People who have dogs may notice their paws and toes getting swollen. It can signify an issue like a bug bite or infection. Depending on the root cause of the issue, your dog may show different symptoms. But dog swollen toe is treatable using antibiotics.

The following article will explore causes, symptoms and treatment of it. We will also look through natural remedies to make your dog feel better. 

What is Inflammation of the Paws?

Inflammation of the paws, also known as pododermatitis, is a term used to describe a condition that causes swelling, redness, or irritation of the feet in dogs. It can affect one or more paws and involve the skin or the blood vessels of the feet.

Symptoms of Inflammation of the Paws in Dogs

Depending on the cause and severity of pododermatitis, your dog may show different symptoms. Some of the common signs of inflammation of the paws in dogs are:

• Limping or reluctance to walk
• Swelling of one or more toes or pads
• Redness or discolouration of the skin or nails
• Blisters, ulcers, crusts, or scabs on the feet
• Hair loss or excessive licking of the paws
• Pus, blood, or foul odour from the lesions
• Fever or loss of appetite

Causes of Inflammation of the Paws In Dogs

There are many possible causes of pododermatitis in dogs. Some of the most common ones are:

Bacterial or Fungus Infection

It can occur when your dog steps on something sharp or dirty, breaking the skin and introducing bacteria into the wound. Fungus infection can also happen when your dog has a compromised immune system. Bacterial or fungus infection can cause pus-filled bumps or fungal lesions on the feet.

Tumours

These aberrant cell growths might be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Tumours can affect any part of the foot, but they are more common at the junction between the nail and the toe. They can cause swelling, pain, or nail loss.

Allergies

Allergies are hypersensitive immune system reactions to certain substances your dog is exposed to. These substances include food ingredients or contact allergens. Allergies can cause itching, swelling, and hair loss on the feet. Your dog may also have other signs of allergies, such as sneezing.

Environment

Environment refers to the physical factors affecting your dog’s feet. These include trauma, foreign bodies, insect bites or irritants (such as salt, detergents). These factors can cause pain, infection, or tissue damage to the feet.

Breeds More Likely To Get Swollen Paws

Some breeds of dogs are more prone to develop pododermatitis than others, mainly because they have certain genetic conditions that affect their skin or hair.

Some of these conditions are:

Familial Footpad Hyperkeratosis

It is a condition where the footpads become thickened and stiff due to excessive keratin production. This condition affects Irish Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers, Bedlington Terriers and Labrador Retrievers.

Idiopathic Sterile Granuloma of the Feet

It is a condition where the immune system attacks the tissues of the feet for unknown reasons. This condition affects Boxers, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers.

Zinc-Responsive Skin Disorder

It is a condition where the body does not absorb enough zinc from the diet or loses too much zinc due to other diseases. This condition affects Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and Great Danes.

See Where Your Dog is Swollen?

The location of the swelling on your dog’s foot can give you clues about the possible cause. Here are some examples:

Pads

If the pads are swollen, it may be due to burns, frostbite, irritants, or infections. You may also notice cracks, blisters, or ulcers on the pads.

Legs

If the leg is swollen, it may be due to trauma, infection, or circulatory problems. You may also notice limping, bruising, or bleeding on the leg.

Toes

If one or more toes are swollen, it may be due to tumours, fractures, foreign bodies, or insect bites. You may also notice nail loss, bone destruction, or pus from the toes.

How do Veterinarians Find the Cause of a Swollen Toe?

If your dog has a swollen toe, you should take him to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. The veterinarian may also perform some tests to find out the cause of the swelling.

Some of these tests are:

Skin Cytology

It is a test where the veterinarian takes a sample of cells from the skin or lesion and examines them under a microscope. It helps identify bacteria, fungi, yeast, or cancer cells.

Skin Scrapings

It is a test where the veterinarian scrapes off some skin from the affected area and looks for parasites such as mites or lice.

X-rays

These images show your dog’s bones and internal organs. They can help detect fractures, tumours, bone destruction, or foreign bodies in the foot.

Blood Tests

Blood tests measure the levels of different substances in your dog’s blood. They can help detect infections, allergies, or metabolic disorders affecting the feet.

Biopsy

It is a test where the veterinarian takes a small piece of tissue from the lesion and sends it to a laboratory for analysis. It can help confirm the diagnosis of cancer or other diseases.

How Can a Swollen Toe Turn Fatal?

A dog’s swollen toe may seem like a minor problem, but it can become life-threatening if left untreated. Some of the complications that can arise from a swollen toe are:

Infection

If an infection causes swelling, it can induce sepsis and spread to other body regions. Infection can also lead to tissue necrosis (death) or gangrene (decay) of the foot.

