Dog’s paws are incredible as they have fantastic features to provide comfort. They take care of bone and joints, supply padding against weather, support walking on irregular pathways, and guard from harm tissue within the paw.
With everything paws do, it is imperative to take care of them. Here are the five must-read tips to protect your dog’s paws.
1. Look For Minor Injuries
As your dog’s best friend, it’s your responsibility to pay attention to your dog’s needs. When a dog is continually licking or chewing their paws, it might be irritant or injured.
If the licking becomes too much, it’s a good idea to take the dog to a clinic as it could be an allergic reaction. Sometimes it could mean there is a minor injury. It’s vital to treat the paws injuries as soon as possible to prevent an infection.
2. Grooming and Trimming
A dog’s nails shouldn’t clack when he walks on hard surfaces. If they do, it means there are too long. The claws shouldn’t stick out over the pad and shall not reach the ground when standing.
We recommend calling a grooming service if you’re not comfortable trimming your dog’s nails.
Besides trimming the nails, it’s crucial to remove the hair between the pads. We recommend grooming, so the hair is even with the pads. Make sure to examine for stones, fragments, or other remains in your dog’s paws.
3. Hydrate Dog’s Paws
Please note that your dog’s paws can come dehydrated and broken. Hydrating the pads can prevent these problems. Remember that you should always use a moisturizer specifically designed for dog paws; applying balm decreases dryness.
We recommend giving a paw massage when applying lotion. Doing this boosts blood circulation and supports strong paw pads.
4. Exercise
When you begin an exercise program for your dog, do it gradually. Remember, dog paws are delicate, especially when you take out your dog on long walks. Taking your dog on hikes and runs can injure or crack claws, so start slowly.
5. Use Paw Protection
Extreme weather is hard on dog paws. In winter, you need to fear coldness and snow. Snow and salt can be toxic to dogs. If you don’t clean or protect your dog’s paws after walking, she might get ill if she licks them.
We recommend using dog booties and reducing outdoor excursions. Please clean dog paws after spending time outside.
During summer, concrete pathways and asphalt can get extremely hot, hurting your dog’s paws. If your feet can’t touch the ground for more than five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog.
Paws can burn and sore, so make sure to take care of them.
Remember, for more information on how to take care of your dog’s paws, contact your vet. Finally, providing TLC to your dog’s paw is crucial for keeping your best friend happy for a long time!