A Toenail Grew On The Bottom Of My Dog's Paw

Note: Not all essential oil brands are the same, and you get what you pay for. If you expect to achieve results similar to those described in this testimonial, then ensure that you are using oils from pesticide-free plants. Also, the brand should use 100% pure, high-quality essential oils that do not contain any synthetic additives. Do your own research or ask a trusted friend to find a brand that is reputable. Buyer beware.

Several years ago I noticed a rough patch on the pad of one of my dog's paws. Upon closer examination, I recognized that it was a nail. I thought this was extremely odd; when it got long enough, I cut it off with the nail clippers and didn't think about it. About 6 months later it was back and I did the same thing.

When it returned for the third time, I did some investigation and found that this was the result of an overgrowth of skin tissue, hyperkeratosis. The growth is commonly referred to as a cutaneous horn. Humans get them too, most often on the top of their ears.

Medical folks, for humans and animals, don't know what causes them; the most recommended treatment is surgical removal, but in many cases they grow back. Sometimes with cases like this, dogs become so lame that they are euthanized.

It was time to think about this being an "abnormal growth" = Frankincense oil; possibility of a virus being involved = Clove oil. I alternated application of each of these oils 4 times per day, covering the oil with Animal Scents Ointment and keeping a canvas boot for dogs on the foot so that she could not lick it off.

Sometimes I added the Thieves oil blend into the mix; during the first week the pad went through several changes...from hard and stiff to soft and pliable.

Around day nine I removed the boot to find a bulbous mass protruding from the pad of the foot, like a tumor being expelled. I was pulling a bit on it, trying to get it to detach. I badly wanted to cut it off, but I thought that it could cause uncontrollable bleeding and I didn't have Cistus oil on hand. So I put more Frankincense on it and put the boot back on.

The next day the "tumor" was gone and the pad of the foot smooth. It took 3-4 more days for it to completely clear up, it was now smooth and soft. I took the boot off and discontinued treating the foot; instead I mixed up a diluted mix of the Raindrop oils and gave the dog one spritz EVERY day. It has been 9 months and the nail has not grown back.

Hyperkeratosis also effects the nose of a dog; if you notice rough, cracked skin on the dog's nose, it is likely this is what the dog has. A drop of Frankincense on the nose, covered with a light smear of Animal Scents ointment resolved this in my dog, and the "mini Raindrop" oil mix, applied everyday keeps it smooth.