Cancer

If a cancerous tumour causes swelling, it can spread and encroach on surrounding organs and tissues. It can also metastasise (spread) to other body parts through the blood. Cancer can cause pain, weight loss, and organ failure. 

Amputation

If the swelling is severe or does not respond to treatment, the veterinarian may have to amputate (remove) the foot to save your dog’s life. Amputation can cause bleeding, infection, pain, and reduced mobility.

How Is A Swollen Toe Treated?

The treatment for a dog’s swollen toe depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Some of the possible treatments are:

Antibiotics

These are drugs that kill bacteria and prevent infection. They can be given orally (by mouth), topically (on the skin), or intravenously (through a vein). Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections or as a preventive measure after surgery.

Antifungals

These are drugs that kill fungi and prevent infection. They can be given orally, topically and intravenously. Antifungals are used for fungal infections such as ringworm or blastomycosis.

Antihistamines

These drugs block histamine (a chemical that causes allergic reactions) and reduce itching and inflammation. They can be given orally or by injection. Antihistamines are used for allergic reactions such as atopy or food allergy.

Anti-inflammatories

These are drugs that reduce inflammation and pain. They can be given orally, topically, or by injection. Anti-inflammatories are used for trauma, arthritis, or autoimmune diseases.

Surgery

It is a procedure where the veterinarian removes the affected tissue or part of the foot. Surgery is used for conditions such as tumours, foreign bodies, fractures, or necrosis. Surgery may require anaesthesia, stitches, bandages, or drainage tubes.

What do I do After Surgery for a Dog Swollen Toe?

If your dog has undergone surgery for a swollen toe, follow the veterinarian’s instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.

Some of the things you should do are:

• Monitor your dog’s vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, and breathing. If you notice any abnormality, contact your veterinarian immediately.
• Check your dog’s incision site regularly for signs of infection like redness, swelling, pus and foul odour.
• Keep your dog’s bandage clean and dry. Change it as often as instructed by your veterinarian.
• Prevent your dog from licking, biting, or scratching the wound. You may need an Elizabethan collar (a cone-shaped device that fits around the neck) or a sock (a cloth that covers the foot) to protect the wound.
• Give your dog the prescribed medications as directed by your veterinarian. Do not skip doses or give more or less than instructed.
• Limit your dog’s activity and exercise until the wound heals. Follow your veterinarian’s advice on how much and what type of activity your dog can do.
• Provide your dog with a comfortable and clean place to rest and recover. You should ensure the dog always has access to fresh water and food.

How Can You Care For Your Dog At Home?

You can do some things at home to help your dog with a swollen toe. Here are some tips:

• Keep your dog’s feet clean and dry. Wash them with mild soap and water regularly and dry them thoroughly.
• Trim your dog’s nails regularly to prevent them from breaking. Use a nail clipper or file designed for dogs, and be careful not to cut it too short.
• Check your dog’s feet for signs of injury or infection, such as cuts, bruises, or pus. If you find any of these signs, contact your veterinarian.
• Protect your dog’s feet from extreme temperatures and rough surfaces. Avoid walking your dog on hot pavement or sharp rocks or gravel.
• Avoid exposing your dog to allergens that may cause swelling of the feet. These may include food ingredients, environmental allergens, or contact allergens.
• Feed your dog a balanced diet which meets his needs. Avoid giving your dog human food, table scraps, or bones that may cause digestive problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What medicine can I give my dog for a swollen paw?

You should not give your dog any medicine for a swollen paw without consulting your veterinarian first. Some safe medicines for humans may be toxic or harmful to dogs. Your veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate medicine for your dog based on his condition and medical history.

Is a swollen toe severe?

A dog’s swollen toe can be severe, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. It can indicate an infection, a tumour, or a trauma that may require immediate medical attention. A swollen toe can also cause pain and reduced mobility for your dog.

Will dog swelling go away?

Dog swelling may go away independently if caused by a minor problem such as a thorn or a bug bite. However, if the swelling persists or worsens, it may indicate a more severe problem that needs veterinary care.

How long does a swollen paw take to heal?

The healing time for a swollen paw depends on the cause and treatment of the condition. Some conditions may heal in a few days, while others may take weeks or months.

Is it safe to apply ice on a dog to reduce swelling?

You can put ice on a dog for swelling if it is caused by trauma such as a sprain or a bruise. Ice may help to reduce inflammation and pain. However, you should not put ice on a dog for swelling caused by infection, tumour, or frostbite. Ice can worsen these conditions by slowing down blood flow and healing.

Conclusion

A swollen toe is a common problem affecting dogs of any age, breed, or gender. It is caused by various factors such as infection, tumour, or environment. A swollen toe can cause symptoms such as swelling, redness, and pain in the foot or toe. It can be treated with various methods, such as antibiotics, antifungals or immunotherapy.