Why does my dog keep favouring one paw?
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Overview
If your dog keeps favouring one paw, it usually means something is bothering that foot, leg or pad. Common reasons include a small cut, a thorn or grass seed, a sore nail, a bruise, or simple irritation from dirt, mud or a rough surface. It’s worth checking the paw closely, but you don’t need to assume the worst straight away.
Things To Check
1. See when your dog starts favouring the paw, such as after a walk, on certain surfaces, after exercise or at rest.
2. Look closely between the toes, around the pads and along the nails for a thorn, seed, split nail, cut or trapped debris.
3. Check for swelling, heat, redness, bleeding, discharge, scabs or an area that looks more sensitive than the rest.
4. Notice whether your dog is licking, chewing or holding the paw up more than usual, as this often points to discomfort.
5. Compare the favoured paw with the other paws for obvious differences in size, shape or how the toes are being held.
6. Gently feel the leg above the paw for any tenderness, lumps or stiffness that might mean the problem is higher up than the foot itself.
7. Check the nails carefully, especially if one looks cracked, worn, longer than the others or seems to catch when your dog walks.
Common Causes
The most common causes are minor paw injuries, such as a graze, bruise, split pad or something stuck in the foot. Irritation from mud, grit, hot ground or rough terrain can also make a dog place less weight on one paw.
Sore or damaged nails are another frequent reason, especially if the paw was caught on something or the nail has cracked. Sometimes a bug bite, small skin infection or an embedded grass seed can be the issue.
Less commonly, favouring one paw can come from a sprain, a painful joint, or a problem higher up the leg that only looks like a paw issue at first.
What To Do
Have a calm look at the paw in good light and gently remove any loose dirt or mud. If you can see a small bit of debris sitting on the surface, you may be able to rinse it away carefully, but don’t dig around or pull at anything that’s firmly stuck.
Keep your dog quiet for a day or two and avoid long walks, rough ground and muddy runs until you know what’s causing the problem. If the paw is dirty, wash it gently and dry it well, especially between the toes.
Watch for changes over the next 24 to 48 hours. If the favouring gets better, it was likely a minor irritation. If it stays the same, gets worse, or your dog keeps licking the paw, it’s sensible to have it checked.
Do not try to trim away a nail or remove anything embedded deep in the skin at home. That can make things more painful and harder to assess later.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet sooner if the paw is very swollen, bleeding, hot, or clearly painful, or if your dog is unable to put weight on it. You should also get advice if there’s a deep cut, a broken nail, discharge, a suspected foreign object, or if the problem isn’t improving within a day or two.
If your dog seems unwell, the discomfort is sudden and severe, or the paw issue keeps coming back, a vet check is the safest next step.
Products That May Help
If your dog’s paw is a bit sore or messy, a gentle pet care routine can help you keep an eye on the area and clean around it more comfortably.
Related Questions
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Should I wash my dog’s paw after a walk?
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Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.