08/31/2025
🐾✨ Saturday Spotlight: Hyperkeratosis in Dog Paw Pads ✨🐾
At The Paw Queen, we care about more than just how fabulous your pets look — their health and comfort are always part of the royal treatment. One condition we often educate pet parents about is hyperkeratosis on dog paw pads. Here’s what it is, what usually causes it, and how you can help your pup heal and feel their very best. 💙
🔎 What is Hyperkeratosis?
Hyperkeratosis happens when a dog’s body produces too much keratin, the tough protein that makes up skin, nails, and hair. On paw pads, this shows up as thick, rough, crusty growths that may look like little “horns.” While it might not hurt at first, over time it can become painful — especially if the pads crack or split.
🐶 What Causes It?
Hyperkeratosis can develop for several reasons:
• Zinc Deficiency: One of the most common causes! Dogs need zinc for healthy skin, immune function, and overall wellness. Without enough zinc in their diet, the paw pads can overproduce keratin, leading to hyperkeratosis.
• Breed Predisposition: Breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Huskies, and Irish Terriers are more likely to experience this condition.
• Age: Senior pups often develop thicker pads as part of the aging process.
• Underlying Illness: Canine distemper or autoimmune conditions can sometimes cause paw pad overgrowth.
• Environmental Stress: Hot sidewalks, rough terrain, or very dry climates can make symptoms worse.
💡 How to Help Heal & Manage It:
• Balanced Nutrition & Zinc: If zinc deficiency is the culprit, adjusting your pup’s diet with vet-approved supplements or zinc-rich foods can make a big difference. Always check with your vet before adding supplements.
• Moisturizing Paw Balms: Use a safe, pet-friendly balm (like the all-natural Earth Bath Paw Wax we love here at The Paw Queen) to soften rough pads and protect against cracking.
• Gentle Trimming: In advanced cases, your vet or professional groomer can carefully trim excess keratin to relieve discomfort.
• Paw Protection: Booties or paw wax can protect sensitive pads from hot pavement, rough trails, or icy conditions.
• Vet Check-Ups: A veterinarian can confirm whether the cause is nutritional, genetic, or medical — and guide the best treatment plan.
• Routine Spa Care: At The Paw Queen, we pamper paw pads with gentle soaks, massages, and nourishing balms to keep them soft, healthy, and royal-ready.
💙 Why It Matters:
Healthy paws mean happy pets! Your pup relies on their pads for every step, jump, and zoomie — and keeping them smooth, nourished, and pain-free helps them live their most active, comfortable life.
👑🐾 From all of us at The Paw Queen: here’s to soft, strong, and healthy paws fit for royalty!
📍 1467 Boulder City Parkway, Boulder City, NV
📞 702-888-5582
💻 www.thepawqueen.com
📲
“Where EVERY pet feels like Royalty!” 👑🐾
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