Discolored Pads in Dogs

Discolored or inflamed paw pads can often be a symptom of disease or injury.

Without a set of four healthy paws, a canine is likely to struggle at his chosen activity, be it catching a Frisbee, K-9 police work or lounging on the couch. The footpad is the foundation for that fancy footwork and an off-colored footpad can often be the first sign that something is wrong with a dog.

Causes

Take note of any changes in the appearance of your dog's footpad, advises Dr. Dunbar Gram, of Animal Allergy and Dermatology in Virginia Beach, Virginia, because a sudden change in the paw pads' skin color may indicate a health problem. Certain types of dermatitis, or skin allergies, can cause sudden reddening between the pads. Discoloration can be attributed to such things as cancerous tumors to autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and, in rare cases, distemper. An Injury to the paw pad can also cause discoloration.

Symptoms

If you dog has such symptoms as swelling or thickness of his foot pads, you should have him examined by a veterinarian immediately, says Dr. Gram. Some discoloration can be hard to see, but that an astute dog owner will discover such symptoms as a thickening of the pad or darkening of the pigment. Other symptoms to look out for include limping, holding or favoring of one paw, excessive licking and biting at one paw. Gram says the most common discoloration he sees in paw pads is de-pigmentation or loss of color in the pad. "Lightening of the pads, usually it occurs in irregular spots, a spotty appearance," he said. "Oftentimes, it's not severe, but it can be indicative of something troublesome such as lupus."

Treatment

According to Gram, the most important part of treatment is to identify the underlying problem of the discoloration and to make sure it doesn't have any more serious health implications. Allergies can be frequent culprits for inflammation and discoloration, in which case, over-the-counter allergy medications, may be prescribed. However, consult with a vet first. If the dog will allow it, wash cuts, abrasions, or punctures with mild soap and water and remove any foreign matter. If the dog appears to have a deep wound, get her to the vet immediately. If the wound is serious enough, the dog may require sutures.

Prevention/Solution

Good paw care benefits both dog and owner.

Good paw care is the key to preventing most foot pad problems, says Dr. Gram. He suggests that dog owners provide a high-quality, high-protein diet for thier dogs. In addition, he advises, "examine your pet, so you know what's normal, don't run excessively, particularly on hot pavement, or in certain areas where you have to worry about frostbite and trauma from over-running." Gram says some areas of the country lend themselves to fungus growth between the the dog's pads, so be alert for color changes. Although built for endurance, a dog's paw pads are still prone to injury. After a romp through hazardous terrain, examine your dog's feet. If you wouldn't walk on a surface barefoot, think twice about making or allowing your dog do it.

Function

Unlike a human, a dog walks on his toes, not the soles of his feet. The pads on a dog's paws provide traction, absorbs shock and is handy for digging. Without strong and healthy paw pads, a dog's ability to perform even his daily walk can be compromised. A dog owner who looks for something as simple as a change in paw pad color, could make the difference between an active and healthy lifestyle for her dog or a disease that goes unchecked.

References

• Dog Owner's Guide: Canine Feet
• Animal Allergy and Dermatology: Animal Allergies
• Dog Topics: Dog Paw Care
• The Dog Health Guide: Canine Allergy