We all know how hard it is to resist puppy-dog eyes and wagging tails, but don’t let it distract you from your furry friend’s paws.
Aside from being designed to protect your dog’s feet, the pad of the paw helps protect your dog’s bones and joints from shock. Keep your dog’s feet healthy and comfortable with these tips:
1. Always check your dog’s paws
Get in the habit of checking your dog’s paw at least once a week.
Examine the top and the bottom of your dog’s foot, its pads, and even the nails. Make sure there isn’t any debris in between the toes.
Check for any sign of irritation – redness, swelling, and/or bleeding. Gently press on the paw while checking for any sign of discomfort from your dog.
2. Give your dog a paw-dicure
Keep the nails of your dogs trimmed regularly. Most vets and groomers offer nail trimming service just in case you’re not comfortable in doing it yourself.
It is also important to trim the hair in between your dog’s paw pads, as this may cause painful matting if not maintained. Just simply comb the hair out and cut it even with the pads.
3. Surprise your dog with some paw massages
What better way to pamper your dog after a paw-dicure than giving him some paw massages?
Simply massage between the pads on the bottom of the paw, then between each of your dog’s toes. This will help improve your pet’s blood circulation, making him more relaxed.
4. Moisturize to prevent cracking
Just like our hands, a dog’s paw can also get dry. This may lead to painful cracking.
When choosing a moisturizer, make sure to pick one that is specifically made for dogs as moisturizers for humans can make the pads too soft, making it more prone to injury.
5. Paw-vention is better than cure
Always keep an eye out for sharp objects and dangerous terrain whenever you bring your dog out.
Do a quick scan of the area, even within your own home and backyard, to ensure that it’s free of debris that can harm your dog. If your pet is used to running around weeds, check your dog’s paw for any burrs or awns.
6. Keep your dog’s paws dry
It is important to moisturize your dog’s paws, but it doesn’t mean you should let your dog’s feet stay wet after a swim. Too much moisture may cause irritation and is a magnet for bacterial and fungal infection.
7. Summer care
If the surface is too hot for your hand, then it’s too hot for your dog’s feet. If blistering occurs after a walk during the heat of summer, immediately wash your dog’s paws with antibacterial soap and loosely wrap his feet in gauze.
8. Winter care
Excessive exposure to cold may dry out your pet’s paws, therefore resulting to cracking of the pads. Salt and de-icers may also be toxic to your dogs. Remember to rinse your dog’s paws with warm water to wash away any foreign substances.
9. First-aid treatment
No matter how careful we are, dogs may still cut their paws accidentally. Keep the cut clean by using antibacterial wash, followed by antibacterial cream. Bandage the paw if you can, as most dogs are uncooperative when they feel any pain from their paws.
10. Stop the dog from licking its paws
Some dogs may develop a habit of licking their paws constantly. This may be due to boredom and anxiety, or your dog may be experiencing pain and discomfort.
Check with your veterinarian for the cause of your dog’s excessive paw licking and discuss treatment options.
