Red Dog Paws: Is It Intercanine Dermatitis?
Understanding the Causes of Redness Between a Dog's Paws
1. Intercanine Inflammation
Intercanine inflammation is a common reason for a dog's red paws. This condition is characterized by redness, swelling, pain, fever, and the development of blisters on the paw pads. In severe cases, the dog may even begin to limp. It's crucial for owners to act promptly to prevent the condition from worsening. Here's what to do: Clean your dog's paws with a specialized dog shampoo, thoroughly dry them, and then apply a petspecific skin ointment to the swollen areas. If there are numerous blisters, use PovidoneIodine solution to disinfect and kill bacteria.
2. Fungal Infection
If a dog's living environment is consistently dirty, damp, or poorly maintained, it can lead to a breeding ground for bacteria. Redness on a dog's paws might be a sign of a fungal infection. In such cases, it's important to take your dog to a dry, wellventilated area and apply iodine or alcohol to the red areas on the paw pads. Additionally, a thorough cleaning of the living space is necessary to eliminate any remaining bacteria.
3. Trauma
If a dog gets into a fight with another animal or overexerts itself during exercise, causing leg injuries or abrasions that lead to inflammation, the paws may also appear red. If the injury is minor, you can apply an antiinflammatory ointment at home. However, if the leg or paw injury is severe, it's advisable to take your dog to a veterinarian for a proper examination and treatment.
Understanding whether a dog's red paws are a sign of interdigital inflammation can be helpful for pet owners. If you have further questions, feel free to consult an online veterinarian or read more in the article "What Does It Mean When a Dog's Paws Are Red and Swollen?"