Hard Pad Disease

Hard pad disease is a thickening and hardening of the pad skin, in which excess keratin forms and leads to painful cracks. In affected dogs, the outer layer of skin grows back faster than it wears off naturally.

Which dogs develop hard pad disease?

The term encompasses several conditions that have little in common. The hereditary form is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner: in the Irish Terrier, Kromfohrländer and Bedlington Terrier it is caused by a mutation in the FAM83G gene, while in the Dogue de Bordeaux it results from a distinct mutation in the KRT16 gene. Affected dogs usually show thickened pads between their fourth and ninth month of life. Two other forms must be distinguished from this: acquired pad hyperkeratosis in older dogs, whose cause often remains unclear, and the historically namesake hard pad disease in the narrower sense, a manifestation of distemper that has become rare thanks to vaccination.

Hormonal disorders exacerbate the problem. If the pads thicken anew in an older dog, it is usually not due to a hereditary disease, but rather years of mechanical stress or a skin condition – the cause often remains unclear.

How do I recognise hard pad disease?

The pads feel like leather – significantly thicker and harder than normal. You see deep cracks, which sometimes bleed. Your dog limps or walks differently because every step on hard ground is painful.

The thickening usually begins at the main weight-bearing pads of the hind paws. From there it spreads to the front paws. In advanced stages, the skin flakes off like old paint.

What does the vet do during diagnosis?

The diagnosis is made by visual inspection and palpation – the characteristic thickening is unmistakable. A skin biopsy is only required if other skin diseases need to be ruled out.

Because internal diseases can also alter the skin, a newly occurring finding belongs in the vet’s practice – there, hormone levels may also be checked depending on the clinical picture.

Which treatment really helps?

For care, the pads are softened and subsequently moisturised; in stubborn cases, keratolytic preparations are used, typically containing propylene glycol or urea and salicylic acid in low concentrations in veterinary medicine. Have your vet prescribe the preparation and frequency of application: human products from the pharmacy are neither tested nor approved for dog pads – and your dog will lick off everything you apply.

For deep cracks, Bepanthen Wound Healing Ointment can have an anti-inflammatory effect. Dog boots provide protection during healing – but only for short walks, otherwise moisture builds up.

An underlying hypothyroidism is treated with L-thyroxine. The pad skin then often returns to normal.

Can I prevent hard pad disease?

In genetically predisposed breeds, the disease cannot be prevented, but mitigated. Regular application of paw balm keeps the skin supple – ideally daily after the last walk.

In winter and during extreme dryness, you intensify care. Salt on pavements further attacks the already susceptible skin.