Making sure your dog’s paws remain in a healthy state is crucial to their overall health. For a long and happy life, your dog needs to be active and active means walking and running and jumping on a daily basis. Your dog can only do so much for their own paws so that is where you come in. There are a few things to consider when taking care of your dog’s paws.
Check your dog’s paws
Every day. And especially, of course, after you’ve been outside. A quick once over will save you time and trouble in the future. Finding little things stuck in their fur and getting rid of it immediately means it has no time to get more deeply embedded. Make sure you check between their toes.
Also look at the pads daily. Check for scrapes and cuts and any signs of infection.
Clean their paws
After you’ve checked, even if there’s nothing remarkable to see, clean those paws after you walk outside. It’s not just dirt on the couch we’re worried about but the bacterias and parasites your dog could bring inside with them. And then if they lick their paws, well, you never know.
You can get special paw wipes or simply use warm water and a tiny bit of any soap that is safe for them.
Trim their nails
This is important for their comfort while walking and because long nails can eventually cause problems (imagine if you never trimmed your own toenails!).
Most dogs do well with a trim every two to three weeks. If you’re not sure how to do this, check in with your vet or groomer so you can learn how to do this safely. Here’s an example of the variety of products to have on hand for this task.
A good guide is that your dog’s nails should not touch the floor when they are standing.
Protect from extreme temperatures
Whether it’s the extreme cold of deep winter or the heat of sun baked black top, your first line of defense might be some sort of bootie. And with the hot weather, make sure you always have water on you during your walks. This isn’t just for drinking. If you mistakenly walk your dog on a very hot surface, you can quickly cool their paws with that water.
Protect them from all the elements
You can also use something like this to protect your dog’s paws not just from extreme temperatures but also from all the dirt and possible sharp objects that they make unknowingly walk over. These can be especially helpful if your pooch is prone to allergies.
Pay attention to odor
If you notice an odd odor coming off of your dog’s paws, it’s best to make a quick visit to the vet. It’s likely something simple to deal with – if you deal with it immediately.
And finally … moisturize
Yep, you read that right. Like our own hands and feet, dog’s paws can get dry to the point of cracking. Which is, as you likely know, quite uncomfortable. Applying special creams and oils made just for them is not going over the top but just being a really good dog parent.
And go here to read more simple ways to be a better dog owner.