Care For Our Dog’s Paws

It is very important to take care of our dog’s paws. It’s obvious that your pet’s paw pads are made for walking, but did you know that they are also meant to protect you? It provides extra cushioning to help protect your bones and joints from shock when stepping on, insulates against extreme weather conditions, helps you walk over rough terrain, and protects the deep tissues of your feet.

With all these characteristics, it is not surprising that your pet’s paws often present some kind of anomaly. That’s why it’s essential to protect them.

Tips for Taking Care of Dog Paws

Take him to a pedicure. Your dog’s nail care is very important. The basic rule is that your pet’s nails touch the ground, if they are too long they can cause some problems.

It is best, as always, to consult your veterinarian about which types of nail clippers are best for your dog and how you should use them correctly.

Cut. Cutting the hair found on the pillows is something you should do. Do this regularly. First you comb and then cut the hair.

Clean the pads. They can trap foreign objects. Therefore, regularly check between your fingers that there are no small pieces of broken glass or other debris. If you have to remove any irritating elements that might be trapped there, use tweezers and remove them in a bright area so you can be sure you’ve removed whatever bothered you.

Hydrate. A dog’s finger pads can easily become cracked and dry. Ask your veterinarian about a good moisturizer for the pads and use according to specifications.

Deep massage. As is the case with humans, a foot massage for your dog is not bad at all, because it will relax and improve local circulation. Start by massaging your little toes and then continue through the rest of your paw. No doubt your dog will thank you.

Slow and always. If you plan to start a new exercise program with your dog, start slowly. Your legs may feel tender or dry. First check what condition your feet are in, especially if your dog is starting jogging or taking long walks.

Apply first aid. It is not uncommon for dogs to suffer cuts or other injuries when they accidentally step on broken glass, debris and other objects. Small wounds can be cleaned with antibacterial soap and then, depending on the severity, bandaged.

In case of a deep wound, it is best to consult your veterinarian for treatment.

Do not forget…

Imagine walking barefoot on the hot pavement, painful, right? It is important to remember that your dog’s paws also feel the same extreme heat. To avoid burns and blisters, don’t walk your dog on a hot sidewalk or even on the sand.

For light burns, wash with bactericidal soap and bandage the area. For severe burns, visit your veterinarian right away.

On the other hand, winter is hard on everyone’s skin, even your dog. Cold can cause cracks in the pads on your fingers. Try to avoid long walks in extreme climates. And remember that, in cold countries, during the long winter months, some people often use salt, de-icing and other products to melt ice on sidewalks.

This could be toxic to dogs that like to lick their paws. Pay close attention to these toxic chemicals and,  after walking outdoors, wash your dog’s paws with warm water to remove salt or other chemicals.

To reduce the risk of injury, keep your home and yard free of any objects that could injure your pet’s paws. Be aware and avoid some dangers to him, such as broken glass and other debris.

Think about how your feet can be injured, as can your dog’s paws. After all, they are as vulnerable as a human foot, so they must be treated and taken care of. You wouldn’t walk barefoot through a hot parking lot, or in snow without proper foot protection. The same rule should apply to your dog.