My Pug Has Red Paws: 7 Helpful Answers to Your Rescue!
It`s hard to find a more hyperactive dog than a Pug. These cuddly little pets are apparently all over the place all the time!
Being such an active canine, a Pug`s paws come into contact with a lot of different surfaces more often than you think. (Howard, 2022) Their legs and paws seem to be tough enough to fit their impressive active behavior.
Still, is it normal for a Pug’s paws to turn red? Pug paw inflammation is often an issue due to distinct terrains, temperature, activities, allergic reactions, or other conditions. (“Pug Foot Inflammation: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention | Loves Pugs”, 2022)
What Do Red Pug Paws Mean?
Before becoming too stressful about this, it`s essential to scrutinize the issue carefully. (“Pug Foot Inflammation: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention | Loves Pugs”, 2022) If you see your little pal paying too much attention to their paws, you need to find out why is this happening. (“When a Pug Dog Licks, Chews, or Bites at the Paws”, 2022)
You could also try and see if the issue is extended in other parts of the little one`s paws. (“Pug Foot Inflammation: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention | Loves Pugs”, 2022)
Finding out the cause for which your Pug`s paws are red needs to be the very first step taken. Any compulsive biting, chewing, or licking at their paws might turn into cracked, raw, or red skin a lot faster than you think. (“When a Pug Dog Licks, Chews, or Bites at the Paws”, 2022)
According to Stott (2022), if the cause behind your Pug`s paw health issue is more serious, you may have to visit your veterinarian for him to make a better evaluation and offer advice for treatment.
Why Is My Pug Paw Red?
There may be a variety of causes involved when a Pug starts experiencing red paws. (“Help! My Dog’s Paws Are Red | Canna-Pet®”, 2022)
- Pododermatitis: This represents an infection or inflammation that involves the paws or feet. It`s not really a specific illness, but rather an explanatory medical condition which may lead to several medical issues. (Paul, 2022)
If this condition is infectious, the Pug`s paws or legs may become swollen and inflamed. The canine may be noticed licking the infected area constantly.
If the condition is the result of an allergy, there may be constant itchiness involved, and swelling and inflammation may be involved. (Hunter & Ward, 2022)
- Parasites: Parasites, such as fleas, ticks, or mites, can start biting your Pug`s paws while making their home in your little pal`s feet. This will make your pooch start biting and chewing their paws to try and alleviate their itchiness.
Certain parasites won`t be able to be noticed by just looking for them with a naked eye. However, a veterinarian can skin scrape the area and easily place a diagnose. (Johnson, 2022)
- Environmental or Food Allergies: Around 20% of dogs experience food allergies at some point during their lifetime. In certain situations, there are no other signs than itchiness.
If those areas that need scratching involve their paws, they`ll try to lick or chew them in order to get rid of their itchiness.
The kind of allergies that canines may experience can involve various triggers such as weeds, mold, pollen, grass or food allergic reactions. (“When a Pug Dog Licks, Chews, or Bites at the Paws”, 2022)
- Extreme weather: It`s best to try and protect your dog from extreme weather conditions. The heat of pavements or sidewalks during the summer may not be comfortable for your Pug, even if you think it`s tolerable for them. (Cosgrove, 2022)
Also, with low temperature drops in the winter your Pug may experience various health issues such as arthritis, leading to an inflammation of your dog`s paws.
With this in mind, when you know winter is near, turn to your preventive side and check your dog`s limbs carefully for any sign of infection, swelling or soreness. (“Pug Foot Inflammation: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention | Loves Pugs”, 2022)
- Blisters, Cuts & Abrasions: If your Pug puppy develops blisters or the little fella` cuts their paws in something, that area can become inflamed or irritated quite easily. (Johnson, 2022)
- Yeast Infections: Yeast can occur in some Pugs quite naturally. However, only when several conditions are favorable, such as inflamed or moist, a yeast infection can flourish.
Although some of the most common parts of a dog`s body for a yeast infection are skin folds, groin, ears, or armpits, it may very well occur on their paws as well. (Johnson, 2022)
- Gastrointestinal Problems: New research reported lots of canines with gastrointestinal issues show unusual licking behavior.
