Our pets’ paws are generally pretty tough. Think about the things they do & surfaces they walk or run on without wearing shoes or protection for their feet! However, there are times when our pets can injure their paws. Injuries can include broken nails, pad wounds, or even broken toes. 

Broken nails can happen in dogs or cats but more commonly they are seen in dogs. Typically a nail breaks when a pet is being active & the nail is caught on something. Nails can tear away from the quick which will lead to bleeding and pain. The quick is the sensitive part inside a dog or cat’s nail. When it is damaged, your pet will likely be more painful than if the outer, harder surface of the nail is affected. If a nail breaks, your pet may limp, lick at their paw or be painful if you’re trying to clean off the paw. If you notice that your pet breaks a nail, make sure to keep it clean & dry. Prevent your pet from licking the nail/nail bed. And have a veterinarian look at the nail to see if further treatment is needed. Sometimes broken nails need to be cut back (while your pet is sedated) or they may require antibiotics to prevent nail bed infections. Routine nail trims to keep nails trimmed short can help prevent them from breaking. 

Pad wounds can happen for different reasons. Surfaces that are too hot, hard/sharp or too icy can cause abrasions or burns to the pads. The pads can be very sensitive if they are damaged. Your pet may limp, lick at their feet or be reluctant to move around. If you notice your pet has injured pads, keep them clean & prevent licking. Have your veterinarian examine the pads to determine if medication or additional treatments are needed. Make sure your pet is not out walking or running on surfaces that may be damaging to their pads. You can consider using boots to protect their feet. There are also topical products to put on the pads to try & protect them from the elements. 

Broken and dislocated toes are less common occurrences for our pets. Usually it takes a more significant trauma to break or dislocate a toe. Symptoms include swelling of the toe, limping or not using the leg, pain, or licking at the foot. These pets need to be seen by a veterinarian where x-rays will most likely be needed. Your pet may require a bandage or splint for treatment as well as pain medication. 

If you notice that your pet’s paws are uncomfortable or they are licking at them, it is best to be seen by a veterinarian to determine what the next steps for treatment should be.