Why might the pads on the bottom of my dog's feet be inflamed?

Inflamed pads on the bottom of your dog's feet could indicate any number of problems. A thorn, splinter, or burr may be wedged between his toes, causing pain and discomfort. Or perhaps he nicked his foot on a piece of glass, and that wound is becoming inflamed.

Maybe winter walks on salt-treated roads left his pads dry and cracked, and that's why they're red and swollen. Or perhaps the dog has developed an itchy, annoying skin allergy.

If a close look at your pet's feet reveals a thorn or splinter, carefully tweeze it out and then rub on some antibiotic cream. If his pads are cracked and raw, wash and dry them gently, and apply a soothing ointment. But if you can't figure out what's wrong, your veterinarian can.

– Dr. Andrea Looney, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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