Hoof and Paw Animal Clinic

02/04/2025

What Is Dog Paw Hyperkeratosis and How to Manage It

Explore the complexities of dog paw hyperkeratosis in our in-depth article. With a focus on both prevention and treatment, our experts outline strategies to manage this chronic condition, ensuring your dog remains comfortable and infection-free.

Are your dog’s paw pads thickened, crusty, or even ‘hairy’? If so, you’re not alone. Dog paw hyperkeratosis is a relatively common condition, especially in middle-aged and older dogs. For many dogs, there’s no obvious cause, so the aim of treatment is to manage this chronic condition. However, in some cases, hyperkeratosis of dogs’ paws can indicate a more severe underlying disease.

This article reviews the symptoms and causes of dog paw hyperkeratosis, and how you can manage it.

Key facts:

Paw pad hyperkeratosis is relatively common in older dogs.

It often occurs without a specific cause in older dogs but can also be the result of an inherited condition, infection, autoimmune disease, or other illness.

The overly-thickened keratin layer can crack and fissure, causing pain and allowing secondary infections to take hold.

There’s no cure for most cases, but with the right management, it shouldn’t prevent your dog from living a long and happy life.

Dogs’ skin, like humans, is made up of layers of cells with an outer layer of keratin. Keratin is a protein that helps to protect the underlying cells – it’s vital for healthy skin. The keratin layer can naturally thicken in response to pressure or friction, forming calluses on your feet, for example.

However, if this keratin layer becomes excessively thickened, it can change the appearance of the skin and start to cause problems. This condition can affect any area of the skin, causing crusting and scaling. In this article, we’re focusing on conditions that affect the paws.

Causes of dog paw hyperkeratosis

Aging

For many dogs, paw hyperkeratosis is idiopathic, which means it occurs without a known cause.

Inherited disorders

Various breed-related genetic disorders can cause hyperkeratosis of the paws. These include familial paw pad hyperkeratosis and nasal parakeratosis. Predisposed breeds include the Dogue de Bordeaux, Golden Retriever, Irish Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Labrador Retriever. Inherited hyperkeratosis usually begins to develop at a young age, with symptoms often appearing in the first few years of life.

Infections and parasites

It’s uncommon for hyperkeratosis to be caused by infection or parasites, but it is possible.

Severe hyperkeratosis of the nose and footpads is one of the classic symptoms of Canine Distemper Virus. This infection causes a range of severe symptoms and is often fatal – so if hyperkeratosis of your dog’s pads is your main concern, it’s unlikely to be the cause. Fortunately, vaccination against Canine Distemper Virus is usually included in your dog’s routine vaccinations and is very effective.

How to treat hyperkeratosis on dogs’ paws

Treat underlying disease: hyperkeratosis due to infections, autoimmune disease, or zinc deficiencies can be treated and resolved over time.

Trim excess keratin: in severe cases, it may be best to trim back excess keratin, usually after softening it by soaking it in warm water. This is best performed by your veterinarian, but if you want to try it at home, seek veterinary advice first.

Warm water soaks: soaking your dog’s paws in warm water with Epsom salts for 10 minutes can help to hydrate and soften the pads.

Apply ointment or balm: regular application of dog-safe moisturizing products can help keep your dog’s paws supple and soft, minimizing the impact of hyperkeratosis.

Dog paw hyperkeratosis may look concerning, but for most dogs, once it’s controlled, it’s primarily a cosmetic concern. If left unmanaged, it can progress and cause pain and secondary infections – so the key points are to seek veterinary advice, trim away any substantial excess keratin (i.e., the “keratin feathers”), keep the paws hydrated, and monitor for any other symptoms like itching, inflammation, and redness. If underlying diseases have been ruled out and the condition is under control, most dogs will live long and happy lives without any significant hyperkeratosis-related issues.