If you notice your Pug licking their paws excessively, they may experience gastrointestinal problems. (“Why Do Pugs Lick Their Paws? 7 Tips to Stop It”, 2022)
- Stress or Boredom: In specific situations, Pugs might lick, bite, or chew their paws as a coping mechanism to serious stress or boredom.
Frequently, separation anxiety is found at the root of these problems, a common thing when talking about this dog breed. (“Why Do Pugs Lick Their Paws? 7 Tips to Stop It”, 2022)
How to Prevent Pug Paw Infection?
There`s a treatment for every underlying cause that can lead to a Pug paw issue.
For example, dog owners can apply antibacterial creams on their pooch`s paws to prevent swelling or infection. (“Pug Foot Inflammation: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention | Loves Pugs”, 2022)
A Pug`s paws are also vulnerable during winter when itching skin and chapped paws can occur.
Maintain a regular grooming and cleaning for your little fella`, and keep your walks in the park short until you feel your dog`s paws are back to normal. (“7 Best Tips on How To Protect Dog Paws In Snow And Winter”, 2022)
Other additional tips to protect a Pug`s paws include:
- Walk your Pug when the weather is cooler
- Toughen the Pug`s paws
- Keep the Pug mostly on the grass
- Keep the dog`s paws moisturized
- Pug shoes is an option
- Peel & stick pads can also be used
- Dog socks are also a good choice
- Paws should be checked carefully
(“Tips to Protect Your Dog’s Paws from Hot Pavement”, 2022)
How Do I Treat My Dog`s Red Paws?
If you want to treat your Pug`s red paws efficiently, you`ll have to identify and diagnose the underlying cause correctly. (Howard, 2022)
If there`s an allergic reaction involved, first you have to find the food involved and get rid of it. On the other hand, if there`s a bacterial infection involved, it might be required o use antibiotics or an antibiotic shampoo. (Turner, 2022)
At times, if your dog`s is experiencing a severe inflammation or swelling, or if they are in pain, your veterinarian might prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. (“Help! My Dog’s Paws Are Red | Canna-Pet®”, 2022)
In addition, if there are any foreign objects making their way between the paw spaces, and there are no deep injuries, antiseptic can be used to clean and wash the area. (“Pug Foot Inflammation: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention | Loves Pugs”, 2022)
If a Pug is experiencing paw burns, owners can apply paw protection wax once per week until the problem is solved. Also, it should be avoided to take the dog out on hot days until the health issue disappears. (“Pug Paw Care”, 2022)
Can I Put Vaseline on My Dog`s Paws?
There are quite a few dog owners that state Vaseline has healing benefits and can be used as a paw protectant. This is probably also associated with the fact that Vaseline has be found to help with dry skin and various sorts of wounds. (“Can You Put Vaseline / Petroleum Jelly on a Dog’s Paws or Nose? – Exercise With Dogs”, 2022)
If you don`t fancy boots for your little Pug, maybe Vaseline can be an option. In addition, you could also try Musher’s Secret, which is a soother and moisturizer cream that is 100% natural.
Vaseline, commonly known as petroleum jelly, it can easily be found in your nearest superstore and it isn`t expensive at all. (Taffer, 2022)
How Can Moisturize My Dog`s Paws Naturally?
Coconut oil is considered a safe product to have near and use on your little pal when in need. It has a lot of health advantages that your Pug can benefit from.
Coconut oil can even be used as a moisturizer to alleviate your canine`s cracked or dry paws. (Cosgrove, 2022)
Note: Coconut oil won`t be harmful in any way for your Pug, although it may lead to excessive licking of their paws.
When to Visit the Veterinarian?
If besides the fact that your Pug`s paws are red, you also notice your little pal keeps licking their paws, you should get in touch with your veterinarian.
It`s essential to find out the underlying cause and follow early suitable treatment. Your veterinarian will perform a diagnosis and let you know what you have to do right away. (“Why Do Pugs Lick Their Paws? 7 Tips to Stop It”, 2022)
Final Word
If your Pug has red paws, you may notice it through various symptoms such as paw licking.
