Paw problems in dogs
Heading 1
Heading 2
Heading 3
Heading 4
Heading 5
Heading 6
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Block quote
Ordered list
- Item 1
- Item 2
- Item 3
Unordered list
- Item A
- Item B
- Item C
Bold text
Emphasis
Superscript
Subscript
Table of contents:
- initiation
- General overview
- Classification in the big picture — causes
- Explanation — Why is that so? (video)
- Why are the paws affected in the first place?
- What to do — countermeasures (video)
initiation
Paw complaints are among the most common side effects of dogs whose owners come to us due to itching, allergies, intolerances, ear infections or even all gastrointestinal complaints.
They include constant gnawing and biting of the dog between the toes, inflammation of the nail bed, hair loss, lesions on the ball (“open paw”), inflamed intertoe tissue or even purulent/blood-inflamed recumbent wipes.
This article is particularly relevant for you if your pet's paws look something like this:
General overview
There are essentially 3 categories of paw problems, the frequency of which, in my experience, is roughly as follows:
- Injuries (approx. 10%) = broken glass, awns or torn wolf claws
- Orthopedic problems (approx. 10%)
- Paw problems as a side effect of general dynamics in the entire body (80%! )
I would like to mention the first two here just for the sake of completeness, as, depending on their severity, they are a case for local vet, especially when foreign bodies need to be removed or wounds have to be surgically treated. We will therefore be looking at Category No. 3 here.
Classification in the big picture — causes
My aim with this article is to make it clear that the vast majority of paw problems are NOT a problem for local veterinarians and cannot be treated with antibiotics or cortisone preparations, at least not with long-term success. This is because they are part of a larger dynamic in the entire body that only emerges in this part of the body for reasons that I will go into in more detail in a moment.
In other words:
In most cases, paw problems are NOT a localized occurrence, but are associated with, for example, diarrhea, food intolerances, ear infections, allergies or skin problems of all kinds, including itch. As a result, paws can only really heal if they are viewed holistically, involving the entire body, and then treated holistically.
Explanation — Why is that so?
At this point, it is important to note that the claws, the nail bed, the balls and, last but not least, the hair are so-called skin appendages, which form and renew from the skin through cell differentiation. These skin appendages are always affected when the skin as a whole is not in the best shape, because the skin appendages can only ever be as healthy as their origin, i.e. the skin, is or allows.
Anyone who, as an owner, wants to cure their dog's paw problems in the long term cannot help but look at the general health of their animal as a whole and skin health in particular. And that brings us back to the intestines, the body's most underrated organ in medicine, when it comes to paws.
The direct connection between skin and intestines (and thus also the indirect connection between paws and intestines) is explained in the following video:
It is therefore important to note up to this point:
If you want to heal your dog's paws permanently, you have to heal the skin first, and if you want to heal the skin, you have to start with the intestines!
Why are the paws affected in the first place?
First of all, this is likely due to the considerable mechanical stress during the movement that paws are subject to on a daily basis. This intensive use requires extensive regeneration and new cell formation processes, which of course can only be carried out adequately within the framework of a healthy metabolism or body environment.
In addition to the liver, kidneys and intestines, the skin is a very welcome detoxifying organ, whose capacity is also fully exploited by the body. When foreign substances/pollutants (such as chemical drugs, vaccinations or spot-ons) have to be eliminated again, the body necessarily also uses the skin.
This is because stored pollutants can be released slowly but steadily into the outside world via the skin cell layers (= dandruff). However, this process is not only limited in its capacity, but it also means that the pollutants stored in the skin cells can irritate or damage the surrounding tissue before they are exfoliated, which is perceived as an itch by the animal. This is also the reason for the constant gnawing and nibbling between the toes, which sometimes even leads to self-mutilation.
Finally, it is important to consider that the body always heals itself as a priority. This means that he first takes care of the vital organs such as the heart, brain or liver inside the body and likes to “forget” the paws, which are only secondary to survival. The situation is comparable to the regulation of body heat in winter — while the hands and feet are often cold and less circulated, the body trunk with the vital organs is never neglected. This is because an undersupply of the heart, lungs or brain can be directly fatal, whereas an undersupply of the paws only becomes noticeable later. You could say that the organism is necessarily playing for time.
Last but not least: It is now obvious that chemical (floor) cleaners, corrosive street litter in winter or injectables in the fields of daily walking do the rest and act like the proverbial last drop. Especially since a dog does not wear any protective footwear and paws and skin are immediately irritated by contact with all pollutants.