01/31/2025

Hi Facebook Family We have a dog name Bear , he was in a situation that has turned bad. Bear is approximately 8 months old He has a smaller body stature but almost looks like he has some shepherd , pit and husky in him he is small still. His front right leg looks like it had been stuck underneath a chain-link fence and it went all the way down to the bone that injury was never taken care of and that was about 2 weeks ago so he is having paralysis in that leg The doctor said it may or may not heal and might have to be amputated. If the leg does have to be amputated we are going to take care of the cost. Right now bear needs a placement He has the most sweet demeanor. And he is a very calm dog. With his situation that he was in he wasn't fed the right amount of food that he should have been fed every day so he is pretty obsessive over his feedings. If you or anybody has the space and the love in your heart to take on a dog until we can get him into a better situation or get him into gateway pet guardians. Please give us a call at 618-233-2800 You can also message us through our messenger. Thank you so much !

01/31/2025

You Asked: Why Do Young Animals Typically Have Parasites?

Puppies can be born already infected with roundworms as the parasite can pass from the mother’s tissue across the placenta to the developing puppies. Puppies can acquire hookworms from infected mothers during nursing. In addition, puppies or kittens may contract intestinal parasites from a contaminated environment before they have been started on routine parasite prevention. They are more vulnerable to the effects of parasites, so testing and treatment is especially important.

A new puppy or kitten visits the vet several times during the first four to five months of life. During this time, your puppy or kitten receives all of the recommended vaccines, plus two to three comprehensive f***l tests. The f***l test is a laboratory test that checks for intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms (as well as giardia and coccidia).

Please make sure you too schedule your new furry companions first appointment when they are 8 Weeks of age. Please call us today if you have a new puppy or kitty that needs dewormed and vaccinations. We are currently taking new patients if your pets needs vaccine's.

01/30/2025

The Importance of Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention in Colder Months

Understanding the Winter Parasites Threat

It's a common misconception that fleas, ticks, and heartworms disappear in colder weather. In reality, they adapt to the changing environment and continue to pose a threat to our furry friends.

Fleas: Fleas are resilient creatures that can survive year-round in warm and cozy indoor environments. As the temperature drops, they seek refuge indoors, infesting your home and tormenting your pets.

Ticks: Ticks are active at temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C). In many regions, tick activity increases in the fall and early winter as these parasites seek hosts before entering a dormant phase. Ticks can transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis, posing a significant health risk to pets and humans.

Heartworms: While mosquitoes are less active in colder months, they don't disappear entirely. Mosquito bites cause heartworm disease; even a few warm days in the winter can provide a suitable environment for mosquitoes to thrive. Heartworms can silently grow in your pet's heart and lungs, leading to severe and potentially life-threatening health issues.

The Year-Round Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention Plan

Now that you understand the ongoing threat, here's how you can protect your pets throughout the colder months:

Maintain Regular Preventive Treatments: Continue to administer flea and tick preventive treatments as directed by your veterinarian, even during winter.

Regularly Check for Ticks: After outdoor walks or hikes, thoroughly check your pet for ticks, paying close attention to their ears, neck, and between their toes. Promptly remove any ticks you find using proper tick removal techniques.

Keep Your Pet's Environment Clean: Regularly clean and vacuum your home to reduce the risk of flea infestations.

Stay on Top of Heartworm Prevention: Continue administering heartworm preventives as your veterinarian prescribes. Even in colder months, regular heartworm testing is crucial to catch and treat infections early.

Remember that parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms can be a year-round concern, and prevention is always better than treatment. By maintaining a consistent preventive routine and staying vigilant, you can ensure the health and happiness of your furry family members throughout the colder months and beyond.

01/28/2025

In honor of Valentine's Day Hoof & Paw wants too flood your feed with some cuteness ❤️

This is Beebo 💞 bebo is 9 and 1/2 years old She was found in East St Louis by gateway pet guardians She had just had puppies The puppies were never located unfortunately but beebo was saved and adopted out to wonderful parents when she was about 2 years old. Bebo is the cutest most loving girl And we're so happy she found the family she did! Thank you to gateway pet guardians for everything that you do ! Now this baby gets to be a couch potato and play tug a war with her brother everyday and live the good life .

01/25/2025

URGENT!

