While your pets can't say anything to you when something goes wrong, you can still guess it by their actions.
If your cat or a dog has a splinter in their paw, you can usually notice it because of how they walk and act.
Here are the signs of a splinter in a paw.
Limping or Favoring One Paw
If your pet suddenly starts to limp or avoids putting weight on one of their paws, it's a strong indication that something is bothering them.
They may hold the affected paw off the ground or use it less.
Excessive Licking or Chewing
Your pet may continuously lick or chew at a particular spot on their paw.
This behavior is their way of trying to relieve the discomfort caused by the splinter.
It can lead to hair loss, redness, or even open sores on the paw.
Swelling and Redness
The area around the splinter may become swollen and red.
This is a response by the body's immune system to the foreign object, and it's a sign of inflammation.
Pain or Sensitivity
When you touch the affected area or try to examine it, your pet may react with signs of pain.
They might yelp, flinch, or pull their paw away. This indicates that the area is sensitive and painful for them.
Change in Behavior
Your pet's behavior might change. They could become more irritable, restless, or anxious because of the discomfort.
They may also seem less active than usual.
Excessive Grooming
In addition to licking and chewing, your pet may excessively groom the paw with the splinter.
They might try to remove the splinter themselves, which can sometimes make the situation worse.
Gently part the fur and look for any signs of a splinter or foreign object embedded in the paw.
If you see a splinter, try to remove it using clean tweezers.
However, if you can't safely remove it or if the area becomes infected, it's crucial to consult your veterinarian.
