Why Are My Dog’s Paws Swollen?

When your dog’s paws look puffy or irritated, it’s hard not to worry. Swollen paws can signal many different issues, from minor irritations to more serious health concerns. You might notice your dog limping, licking at their feet, or avoiding walks altogether. These are clear signs that something’s not right—and that it’s time to take a closer look. At Companion Animal Hospital of Wakefield, our team can help guide you through the most common causes of paw swelling and when to seek veterinary care. If your dog’s paws are swollen, please call us at (919) 488-5300 or make an appointment online.

What Causes a Dog’s Paws to Swell?

Swollen paws don’t happen without a reason. While paw swelling can appear suddenly or develop over time, it almost always signals a physical reaction to something—whether external or internal.

Environmental Irritants and Allergies

One of the most common reasons a dog’s paws become swollen is exposure to allergens or irritants. Grass, pollen, dust, cleaning products, road salt, or even lawn treatments can lead to inflammation. When your dog walks or lies in an area that has been treated with chemicals or contains environmental allergens, their body may respond with localized swelling, particularly in the paws. Allergic reactions typically cause itching, redness, and sometimes blistering between the toes or on paw pads. You may notice your dog chewing or licking excessively at their feet. This behavior can worsen the swelling and lead to secondary infections. Dogs with seasonal or year-round allergies are more prone to repeated paw issues.

Insect Bites and Stings

Just like people, dogs can have adverse reactions to insect bites or stings. Bees, ants, spiders, and wasps are all potential culprits. A single sting or bite can cause one paw to swell significantly. In more sensitive dogs, the reaction might be more severe and spread beyond the paw. You may notice sudden limping, whining, or your dog obsessively licking at the affected area. Swelling caused by insect bites typically develops quickly. If your dog’s paws are swollen and you think an insect bite might be the cause, veterinary attention can help reduce the reaction and ensure the swelling doesn’t progress further.

Foreign Bodies: Splinters, Thorns, and Debris

Foreign bodies like splinters, glass, plant material, or thorns can become embedded in a dog’s paw pad or wedged between the toes. This can cause localized swelling, discomfort, and sometimes even limping. If a foreign object is left in the paw, it can lead to infection. Swelling, redness, and discharge might follow, especially if the injury isn’t noticed right away. A swollen paw in this case may feel warm to the touch and become more painful over time. Your veterinarian can safely examine your dog’s paw and remove any debris. Never attempt to remove a deeply embedded object at home, as this can cause further damage.

Paw Infections and Skin Conditions

When a dog’s paws are swollen, a skin infection may be to blame. These infections often start when bacteria or yeast enter through small cuts or breaks in the skin. If your dog constantly licks or chews their paws, the skin can break down and become more susceptible to infection.

Bacterial and Fungal Infections

Moist environments—like between the toes—are the perfect breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. Infections may appear as swelling, redness, a foul odor, and sometimes pus or discharge. Your dog might resist letting you touch their feet, and you may notice hair loss around the affected area. Dogs prone to allergies are also more likely to develop infections in their paws. Once an infection sets in, it rarely resolves on its own. Veterinary treatment is often necessary to clear the infection and relieve discomfort.

Pododermatitis

Pododermatitis is a general term for inflammation of the skin on the paws. This condition can result from many underlying causes, including autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, and chronic infections. Dogs with pododermatitis often have swollen, red, and tender paws. Multiple feet may be affected at the same time. If your dog’s paws are swollen and pododermatitis is suspected, a thorough diagnostic approach is needed to uncover the cause and create a treatment plan. Our team at Companion Animal Hospital of Wakefield can evaluate your dog and recommend the next steps based on their specific condition.

Injuries, Sprains, and Strains

Active dogs can easily injure themselves while running, jumping, or playing. Even a simple misstep can result in a strained ligament or sprained joint. These injuries can cause visible swelling in the paw or ankle area, along with tenderness and limping. If your dog’s paws are swollen and they seem hesitant to bear weight, it’s possible they’ve experienced a soft tissue injury. Unlike external wounds, these injuries may not show visible cuts or bruising, but the swelling can be significant. Radiographs and a physical exam may be needed to determine the extent of the injury. Prompt evaluation helps reduce the risk of long-term joint issues or ongoing pain.

Autoimmune and Systemic Conditions

In some cases, swollen paws are a symptom of a broader health issue. Certain autoimmune diseases or systemic illnesses can cause chronic inflammation, affecting one or more paws. Lupus, pemphigus, and vasculitis are examples of autoimmune conditions that may involve paw swelling. These conditions often come with other symptoms such as lethargy, skin lesions, or unexplained weight loss. If the swelling doesn’t resolve or keeps returning, your veterinarian may recommend bloodwork or additional diagnostics. While these conditions are less common, it’s important not to overlook them—especially if standard treatments don’t improve the swelling.

When Should You Call Companion Animal Hospital of Wakefield?

If your dog’s paws are swollen, don’t wait too long to take action. Swelling is a signal that something’s not right. Whether it’s due to an allergy, a bite, or an internal condition, a timely veterinary visit helps protect your dog’s comfort and mobility. Here are signs that indicate a veterinary appointment is needed:

• Swelling that lasts more than a day
• Signs of pain, limping, or reluctance to walk
• Redness, discharge, or foul odor from the paw
• Excessive licking or chewing at the feet
• Signs of fever or lethargy

Paw issues can escalate quickly, especially if an infection develops. If your dog’s paws are swollen, please call Companion Animal Hospital of Wakefield in Raleigh at (919) 488-5300 or schedule an appointment online.