Hi Facebook family This sweet boy was wondering around by the fairgrounds in Belleville this morning he is not microchiped But he is neutered. He is a sweet boy ! We have him at the clinic if he is your dog you will have to show some kind of proof that this is your pet. Call us at 618-233-2800 or come up too see us .

UPDATE

CORVO WENT BACK HOME with his mama !

01/24/2025

A Quick Guide to Herding Dogs

Some dog breeds, such as German Shepherds, Corgis, Australian Cattle Dogs or Border Collies are simply destined to become herding dogs. However, any dog can be used for rounding up cattle if they possess certain traits found in the breeds listed above.

The chances of turning your cuddly pet dog or even a rescue dog into a herding dog increase significantly if they have some herding breed ancestry. All in all, here are the five things you should know about the herding dog breed

The “workhorses” of cattle herding

If you have a pet dog that likes to lie around idly all day long, then it might not be the best candidate for a herding dog. One of the biggest traits of herding dogs is their energy level as they are always up and about. They are the “workhorses” of shepherds because they are constantly on the move, doing most of the work for humans.

Actually, a herding dog is not happy unless it is assigned with a particular job in the field, pun intended. They wish to work and be physically active is basically innate to them so your dog should at least have a playful side that involves the willingness to run a lot.

A protective nature

We’ve mentioned in the introduction how German Shepherds are used in herding operations as work dogs but you might be more familiar with their main roles as guard dogs. There isn’t a police force in the world that doesn’t own a German Shepherd as part of their K9 unit and for a good reason.

Herding is in their blood

Although you need to have cattle to herd (no surprise there), a herding dog doesn’t necessarily have to jump around sheep and cows. For instance, a Border Collie (not to be confused with the Standard Collie) will happily run around your feet, nipping on your leggings.

The energy a dog expresses should resemble the one present in true herding dogs. If a dog loves to run from one object to the other in a natural surround, then it is only a question of time when they will herd their first flock of sheep.

Canine fitness training

The best athletes in the human world reach the top by training hard and not much is different in the canine realm. Herding dogs are top “athletes” in the dog world because they need to have strength, agility, flexibility, and stamina to do their job or in other words, they must possess a high “fitness” level.

You might giggle at this word but in reality, your dog will require a lot of training despite the fact it has herding in its blood or it boasts a protective nature. Dogs that perform well in agility contests are the ones that are the best herding dogs because they display versatility across disciplines.

Willingness and the ability to learn

As the saying goes, “you cannot teach an old dog new tricks,” but if you want to own a true herding dog, the boy, oh boy will it have to learn new tricks. Namely, a herding dog has to display smartness in the sense that it can learn new procedures over time.

Popular Herding Dog Breeds

Border Collie

Shetland Sheepdog

Australian Shepherd

German Shepherd

01/24/2025

With Valentines Day slowley creeping up on us we will have a doggy of the day selfie Everyday until February 14 .

With that being said here is some more cuteness ❤️

This is Babs a 8 month old Samoyed The Samoyed is a breed of medium-sized herding dogs with thick, white, double-layer coats. They are spitz-type dogs which take their name from the Samoyedic peoples of Siberia. Descending from the Nenets Herding Laika, they are domesticated animals that assist in herding, hunting, protection and sled-pulling.

01/24/2025

With Valentines day right around the corner
Hoof and Paw wants too make your trip too the vet fun and memorable. When you come in for your appointments there will be a spot where you can capture a cute picture of your pets from now until Valentine's Day 💘

Today we had Casper pose for the camera. Casper is a (SAR) Search and rescue dog. He is a 8 year old dutch Sheppard. Casper lights up a room when you are around him and knows many commands not too mention how cool it is too save people for a living ❤️ He is such a sweet boy .

We will have more pictures to come . If you are at Hoof and Paw and manage to snag a picture of your baby please send us your pictures through our messenger. We will also be doing another gift basket drawing . If you buy any 6-month box of flea taking heartworm preventative from us you get one entry into the drawing and if you buy 12 months of any of our product you will get two entries into our drawing. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE 💟

01/22/2025

The Benefits of Walking Your Dog

When you say, “It’s time to walk the dog,” many people assume that your pup needs to go do his “business”. Yes, walking the dog is essential to keeping the household carpet unblemished, but taking a stroll with your pooch provides many other benefits as well.