Although this is only a part of being a canine, there are other times when this particular behavior may show a more serious issue.
That`s why is important to know what to look for, and if in doubt, always get in touch with a veterinarian.
References & Resources:
7 Best Tips on How to Protect Dog Paws in Snow and Winter. Tractive GPS Dog & Cat Blog. (2022). Retrieved 5 June 2022, from https://tractive.com/blog/en/health/how-to-protect-dog-paws-from-winter-and-snow.
Can You Put Vaseline / Petroleum Jelly on a Dog’s Paws or Nose? – Exercise With Dogs. Exercise With Dogs. (2022). Retrieved 5 June 2022, from https://www.exercisewithdogs.com/can-you-put-vaseline-petroleum-jelly-on-a-dogs-paws-or-nose/.
Cosgrove, N. (2022). 5 Home Remedies for Dry and Cracked Paw Pads. Hepper. Retrieved 4 June 2022, from https://www.hepper.com/home-remedies-for-dry-cracked-paw-pads/.
Help! My Dog’s Paws Are Red | Canna-Pet®. Canna-Pet®. (2022). Retrieved 2 June 2022, from https://canna-pet.com/articles/help-my-dogs-paws-are-red/.
Howard, K. (2022). Why Are My Dog’s Feet Red? | Cuteness. The Place for Pet People | Cuteness. Retrieved 2 June 2022, from https://www.cuteness.com/article/causes-red-feet-dogs.
Howard, K. (2022). Discolored Pads in Dogs | Cuteness. Cuteness.com. Retrieved 6 June 2022, from https://www.cuteness.com/article/discolored-pads-dogs.
Hunter, T., & Ward, E. (2022). Pododermatitis in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospital. Veterinarians & Emergency Vets. Retrieved 3 June 2022, from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pododermatitis-in-dogs.
Johnson, E. (2022). Red Paws on Dogs: Causes and Treatments. BetterPet – Advice from a Team of Actual Pet Experts. Retrieved 3 June 2022, from https://betterpet.com/dog-red-paws/.
Paul, M. (2022). Pododermatitis in Dogs: Why are My Dog’s Feet Red and Itchy?. Pet Health Network. Retrieved 3 June 2022, from https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/pododermatitis-dogs-why-are-my-dog%E2%80%99s-feet-red-and-itchy.
Pug Foot Inflammation: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention | Loves Pugs. Loves Pugs. (2022). Retrieved 2 June 2022, from https://www.lovespugs.com/pug-foot-inflammation-causes-treatment-and-prevention.
Pug Paw Care. Pug Dog Information Center | All About Pugs. (2022). Retrieved 5 June 2022, from http://www.petpugdog.com/pug-dog-paw-care.
Stott, D. (2022). Inflammation of the Paws in Dogs – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost. Wag! | Find Best Local Dog Walkers, Boarders, and Trainers. Retrieved 3 June 2022, from https://wagwalking.com/condition/inflammation-of-the-paws.
Taffer, M. (2022). Is Vaseline safe for dogs?. betterpet – Advice from a team of actual pet experts. Retrieved 5 June 2022, from https://betterpet.com/vaseline-safe-for-dogs/.
Tips to Protect Your Dog’s Paws from Hot Pavement. Shallowford Animal Hospital. (2022). Retrieved 5 June 2022, from https://shallowfordvet.com/tips-to-protect-your-dogs-paws-from-hot-pavement/.
Turner, J. (2022). My Dog’s Paws Are Red – Causes & Treatment of Red Paws in Dogs. The animal expert site – AnimalWised. Retrieved 6 June 2022, from https://www.animalwised.com/my-dog-s-paws-are-red-4035.html.
When a Pug Dog Licks, Chews, or Bites at the Paws. Pug Dog Information Center | All About Pugs. (2022). Retrieved 2 June 2022, from http://www.petpugdog.com/pug-chewing-licking-paws.
Why Do Pugs Lick Their Paws? 7 Tips to Stop It. PUGS QUEST. (2022). Retrieved 4 June 2022, from https://www.pugsquest.com/why-do-pugs-lick-their-paws/.
