[SOLVED ] Q. My puppy has this swollen skin afliction. Its red and not healing at all. I dont know what it is or how it got on her paw.

Experienced and professional animal trainer provide their insights in answering this question :

A. It needs to be examined by your vet. It could be a dermatitis, pyoderma, soft tissue injury or an infection from something being stuck in the paw. Your vet will be able to provide a diagnosis and treatment.

How to Identify Common Pet Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced pet care professionals :

Swollen dog paws are often caused by stepping on sharp objects, getting paw, or toe in between a door, insect bites and constant chewing on foot. More cases may be paw bleeding, sloughing of paw pads and sturdy walking. Treatment can help, depending on the cause of the inflammation.

Dog Paw Allergies

If your dog has itchy paws, allergies may be the cause. Allergies are common and can be caused by the environment, food, or an irritant that comes into contact with your dog`s skin. Redness, dark pigmentation, or brown staining on the paws from constant licking may be signs of allergies.

If your dog has an open sore, it is likely that he or she is suffering from a skin ulcer. These lesions usually indicate injury, infection, or disease and require an examination by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. Treatment and prognosis varies depending on the source of the ulcer.

Treatments may include topical therapy such as shampoo washes, foot soaks, or wipes for secondary bacterial and yeast infections. Oral antibiotics and anti-fungals may be required for more severe cases.

What is Pododermatitis? Pododermatitis is a term used to describe inflammation affecting the skin of the feet. It often causes dogs to have swollen, red and itchy feet, which can progress to painful sores. In very severe cases, dogs can even become lame.

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a common skin disorder defined as a hereditary predisposition to develop pruritic inflammatory skin disease associated with IgE antibodies, which typically target environmental allergens.

Typically, a minimum of three weeks of oral or injectable antibiotic therapy is required. If the proper antibiotic is chosen to kill the bacterial infection, the signs will subside within a week.

Debridement. Debridement is the most common treatment for stubborn to heal wounds, and involves the removal of unhealthy tissue within a chronic wound to promote the growth of healthy tissue, reduce complications of infection, and speed up the healing process.

Low levels of oxygen interfere with protein synthesis and fibroblast activity, causing a delay in wound healing. Oxygen levels may also be compromised by many other factors, including hypovolemia, the presence of devitalized tissue, hematomas, seromas, and excessively tight bandages.

Treatment for Infections

Bacterial and fungal paw inflammations often require medication. Your vet will recommend systemic antibiotics for bacterial paw infections in dogs for at least six (6) weeks. If the infection runs deep, the antibiotic treatment can last from around 8-12 weeks.

Other over-the-counter medications safe to use on canine skin include Neosporin—an antibiotic ointment—and Benadryl cream, a topical pain reliever. “Hydrocortisone cream is usually more effective than Benadryl cream,” says Butzer. “But oral Benadryl can help with reducing inflammation in the affected area.”

Chamomile, calendula, and green tea have properties that soothe and cool irritated skin and reduce inflammation, making them great additions in a dog bath for itchy skin. These soaks are best for dogs who have hot, itchy patches of skin that are at risk of getting rubbed raw.

Do not use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as these can damage the tissue and delay healing. Cover up the wound with a bandage. Apply a small amount of antibacterial ointment and cover the wound with a piece of sterile gauze or other bandage. Use the elastic tape to hold the bandage in place.

Bacterial claw infections are relatively common among dogs. Although they`re easily remedied, these paw problems shouldn`t be taken lightly. Infections that go unchecked can and will develop into something more difficult to treat and, in the worst cases, might become risky.

It`s best to call the vet right away if you suspect a paw infection. The treatment will depend on the reason, which can be anything from a fungus to a parasite. Common ways to treat an infection include medication, soaking the paw in warm water, ointment, and bandaging the foot to prevent the issue from getting worse.

These dogs, by elimination, are diagnosed with concurrent environmental allergy that responds to antipruritic therapy. For this subset of dogs with clinical atopic dermatitis, it appears that food allergens act as one of the triggers for their syndrome.

A few breeds more susceptible to skin allergies include Beagles, Bulldogs, Dalmatians, English and Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers, Labradoodles and Goldendoodles, Labrador Retrievers, Lhasa Apsos, Miniature Schnauzers, most terriers, Old English Sheepdogs and Pugs.

It is a symptom caused by dry skin, allergies, parasites, or other underlying conditions. Anxiety and boredom can cause dogs to lick, chew, and bite as a response. Changing your dog`s diet may be the key to stopping obsessive licking behavior. Fatty acid supplements can help ease pain and itching from dry skin.