How does walking keep my dog healthy?

Walking your dog is a simple task that has a positive impact on many aspects of overall health, such as:

Weight and Body Condition: Obesity is a major health issue, but barring medical complications, it has a reasonable solution: burn more calories than consumed. Regular exercise, like walking, is a good way to burn those excess calories and keep the pounds off – for both you and your dog.

Joint Health: Immobility is another common health problem. Joints, even old ones, need to work. People and pets get stiff when sedentary for too long, and keeping joints in motion improves their function.

Digestive and Urinary Health:Regular walking helps regulate the digestive tract. Some dogs, like some people, prefer to “go” on a schedule and providing your dog with routine trips outdoors prevents constipation. Also, when urine sits in the bladder for long periods of time, bladder infections are more likely to occur, so regular emptying keeps this part of the anatomy happy as well.

There are plenty of benefits to walking that go beyond physical health, including:

Mental Health: Dogs do not like to be bored and if you give them something constructive to do, like taking a walk, they may be less likely to do something destructive, like chewing the couch. Walking exercises the mind as well as the body. Watching wildlife, exploring new paths, seeing other people with their pets, and so on, are great mental stimulation for your dog that he just cannot get in the same fenced area all the time. Walking also releases excess energy and helps dogs sleep better at night.

Emotional Health: You are the center of your dog’s universe and he craves your attention. What better way to spend quality time with your dog than taking a walk? Spending one-on-one time with your dog will deepen your bond and help deter annoying, attention-seeking behaviors such as excessive barking or whining.

Dog walkers: healthier people with healthier dogs

As you can see, regular walking has health benefits for both you and your dog and will help prevent obesity, which is a significant problem in both species.

Nearly 75% of Americans are overweight and childhood obesity is on the rise (close to 20%). In a 2008 study based in Seattle and Baltimore, adults who regularly walked their dogs were less likely to be obese than their non-dog-owning neighbors. In addition, walking for 30 minutes a day will reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer, and type-2 diabetes.

Rewarding your efforts

Some humans like to be rewarded for their workout efforts, so they grab a cookie or have a beer after exercising. After walking your dog, you may find his grateful, calorie-free affection is all the reward you need. And your dog will feel the same way! A simple stroll is a great way to say, “I love you.”

01/21/2025

A Complete Care Guide On How To Treat A Sprain On A Dog

When your beloved canine companion experiences a sprained leg, ankle, or paw, it can be distressing. Understanding the nature of these injuries is crucial in providing the appropriate care and support for your furry friend’s recovery. A sprain occurs when the ligaments that connect bones and stabilize joints are stretched or torn due to excessive force or overextension. strain, however, refers to the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. These injuries can range from mild to severe, and knowing the causes, types, and treatment approaches for dog sprains is essential for your pet’s well-being.

Click the link and read more below !

https://getodie.com/blog/a-complete-care-guide-on-how-to-treat-a-sprain-on-a-dog/

From swollen paws to sudden lameness, sprains in dogs can be painful. Learn how to spot the signs of sprains in dogs and how to treat them.

01/20/2025

What Human Food Can Cats Eat?

If your cat is a permanent resident near the dinner table, it’s tempting to share a bite of your dinner. But can cats eat human food? And if so, what human foods can cats eat? While some of our favorite foods are safe to share with kitties, others can make them sick or even be life-threatening.

These extras should be viewed only as occasional snacks and make up a small amount of your cat’s diet.

Here are some of the cat-friendly people food's.

Meats for Cats

When it comes to human foods cats can eat, meat is where it’s at. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they are designed to maximize the nutrition in meats and require meat as part of their diet.

Commercial cat foods are designed around a meat base. And when it comes to treats, cooked meat is one of the safest, most nutritious options to offer your cat. But there are some rules to follow:

Avoid raw meat, which can make your cat sick.

