – that way your pup won’t develop life-threatening distemper!
Epsom salt bath
Epsom salt baths may help relieve itching while also providing other purported health benefits. Epsom, named for an English town where its mineral deposits originated, contains magnesium and sulfate believed to have therapeutic qualities, and are easily dissolved into bathwater or mixed into lotion for direct skin application. For optimal results, National Psoriasis Foundation suggests taking three 12-minute Epsom salt baths every week at least. Beware that the temperature shouldn’t become too hot as that could scald your skin!
Epsom salt baths may help relieve stress and pain, ease migraines and headaches, promote better sleep quality and soothe aching joints and muscles. Furthermore, Epsom salt baths may also serve as an effective remedy against athlete’s foot and ingrown toenails as it reduces odor while softening hardened skin so splinters can be extracted without pushing them deeper into the skin. More research needs to be conducted.
Keratolytic agents
Hyperkeratosis can not only be uncomfortable for your pet but can also make moving around difficult, especially with thickened foot pads which have hair-like projections which scrape the ground when walking and make walking painful.
Cracked paw pads can become susceptible to infection as dogs’ natural instinct is to lick them, thus spreading germs that could potentially become serious health concerns. For this reason, keeping paw pads moisturized is so crucial.
If an underlying disease is contributing to your dog’s hyperkeratosis, your vet may suggest running tests such as blood work, urinalysis and cytology to detect parasites or infectious diseases like canine distemper. If the hyperkeratosis stems from an autoimmune disorder like pemphigus foliaceus or systemic lupus erythematosus immunosuppressive drugs or zinc supplements may be prescribed; in many instances once treatment for that issue has taken effect it will subside; keep them comfortable by keeping their nails off or chewing on their pads too hard.