More than 70% of dogs display symptoms of an anxiety disorder, and compulsive licking, biting, and your dog scratching skin raw can be telling signs of this issue. Many dogs suffer anxiety for a variety of reasons, including: Separation anxiety. Fear of weather and loud noises.

Apple cider vinegar is a great remedy for stopping dog licking paws. Because of its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, apple cider vinegar can help soothe the skin and eliminate possible irritants that may be causing the dog to lick.

Recipe 4: Baking soda

It also softens the skin and reduces itchiness. Add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda to about 5l (1 gallon) of water. Dunk your dog`s feet in the bucket straight after your walk and keep the feet in the remedy for about a minute or two.

Antibacterial shampoo or topical ointments can be used for these types of skin conditions. Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment may take several weeks to have an effect.

Bathing once a week will help to relieve pain and itching, and increase healing and recovery from both yeast and bacterial infections. Once the infection has been controlled, either with oral antibiotics or anti-yeast medications, you should be able to reduce bathing to every two weeks.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Q. How do I get my dog to stop chewing on things? I kennel her when I leave for a few hours, but I can’t go to the mailbox without her eating something.

ANSWER : A. If she’s young, then this is just normal puppy behavior. Don’t worry about it. The thing about puppies is, they explore using their mouths. If your puppy grabs a coat hanger, or a slipper, you should roll up a newspaper, and smack yourself on the head with it for leaving those things out.. your puppy is going to explore things, that’s normal! It is 100% up to YOU to keep those things away from your puppy when your puppy is unsupervised… even for just a moment.

Remember to never scold your puppy for grabbing these things. They are just curious little cuties, and they don’t chew things up to bother us.. Dogs do not have intentional thought, so they aren’t ever doing anything ON PURPOSE to us.. The most important thing you can do when your puppy is chewing something you don’t want her to be chewing is TRADE her the inappropriate item with a toy of hers, so she understands “no honey, that isn’t what puppies chew on… THIS is what puppies chew on!” and then begin playing with her using her toy to show her that TOYS ARE FUN.. Way more fun than a boring ol’ coat hanger.

Another helpful thing you can do is have two bags of toys. In each bag is many different kinds of toys. Lots of chew toys, lots of soft squeaky toys, lots of rope-type toys, a bunch of balls.. All kinds of things! For one week you have bag#1’s toys out for your puppy to play with.. At the end of the one week, you collect those toys, and you bring out bag#2! The toys will be more interesting/feel like new to your puppy, which will in-turn, make her chew less inappropriate things. Her toys are too fun to care about that dumb Wii-mote that you left laying around.

Hope this helps!

Read Full Q/A … : Stop Dog Chewing – Put A Stop To Your Dog's Or Puppy's …

Q. Why does a dogs pads on his paws turn such a pink color?

ANSWER : A. I’m confused here. Are your dogs paw pads typically black, but they turn a reddish pink? You may want to see your veterinarian about this to make sure there isn’t anything wrong with his paw pads. I’ve met dogs who have extremely fragile paw pads due to some bad genetics.. they end up getting injured on their paws very easily. I’ve met dogs who are unable to even walk on cement without wearing little doggy booties. It could be that your dog is dealing with some serious discomfort, and you want to get that checked out immediately.

If your dogs paw pads just seem a little bit irritated, you may want to try something like “Musher’s Secret” on them. This is an ointment that you rub on your dogs paw pads to keep them healthy, and smooth. I use this in the winter when there is rock salt all over the ground.. it keeps her paw pads from getting irritated and tearing open. It’s like lotioning your skin to keep it from getting dry and cracked. If you think your dog is dealing with something that is a little more extreme than just some dry irritated paw pads, then see your vet immediately instead of purchasing the Musher’s Secret.

Read Full Q/A … : Discolored Pads in Dogs

Q. My puppy has this swollen skin afliction. Its red and not healing at all. I dont know what it is or how it got on her paw.

ANSWER : A. It needs to be examined by your vet. It could be a dermatitis, pyoderma, soft tissue injury or an infection from something being stuck in the paw. Your vet will be able to provide a diagnosis and treatment.

Read Full Q/A … : My dog has a swollen nipple – Questions & Answers

Q. My puppy is urinating a lot. And the lady I gave one of the puppies to said she thinks her puppy has diabetes could my puppy have it to

ANSWER : A. It is not likely that either one of these puppies has diabetes. It is very uncommon for a puppy that young to have diabetes. If your puppy is straining to urinate or is urinating very small amounts frequently and cannot seem to wait for very long between urination, he may have a urinary tract infection. It is quite possible that your puppy is completely normal. I would suggest an exam with your veterinarian and discuss the behavior with them. They may suggest a urinalysis. Your puppy should be going to the vet at 3 week intervals for vaccinations at this age, so you can discuss it when he has his next set of vaccines. The other person with the other puppy should also be taking hers to a vet for proper immunizations and she should also discuss her concerns with her vet.