Don’t feed your kitty meats that contain bones, which can cause injury.

Always check with your veterinarian to ensure what you’re feeding your cat is appropriate.

Chicken and Turkey

Chicken and turkey are favorite flavors of cats. They’re also high in protein and relatively low in calories.

Fish

Fish and cats go hand in hand, and many cats love fresh fish in their diet. Most varieties of fish are safe to offer your cat, as long as they are thoroughly cooked with the skin and bones removed.

Beef

Beef is also a popular flavor with many cats, and it’s a safe treat for healthy kitties. Choose lean varieties of beef, and prepare it with no added flavorings. Trim off extra fat, remove the bones, and cook the meat completely through.

Vegetables for Cats

Unlike humans, who need veggies for good health, vegetables aren’t necessary for cats. As obligate carnivores, cats don’t metabolize and digest vegetables well, so it’s fine if your kitty turns his nose up at your salad.

Broccoli

Some cats do enjoy the occasional broccoli snack, but be sure to offer only thoroughly cooked, plain broccoli. Steamed broccoli softens the vegetable so it’s easier to digest while retaining many of the nutrients.

Peas

Peas can be steamed, boiled, or baked—as long as they’re completely plain, with no toppings or additives, such as salt or butter. Keep the portions small; cats should only eat three or four peas offered once or twice per week. Monitor your kitty closely for signs of vomiting or diarrhea.

Sweet Potatoes

Cooked sweet potatoes are a tasty high-fiber snack and a good source of potassium and vitamins A and C. Boiling the sweet potatoes and creating a puree can make a yummy food topper. But again, keep the portions small (less than 1 tablespoon).

Fruits for Cats

Some kitties have a sweet tooth and like to snack on the occasional fruit, while many cats have no interest. While fruits are low in calories, they tend to be high in sugar, so use caution if your cat has diabetes or pancreatitis.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a unique human food often prescribed for cats with stool problems due to its high fiber content and mild taste. Pureed pumpkin with no added spices can be used to treat both diarrhea and constipation in cats. Turn to your vet for guidance on how much pumpkin is appropriate for helping your kitty

Watermelon

Watermelon can be fed raw if the seeds and rind are completely removed. Watermelon is hydrating and contains electrolytes, which is a bonus. But it’s also high in sugar content, so only offer your cat a ½-inch cube once or twice per week.

Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, folate, and fiber. But the amounts that cats eat are so small that it doesn’t make much of a nutritional difference.

Blueberries

Blueberries are also rich in nutrients, such as antioxidants and vitamins A, C, E, and K. But once again, the quantities cats are able to digest are so small that blueberries provide minimal nutritional benefit.

Bananas

Some cats like bananas, and this yellow fruit can be served either fresh or frozen. Bananas have a good amount of vitamins B6 and C, plus potassium. However, they are also rich in carbohydrates and sugars, which are not good for all cats—particularly those with diabetes or intestinal tract disorders.

Believe it or not Peppers are also okay for your kitty 🐈 They are better for them when they are cooked .

What Human Food Can Cats NOT Eat?

Although this isn’t a comprehensive list, some foods to keep away from cats include:

Chocolate (especially dark chocolate)

Onion

Garlic

Nuts (especially macadamia nuts and walnuts)

Grapes and raisins

Coffee, tea, or anything with caffeine

Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt

Coconut milk

Anything sweetened with xylitol (such as sugar-free gum, cookies, peanut butters, toothpaste, etc.)

Alcohol or alcohol-containing products

Yeast-containing raw dough

Raw meats or fish

Tips for Feeding Human Food to Cats

Keep portion sizes small. Overdoing any tasty treat can result in an upset stomach and ruin the joy of having a shared snack.

Look to complement your kitty’s diet. Feeding nutritious snacks he enjoys is far better than adding empty calories.

Think about freezing small portions of pureed meats, such as chicken, turkey, tuna, or salmon. It’s quick and easy to thaw a cube to place as a topper for your cat’s regular food.

