Dog paws are one of the most important ‘tools’ for discovering the world. Unfortunately, paw issues often occur in Molossi dog breeds and Frenchies are one of them. Pododermatitis in French bulldogs is a common dermatologic problem and it can be described as an inflammation of the paws. Since it can be very painful, early treatment is required, otherwise, it can lead to severe complications.
What is pododermatitis in French bulldogs?
Pododermatitis in Frenchies can be caused by many disorders and some of them are:
- Allergies
- Infections
- Tumors or cancers
- Immune-mediated disease
- Environmental factors
The first symptoms of canine pododermatitis include excessive paw licking, swollen skin between the toes, and red and painful skin. By scheduling a vet visit, make sure you prepare the answers to the following questions:
- What is your French bulldog’s diet? Have you changed it recently?
- Does your dog suffer from any other medical problem?
- Has your dog played with an unknown dog recently?
- Does your dog frequently lick paws?
- Has your Frenchie traveled outside his usual environment?
- Does he have lesions or signs of inflammation anywhere else on his body?
What are the signs of pododermatitis in Frenchies?
Infectious pododermatitis:
The French bulldog’s paws will be red and swollen with ulcers, nodules, and smelly discharge. This type of pododermatitis is very painful and can severely affect the dog’s mobility. Hairless patches on the dog’s paws will also be present and your pet will also lick them frequently.
Allergy-triggered pododermatitis:
Unfortunately, Frenchies are prone to allergies and they have very sensitive skin. In case of allergy-triggered dermatitis, the paws will be red, inflamed, and your dog will lick them frequently. You can also spot reddish staining on the paw’s fur that occurs due to a dog’s excessive licking. If you’ve recently changed your French bulldog’s diet, then he’s probably allergic to some of the ingredients. Dogs often develop allergies to corn, soy, by-products, artificial flavors, and eggs.
Hormonal pododermatitis:
Visible pustules, lesions, and redness that are caused by secondary bacterial infection. A dog will lick his paws due to a hormonal disbalance.
Tumors:
A dog with a tumor will often develop pododermatitis only on one paw, while both paws may be involved in squamous cell carcinoma of the nailbed.
Environmental factors:
Pododermatitis in French bulldogs can occur due to contact with an allergy trigger such as seasonal pollen, cleaning chemicals, road salt, and other contact allergens. Dogs with environmental pododermatits have swelling between the toes, ulceration, itchiness, and discharge.
How to diagnose canine pododermatitis?
Besides monitoring the symptoms of itchiness, redness, and swelling, your vet will have to determine the cause to prescribe the best treatment. By performing cytology and skin scrapings, the vet will evaluate for bacteria, fungus, yeast, and parasites. In case of allergy-induced pododermatitis, your Frenchie will require a topical cream to decrease inflammation or a diet change. Other clinical signs should be treated with antibiotics and special anti-fungal creams.
How to prevent a French bulldog from pododermatitis?
Since it’s impossible to completely protect your dog from certain conditions and illnesses, the only thing you can do is to think about prevention. By regularly cleaning your French bulldog’s paws, applying a soothing paw balm, and trimming his nails, you’ll do a lot for his body. Soothing dog paw balms will keep the pads safe from cracks while providing a protective layer against environmental factors too. Regular nail trimming is also essential because that’s how you’ll improve the dog’s mobility and keep his paws safe from nail ingrowing. The following Frenchie World Paw Protection Stick contains only natural ingredients such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, beeswax, VE, and lavender essential oil. Specially formulated to soothe and protect your furry friend’s feet from environmental allergens, this balm is perfect for keeping their paws healthy and happy. Comes in a handy stick package for easy application.
