Tips To Properly Care For Your Dog's Paws
Posted on: 25 September 2020
From regular brushing and grooming to teeth cleaning, there are several things you need to do to keep your dog looking great. Caring for your dog's paws is equally as important as the paws are critical to your dog's health and comfort. Your dog's paws provide cushioning that protects your dog's joints while keeping your dog comfortable on your morning walks.
Here are a few simple tips to help you properly care for your dog's paws.
Keep an Eye on Your Dog's Paws for Potential Issues
Examine your dog's paws on a regular basis and watch for potential issues. Look for cracked pads, bumps, foreign objects, or any other abnormalities. Talk to your veterinarian about anything unusual and how to treat the problem. For example, if your dog is suffering from cracked paw pads, your veterinarian might recommend rubbing a specialized product into your dog's pads to soothe any pain and eliminate the cracks.
Trim your dog's nails often to prevent the nails from becoming too long and breaking off. If you are not comfortable cutting your dog's nails, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Your dog might be resistant to having its paws and nails examined. If this is the case, your dog's paws when your dog is sleeping or laying down and resting. Slowly grab your dog's leg and carefully examine the paw and pads. Your dog may yelp or pull away if the pad or paw is injured. If this is the case, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
Protect Your Dog's Paws from the Elements
Your dog's paws, particularly the pads on your dog's paws, are very sensitive to extreme temperatures and moisture. For example, if you take your dog on a walk and the pavement or asphalt is hot, even allowing your dog to walk on the hot pavement for a few seconds can burn your dog's pads. Protecting your dog's paws from the elements is critical to ensure there is no damage or cracking to the pads.
If it is hot outside, place your barefoot on the sidewalk or driveway before allowing your pet to walk on it. If it is too uncomfortable for you to walk on the sidewalk with bare feet, it is too hot for your dog as well. Ice and snow can also cause cracking and frostbite to your dog's pads. Consider putting booties on your dogs before taking your dog on a walk during the winter.
Caring for your dog's paws and paw pads is an integral aspect of ensuring your dog is healthy, happy, and comfortable.
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