What to do — countermeasures
Based on the relationships described, the necessary measures to address paw problems are both comprehensive and logical.
They start at the forefront of avoiding all foreign chemical substances. Go further in building up the intestine (nutrition, bowel cleansing, environmental optimization). Include careful detoxification of the body and, of course, do not preclude certain everyday practices and habits of the owner with regard to cleaning and hygiene.
However, the prognosis of paw problems can still be described as good due to the extraordinary regenerative capacity of the skin, even in very advanced cases of disease.
If the owner consistently implements all points holistically, healing processes such as these are the logical consequence here.
Anyone who would also like to embark on a holistic and chemical-free journey as a dog owner is welcome to book an appointment with me and my team here.
Best regards
Veterinarian Dr. Franz
PS: Please also watch this interview. Because even Alexandra & Karsten did not understand the connection between the paws and the entire body for a long time. Today, your Briard is in perfect health.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Question 4, all acute complaints and pain conditions are listed where direct physical intervention on your dog's body by a local veterinarian is really necessary.
For all other symptoms not listed there (especially if they have taken a chronic course), intervention on-site does not provide sustainable healing!
Symptoms are merely suppressed or diseases "managed," and what is always missing is the clarification of disease causes – and this clarification is very well possible online, i.e., remotely.
Through detailed anamnesis, the individual step-by-step plan, and long-term collaboration, we can demonstrably help you and your dog better than if we physically touched them! We obtain all necessary information through pictures/videos and interviews.
Since we work exclusively online, you can reach us from anywhere and receive daily answers to your questions.
Moreover, your dog is not subjected to the considerable stress associated with visiting a veterinary practice every time.
Nutrition is one building block in the regeneration process, but not the only or most important one. In our coaching, we have defined 6 central points that are indispensable for dog health based on experience. Therefore, it takes much more than just nutrition.
Just as a plant doesn't grow faster or a child doesn't grow up faster just because a person wants it to, your dog's healing also requires time and patience.
Depending on the symptoms, chronicity, previous medication, age of the dog, and also the cooperation or implementation by the owner, physical regeneration of your dog usually takes between 3-6 months, sometimes longer in severe cases.
Ultimately, many other factors play a role in regeneration. We always adhere to the iron principle: "The pace is set by your dog."
Definitely. Before the body shows symptoms, there is a long period during which your dog's organism tries to heal itself within its capabilities. Only when this is no longer possible and the regulatory or regeneration processes in the body are overloaded do symptoms occur.
Therefore, your dog shouldn't wait to show visible signs before you take action. The idea of prophylaxis is a central building block of our work to spare your dog (and you) a lot of suffering.
Even if your partner is skeptical, there's initially nothing standing in the way of collaboration, with one exception: He/she must not be categorically against it!
We humans often have a different opinion than our fellow humans and also often than our partner. Both opinions are equally valid.
Recognizing that both can be right means a whole new possibility and creates new space for you in your partnership!
A certain skepticism is indeed healthy, and we can discuss any concerns and fears. We always recommend asking the partner for trust! This gives them the opportunity to get their own picture of the collaboration. If one of the two is really categorically against it, we refrain from collaboration.
We don't want to convince anyone because this conflict is not a good companion for healing. The healing process always requires a joint initiative and harmonious cooperation. This can look very different, and we discuss how exactly in the joint conversation.
For the following acute problems, medical first aid by a local veterinarian is indispensable: Accidents, bone fractures, bite wounds & injuries, gastric torsions, poisonings, foreign body removal, and tumors/cancer. Here we can support you in the aftermath.
Neutering and vaccinations (which we advise against) are, of course, also a case for the local veterinarian.
In principle, yes. Most of our participants come from the D-A-CH region. Participation from Luxembourg and Liechtenstein is also unproblematic.
Due to the different local conditions and circumstances in other countries, there may be implementation difficulties in the program, as certain aids may be difficult to obtain.
If full implementation of the program is not possible due to the local conditions at the applicant's place of residence, we refrain from collaboration under the principle of an honorable merchant.
We DON'T have a local practice, and you don't have to go anywhere with your dog to work with us! The greatest advantage of this 100% online activity is explained under Question 1. This way, you can take care of your dog's health regularly from anywhere. The concept of a local practice is completely revolutionized.
With our many years of experience with now over 1000 dogs, we can assure you that (except in the cases specified in Question 4) NO physical contact with your dog is necessary for us to support you.
