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Why are my dog's paw pads yellow, hard, and painful to touch?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 1 year and 6 months old | 90 lbs

Hello! This has been an issue for a very long time and I just didn’t have the money to take Skyy to the veterinarian. She is a pure pitbull and I believe she had that on her paws ever since we got her... it’s only her back paws. The front ones are perfectly okay. Also Whenever I try to touch the “ yellow stuff” on her back paws she moves right away - I can tell it hurts when I mess with it or move it even slightly. Please tell me what this condition is and how can I help Skyy get better without

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on October 24th, 2018

This extra growth is hyperkeratosis. It is commonly seen on pawpads and on the nose. I would recommend that you have Skyy examined by a vet since sometimes this can be associated with a virus or internal disease. Some people have success using coconut oil or Snout Soother to decrease the excess tissue. It isn't often painful, but it may feel weird when touched.

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