Paws & Claws, cont.
by Ilaria F. Borghese, MS, MA, OTR/L
President, Thera-Paw, Inc.

For those dogs with a “nail-filing phobia”, I would recommend a desensitization program. Perhaps, associating the sound of the Dremel tool with a positive experience (like treats or massage) may be a first step. Carry the Dremel tool with you and turn it on periodically near the dog without touching the dog, until the dog becomes used to the sound. Then, slowly approach the dog’s paws with the Dremel tool and continue to pet or praise the dog. Also, filing the nails while the dog is standing (instead of lying down) may be more successful. Do not pull the dog’s leg/paw toward you but instead flex the leg so that the paw is close to the dog’s body. This will prevent the dog from pulling the leg away since the leg will already be in a tucked position.

Chronic licking can also cause paw, paw pad, and claw erosion. Licking can be behavioral; licking decreases anxiety and stress, and helps to reduce boredom. Licking can also be allergy-related or caused by an organism (such as yeast overgrowth/infection). Licking can easily become habitual (canine compulsive disorder) and should be taken very seriously since dermatitis, granulomas, and infection can result. Often, Bitter Apple and other unappetizing sprays are not successful, and an Elizabethan collar is only a temporary fix. The most important step toward successful treatment of chronic licking is to determine the underlying cause. A holistic veterinarian may be best suited to help treat this chronic problem. Acupuncture has also been successful. Keep in mind that regardless of the paw problem, licking the area will generally worsen it. To reduce licking, consider using a breathable, protective boot. Also, sprinkling the inside of the boot with Dr. Scholl’s Original Foot Powder or a product called Monkey Butt (a calamine powder available at horse tack shops), or even corn starch will help to absorb moisture, lubricate the paw, and reduce itching.

Claw diseases can also lead to paw pain and lameness. Immune-related disorders such as pemphigus and symmetric lupoid onchodystrophy (SLO) lead to a sloughing off of the nails and regrowth of soft, brittle, irregularly-shaped nails. Treatment usually includes a course of oral steroids and supplementation with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and immune regulators. If possible, a biopsy of the sloughed-off nail should be taken since bacteria, fungus, or yeast may also be the culprit.

If you remember wearing uncomfortable shoes, you know that more than your feet hurt by the end of the day. Your whole body aches. Likewise, when a dog has painful paws it can affect the entire body. Just like humans with painful feet, dogs with painful paws tend to shift their weight to reduce the pressure and pain. As a result, there is added stress on the neck and spine, as well as on the legs bearing the extra weight. When a dog has a chronic issue affecting the paws, it is recommended that the whole dog be treated, not just the affected paw. Holistic treatment includes not only specific veterinary care for the affected paw (such as prescriptions, surgery, and/or paw protection), but also a careful review and possible change in diet (supportive) and supplements (for immune system and joint health), as well as the addition of complementary therapies such as acupuncture (for pain) and chiropractic (for spinal realignment), and manual therapies such as stretching, joint mobilization, and massage (for maintaining or re-establishing optimal soft tissue and joint balance). Please discuss all treatments with your veterinarian to determine the best protocol to use with your dog.

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