Why is my dog's paw hot to touch?
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Overview
If your dog's paw feels hot, it usually means there’s some kind of irritation, inflammation or injury in the area. Common reasons include a small cut, a foreign object, a sting, licking and soreness, or a strain from exercise. It’s worth checking the paw carefully, but a warm paw on its own doesn’t always mean anything serious.
Things To Check
1. Check whether it’s one paw or several, and whether the heat seems to come and go after walks, play or licking.
2. Look closely between the toes and around the pads for grass seeds, splinters, thorns, bites, cuts or redness.
3. Compare the paw with the others to see if there’s swelling, tenderness or a clearer temperature difference.
4. Notice whether your dog is limping, holding the paw up, or avoiding putting weight on it.
5. Check for discharge, an unusual smell, broken skin or a sore area that looks moist from licking.
6. Think about recent walks, roadwork, hot surfaces, rough ground, grooming or clipping that may have irritated the skin.
7. See whether your dog is licking, chewing or biting the paw more than usual, as this can quickly make it feel hotter and more inflamed.
Common Causes
A minor injury is one of the most common reasons, such as a cut, scratch, cracked pad or something caught in the paw. These can make the area feel warm quite quickly.
Another common cause is irritation from walking on hot, rough or abrasive surfaces, or from mud and dampness sitting around the toes and pads.
Stings, bites or an allergic reaction can also cause a local hot spot, often with redness, swelling or sudden licking.
Less commonly, a skin infection, nail problem or deeper paw injury may be involved, especially if the paw stays hot, swollen or painful.
What To Do
Have a calm look at the paw in good light and remove any loose dirt you can see. If your dog allows it, gently rinse the area with clean lukewarm water and dry it well afterwards.
Keep your dog from licking or chewing the paw, as that can make soreness worse and make it harder to see what’s going on. Short, controlled rest may help if the issue started after exercise.
Monitor the paw over the next day or so. If the heat settles and your dog is comfortable, it may have been a minor irritation. If it gets hotter, more swollen, or your dog starts limping, that’s a sign it should be checked.
It also helps to note when the problem started, what your dog was doing beforehand, and whether anything changed after a walk, grooming session or time outdoors. That information can be useful if you do need veterinary advice.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the paw is very swollen, your dog is limping badly, there’s a deep cut or puncture, pus or bleeding, or the heat doesn’t start settling within 24 hours. You should also get advice sooner if your dog seems in pain, keeps chewing the paw, or you suspect something is stuck in it.
Products That May Help
For owners who want to keep on top of regular paw, coat and hygiene care, the arlo.® Pet Care collection may be useful as part of a sensible home routine.
Related Questions
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Can hot pavement make a dog's paw sore?
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.