Photo credit: Macro Viewpoint

Dogs and puppies can get into all sorts of trouble with their toes and feet. Some injuries are minor and can be easily treated with over the counter medicines, while others are more serious and require a trip to the vet.

One common toe problem is called a furuncle. A funny name for a painful condition of the toe. A furuncle is caused either by an ingrown hair that gets infected or by a foreign object that gets lodged in the dog’s toe, like a splinter for example.

According to Karen A. Moriello , DVM, DACVD, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, furuncles are most common in dog breeds with short, bristly hairs on the webbing between the toes, such as Chinese Shar-Peis, Labrador Retrievers and English Bulldogs.

“The short hair shafts are easily forced backward into the hair follicles while the dog is walking. Ingrown hairs are very inflammatory in the skin, and secondary bacterial infections are common.”

It’s easy for dogs to step on something sharp that could pierce their skin and lead to a bacterial infection. After all, dogs always have their feet on the ground, so it’s easy for a cut or hair follicle to get infected.

You’ll know right away if there is something wrong with your dog’s foot when they start limping and licking their feet too much. Upon inspecting your dog’s feet, you’ll see bumps resembling boils that are whitish yellow in colour.

This staph infection might not show up right away, but by the time it does and your dog is limping about the house, it will have already taken hold and require veterinary intervention. That’s why it’s always a good idea to inspect your dog’s feet after taking them for a walk.

Symptoms of furuncles

Red, inflamed toes
Pus-filled red bumps between the toes
Painful, tender toes

A furuncle behaves the same way as a boil. As the infection worsens, the boil will increase in size, causing your dog great pain.

Several boils can develop in the same area of infection. These are called carbuncles. If left untreated, they can cause fever and chills.

That’s why it’s important to get your dog to the vet right away. They will examine your dog and prescribe a course of antibiotics and medicated cream.

Treatment of furuncles

Bumps on the feet can point to other health issues like tumours and diabetes. Checking your dogs feet, protecting them in all weathers with proper footwear and giving them daily footbaths (don’t forget to moisturize!) is the best thing you can do to save your dog from getting infected.

Prevention of furuncles

If your dog has a pre-existing condition that affects the skin, such as eczema or diabetes, they may be more susceptible to furuncles. In these cases, it’s important that proper foot care is included as part of their daily health regimen.

Wear waterproof boots outside in wet weather and rubber, insulated boots in the winter. Some city dogs can also benefit from wearing protective footwear to keep their paws safe on the hot pavement.

Try epsom salts in warm water to clean your dog's feet of debris and dirt caught between the toes and pads of their feet.

After bathing, apply foot creams and other herbal treatments to keep your dog’s paws healthy and resilient to infection.

It’s important to follow your vet’s instructions for treating your dog’s furuncles. Completing the medication will help heal your dog’s feet, but also keep furuncles from coming back.

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