Pododermatitis

Pododermatitis is an inflammation of the skin in between the toes and the foot pads. It is characterised by redness of the area, itchiness (as a result the dog would continuously keep on licking it), pain on palpation, loss of hair, occasionally eruption of an angry red blister like lesion, ulcers, nodules, draining tracts and in certain pronounced cases even lameness.

 Mild Pododermatitis 

The disease occurs due to prolonged contact with soil based microbes, a moist environment that supports the growth of microbes, contact with potential allergens (agents that cause allergies) and trauma of the skin in between the toes. This condition is more commonly seen during the rains owing to the fact that when a dog goes out in the rains for its business the paws become wet and often the wet earth adheres to the area there by bringing in disease causing germs to the area. 

The disease can occur in any breed at any age and in either of the sexes. Normally, the disease occurs in one of the paws and thereafter spreads to the other paws.

Tips to manage and prevent the occurrence of Pododermatitis

-  Take regular care of the feet. Examine them regularly when grooming.

-  Pay more attention to the feet during the rains.           

-  Keep the paws clean and dry especially after the dog comes back from a walk or from outside.

-  No sooner do you suspect something is wrong with the paws, rush your pooch to your vet. This will

   help in starting the treatment well in time.

A word of caution. The earlier the treatment commences, the better it is for the dog. The treatment

in advanced cases is often frustrating, time consuming, requires prolong antibiotic therapy and

frequently relapses.