You have a freshly washed and dried Cocker Spaniel on your table to groom, and you gently flex his leg so you can trim the claws. Then you do a double take. Is that fur growing out of his paw pad? As you look closer, you see that long, thick, hair-like growths are coming off the large pad on his paw. What in the world is that?
It is probably a condition called hyperkeratosis. This disorder is caused when a dog's body produces an excess of keratin, the protein found in skin, hair, and claws. Certain breeds are prone to this condition, which can be found not only on the paw pads but also on elbows and noses. The affected skin becomes more rigid and thicker, and sometimes, you will see what, at first glance, looks like furry growth on the pads. These may be described as "fronds" and are usually noticed along one or more edges of the paw pad, typically not in the center. You may also notice that other sections of the paw pad are thicker, ridged, and sometimes cracked.
Brachycephalic breeds such as Boxers, Shih Tzus, Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers are sometimes troubled by this condition, but any breed or mixed breed can be affected. It is also more commonly found in Cocker Spaniels, Irish Terriers, and Labrador Retrievers.
This condition is most frequently seen in middle-aged and older dogs, not puppies or young dogs. While it is not an emergency (unless the dog is limping), groomers should still point it out to the pet owner if they notice it. In rare cases, it can be a sign of more serious conditions.
Though it may be tempting, it is best not to attempt to trim away any of this excess growth, although a veterinarian may in some cases. If you have paw balm, you may apply some to the areas to temporarily soften the skin. This disorder has no cure, but veterinary treatments may reduce symptoms and keep the pet more comfortable if the overgrown skin irritates them or is prone to cracking and developing secondary infections.
So, if you ever encounter a pet that appears to have fur growing from its paws, you will know that this is not an uncommon problem and does not need immediate veterinary care, but you should let the owner know what you observed so they can check their pet at home for any changes.
https://thepetlabco.com/learn/dog/health-wellness/dog-paw-hyperkeratosis.
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/hyperkeratosis-dogs.
