Why are my dog's paw pads swollen, cracked, or discolored and painful?

That could be due to a trauma on the paw (causing a muscle or bone injury) or severe osteoarthrosis which now is developing a proper inflammatory reaction. I would strongly suggest to have Mopsu checked by your veterinarian and have appropriate treatment given (based most likely on anti-inflammatory medications).

The paws are extremely swollen, it could be an infection or due to repetitive trauma, it could also be an allergic reaction or an insect bite. my recommendation would be to take her to your vet ASAP for treatment.

If the vets haven't already done cytology to test for bacteria or yeast this should be done, I would be concerned based on the location/appearance about a possible immune disease like lupus. A biopsy is often required for confirmation. If your regular vet isn't interested in doing more advanced testing like this I would request a referral to an internal medicine specialist.

Crusting and scabs like this on the paw pads can sometimes be a sign of autoimmune disease. I'd recommend having your vet take a look - if they are concerned about a dermatologic disease they might recommend taking a biopsy sample. If Rope licks his paws it could also be a bacterial infection. The location isn't classic for trauma or heat injury.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Based on the pictures you have provided, the problem could be associated with an allergy, infection or a immune-mediated disease. I would recommend trying a product called malacetic conditioning spray and apply to the area until resolved. You may have to see your veterinarian to discuss alternative treatment options such as steroid therapy or immunomodulatory therapy to treat and immune-mediated disease. Feline plasma cell pododermatitis can appear like this and treatment is suppressing the immune system and antibiotic therapy. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further

Hopefully Daisy has a less serious illness than pemphigus - typically we see interdigital cysts (blisters between toes) and sometimes blepharodermatitis (eyelid swelling) as symptoms of general allergic skin disease. Pemphigus is diagnosed with skin biopsies (taken surgically). I expect your vet may suggest a trial of an anti-allergy medicine like apoquel or possibly steroids to see if the problem resolves before a biopsy is needed. The vet may also suggest a food trial, and also other measures to control allergens.

Coloration of the paw pads can change as a dog ages, and may turn pinkish or brown, especially if old skin has sloughed off or there was an injury that healed. Signs of a problem to look out for include licking or chewing of the feet, redness or inflammation, pain, visible swelling or injury, strange smells, or if the discolored area is painful to the touch or non-weight bearing. These are all signs of something else ongoing such as an infection, allergy, or injury, which should be treated by your vet.