Pododermatitis (Paw Inflammation)

What is it?

Pododermatitis is inflammation of the feet or paws. It is a sign rather than a single disease. Causes include bacterial, yeast, fungal, or parasite infections; allergies such as atopy, food allergy, and contact allergy; immune-mediated diseases such as pemphigus foliaceus; hormonal diseases such as hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease; tumors; and irritation from trauma, hard surfaces, clipper burn, or splinters.

What signs should I watch for?

Paws may be red, swollen, itchy, or painful, and many dogs lick their feet constantly. Other clues include hair loss, bumps, sores, pus, reddish-brown staining of the fur, or crusty, thickened footpads and nail beds. Allergies often affect the tops of the paws, contact irritation the undersides, and immune disease often all four feet. A problem in only one foot can point to a tumor or foreign body.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Your veterinarian will ask about your dog's environment, diet, travel, other skin problems, and whether signs are seasonal. Common tests include skin cytology, skin scrapings, and hair plucks, and sometimes cultures, biopsies, blood and urine tests, a food trial, or X-rays. Treatment targets the cause and may include medicated shampoos, foot soaks or wipes, oral antibiotics or antifungals, and anti-itch or anti-inflammatory medications for allergic or immune causes.

Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook?

• Outlook depends on the cause, and most dogs respond well.
• Allergic and immune-mediated cases are managed rather than cured, with the goal of fewer flare-ups.
• Simple lifestyle adjustments help many dogs live comfortably.