01/18/2025

What Is Whipworm in dogs? Causes, Treatment, & Prevention

What are whipworms in dogs?

Concerned pet parents often ask us, "What causes whipworms in dogs?" Whipworms (medical term: Trichuris vulpis) are intestinal parasites that can severely impact your dog's general health. They measure about 1/4 of an inch long and live in your dog's large intestine and cecum, attaching to the mucosal lining and causing significant irritation.

What are whipworms in dogs?

How do dogs get whipworms?

Whipworms live at the beginning of a dog's large intestine (cecum) and colon, where eggs can be passed into the dog's f***s. A dog can get whipworms by ingesting an infested substance such as f***s, animal flesh, water, soil, or food.

Eggs can survive for up to five years in moist, warm environments. In mild cases, you typically won't see symptoms. However, severe cases can cause symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, inflammation, and occasionally anemia.

Whipworm Appearance

This intestinal parasite is easily identifiable by its shape. It features a thicker front end and a long, thin back end that resembles a whip.

Lifecycle of Whipworm in Dogs

The lifecycle of a whipworm consists of three stages: egg, larvae, and adult. Whipworms lay eggs in a dog's intestine, which ends in the dog's stool. Infected dogs can potentially pass whipworm eggs to other animals whenever they defecate because the eggs can survive in the environment for up to five years.

Once outside the host, the eggs typically become infective within 10-60 days, ready to infect the next host animal. After being ingested, they hatch and mature in the pet's intestine, laying more eggs and starting the cycle over again.

Symptoms of Whipworm in Dogs

You will likely notice very few signs if your dog has recently contracted whipworms. In the later stages of the infection, some dogs may even remain asymptomatic. However, it's important to keep an eye out for some common whipworm symptoms, which include:

Anemia

Chronic diarrhea

Blood in stool

Weight loss

Diarrhea

Poor coat appearance

Lethargy

Dehydration

Treating Whipworm in Dogs

Your veterinarian's office performs f***l exams as the most effective method for monitoring your dog for intestinal parasites, such as whipworms. It takes up to 12 weeks for whipworms to mature and start laying eggs, and they tend to lay a limited number of eggs inconsistently. Due to these factors, obtaining an accurate diagnosis can be challenging, often requiring multiple f***l exams.

#6182332800

01/16/2025

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Tapeworms in dogs and cats

Finding a tapeworm in a pet’s stool can be a concerning event for some people. Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that can be found in varying percentages of dogs and cats. A common tapeworm (at least in North America) in dogs and cats is called Dipylidium caninum, and it can be found in a high proportion of dogs and cats in some regions, particularly animals that go outside and are infested with fleas. There is minimal concern about transmission of this tapeworm to people. Taenia pisiformis (dogs) and Taenia taeniaeformis (cats) are also common, and neither of these can infect people.

People typically realize their pet has tapeworms when they see small tapeworm segments in the animal’s stool. These whitish, rice-sized pieces (called proglottids, see the picture on the right) are parts of the adult tapeworm, which break off and are passed in the stool.

Tapeworms are not usually harmful to dogs and cats, particularly if only one or a few worms are present. In some situations, weight loss can occur. Affected animals may ‘scoot’ (drag their rear end across the ground) because of irritation from tapeworm segments that are passed in the stool.
Diagnosis of a tapeworm infestation is easiest through identification of tapeworm segments in stool. Identification of tapeworm eggs in stool samples through routine testing used for other intestinal parasites is less useful, as the bare eggs are infrequently shed in stool. Therefore, a negative f***l egg examination does not rule out tapeworms.

People and pets get infected by ingesting a flea that is infected with tapeworm larvae. Therefore, flea control is the most important aspect of tapeworm prevention. People that find tapeworm segments in their stool should contact their physician to determine whether they are actually tapeworms (people often mistake other things for tapeworm segments) and to determine whether any treatment is needed.

There are specific dewormers that can be prescribed by your veterinarian to eliminate tapeworms in pets. It is also important to take measures to control fleas and prevent dogs and cats from catching and eating animals that might be carrying fleas.