Understanding and treating paw infections in pets

Pet paw infections are common, and usually, they can be treated effectively by your vet. They're painful and annoying, so try to get them sorted out as quickly as you can.

But how do you know if your pet's paw is infected? What if it's something else? We're here to iron that out. Below, we discuss how to identify paw infections, their causes, treatment options and how to prevent them.

We also have our video on paw infections in cats and dogs if you'd prefer something visual:

Identifying paw infections

You won't really know if it's a paw infection until your vet sees it, but signs of a paw infection include:

• Behavioral changes, like vocalising, constant licking, irritability and not letting you look at the paw

• Discolored nails

• Paw discharge

• Redness

• Reluctance to exercise

• Swelling

• Walking issues or limping

Symptoms will vary depending on the severity and the infection‘s cause.

Causes of paw infections

Physical injuries

Broken nails and cuts are major risks when it comes to infection. We have guides on what to do if your pet has a broken nail or is limping. Burns and grazes can also cause sore paw pads.

Foreign objects

Foreign objects can cause infection and irritation. Grass seeds and splinters are big troublemakers here. Salt and grit used on icy pavements can also irritate paws and get caught up between the toes. 

Environmental factors

A few environmental factors can lead to infection, like:

• Allergens: dogs with skin allergies are more prone to secondary infections

• Bacteria: bacteria can invade the skin via cuts, areas of inflammation or foreign objects

• Chemicals: cause skin trauma, leading to secondary infections

• Yeast: causes cause infection, and this is often secondary to other issues like skin allergies

Specific conditions

A few common pet paw infection conditions include:

Dog paw infection between toes

A dog with an infection between their toes may have red, inflamed skin or swelling. They usually lick their paw excessively and may limp.

Your vet may suggest exploring the swelling surgically if they are suspicious of a foreign body, like those pesky grass seeds. Vets usually recommend antibiotics and pain relief as treatment.

Sores on a dog's paw

Sores of the pad itself could be caused by a burn or trauma. You may notice visible damage to the paw pads and affected dogs often limp. Treatment may involve pain relief, antibiotics, and bandaging, depending on your vet’s exam.

Swollen pads

Dogs with swollen paw pads may limp and lick at their paws. The paws may appear puffy, inflamed, or cracked. Treatment will depend on your vet’s findings but could involve antibiotics and pain relief.

Cat paw infections

Bite injuries are common when cats fight with each other. The paw or paw pad may appear swollen and your cat could have a limp. You may find a small scab or some dried blood if your cat has been bitten, but not always.

Some cats will hold the paw up when they're sitting still too. As with most paw infections, treatment will usually be antibiotics and painkillers. 

Treating paw infections

Should you treat them at home?

No.

You should always get your pet checked out by a vet if you think they have an infected paw. With the exception of minor abrasions, most paw infections will require medication to resolve and delaying treatment can lead to problems.

If you want to try and help your pet before their appointment, you could try bathing the paw in warm water to keep it clean. You could also put a cone/e-collar on your pet to stop them from being able to excessively lick at the area, which can create further trauma and infection.  

Veterinary care

Your vet will be able to offer your pet the best possible care for their infected paw. This includes :

• A proper diagnosis

• Antibiotics and pain relief

• Foreign object removal 

They'll likely give you antibiotics and pain relief to administer to your pet, so read our guide on giving your cat or dog medicine for pointers.

Preventing paw infections

Regular inspections

We recommend getting in the habit of checking your pet's paws after walks, especially if you've gone off-road. Check between the toes regularly for grass seeds stuck in the skin or fur.

Grooming

Regular nail grooming around the paws can keep them tidy, which reduces the risk of broken nails, cuts and infection. Keeping feathers and hairy toes trimmed neatly will also help to prevent grass seeds getting caught up in them.

Protective gear

Some owners swear by booties, which protect your pet's paws from rough terrain and things like salt and grit in cold weather.

Regular vet visits

Routine, regular vet visits are an important part of preventative pet care. Vets can spot things like infection early, which helps when it comes to treatment.

How pet insurance helps

Pet insurance can help you prepare for the unexpected. We can help cover costs for things like paw infections and keep your pet in the best shape to run, scurry and explore.

Early detection is always key, and we want to make sure you can access that proactive care as and when you need it. Learn more:

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