Read Full Q/A … : When my dog goes pee it is dark and thick. – Questions …

Q. What can i do for my puppy? She has really dry flaky skin, she’s a 4 months old Chihuahu

ANSWER : A. Dry and flaky skin can be caused by a large number of things ranging from too-frequent of bathing, allergies or external parasites and illness. If your dog is already on medication to prevent external parasites, it may just be that you are actually bathing your puppy too often.

Bathing more frequently than once every few weeks can actually strip the skin and coat of its natural oils, leading to dry skin and a “dandruff” appearance. Bathing less often and using a soothing shampoo such as oatmeal or sensitive skin can help some. In between baths, a pet wipe or baby wipe can be used to clean dirty areas while allowing the skin and coat to regain its natural oils.

If the skin problem persists, or additional symptoms such as redness, itching or hair loss occur, it may indicate a more serious condition which should be examined by your local vet.

Read Full Q/A … : Cure Dog Dry Skin and Dandruff in 3 Easy Steps

Q. My dog has dry crusty patches on her skin and she scratches till fur is gone, what can it be?

ANSWER : A. Crusting of the skin, itching and hair loss can all be caused by a number of things, most commonly skin infections (from bacteria, yeast or fungi) or from external parasites. Checking for parasites such as fleas and ticks and then treating them can help the skin. However, if a secondary infection or primary skin infection has occurred (hair loss, redness, itching, hot to the touch or oozing debris) then it is best to have it examined by your local vet. Antibiotics and medicated shampoos will usually help the skin to recover and heal. Until you can get to your vet it is best to prevent your dog from scratching or chewing at the area with the use of an Elizabethan (cone) collar or T-shirt so that she cannot introduce any bacteria into the skin from her tongue or nails.

Read Full Q/A … : Dog Skin & Coat Disorders

Q. My 8 month old puppy is chewing off her hair. She does not chew to the point of raw skin, only the hair. Any ideas?

ANSWER : A. I’d agree with the answer below, and I’d add that with a puppy as young as yours the most common cause of chewing is external parasites and fungal disease. It’s important to realize that almost always, chewing is caused by being itchy. It’s essentially a way that dogs scratch.

The first thing to do is to rule out parasites. Even if you don’t see fleas, treat her for fleas. Use a good product like Frontline – it’s easy to apply (avoid the hairless areas, it should be placed between the shoulderblades. You should also consider that your dog might be getting bitten by mosquitos – a common problem in thin-skinned dogs, and depending on where you live they can still be a problem this time of year.

Your vet also needs to perform a scraping of the skin to rule out mites. And again…even if no mites are found, I would recommend treating for them. They are almost as common as fleas in puppies, and depending on her recent situation (rescued from a shelter?) stress can depress the immune system and cause a mite infestation to take hold.

And finally, ringworm, which is actually a fungal disease, should be ruled out. It’s also almost universally related to conditions, like overcrowded shelters, but it does happen and puppies are more susceptible.

One more note: allergies are possible, but other things are probably more likely at this point. If your vet doesn’t know what to do, I would recommend looking for someone who does.

Read Full Q/A … : 7-to-12-Month-Old Puppy: What to Expect – Dogster

Q. My Pug’s nose is red and he doesn’t have a yeast infection. He is taking medicine for that. It seems to get worse when he goes outside. Any ideas?

ANSWER : A. Redness or irritation can be caused by a number of things including yeast infections as you mentioned, but can also be caused by allergies to the environment, or even cold or hot weather. Dogs with short fur can often get sunburns on the skin, and the cold may also irritate or cause redness when outdoors. Allergies to pollens or other outdoor allergens may also cause redness on the body or nose. An allergy medication from your vet is usually all that is needed to clear this up.

If the redness is happening just when outside, it may also be that your dog is digging or nosing around in something that is irritating. It may be a good idea to watch your dog a few times while he is outside to see if there is anything he enjoys exploring. The redness could just be irritation from that.

However, if you are concerned about the redness, it is always a good idea to bring it up with your veterinarian to make sure there is not a more serious cause behind it.

Read Full Q/A … : Dog Yeast Infection Treatment: Home Remedies for Pets