For your dog’s well-being and health, it is important to take care of his paws regularly. Regular paw care can prevent many problems that lead to painful irritation, infection, itching, and reduced quality of life.
Because dogs depend on their paws when they are in trouble, they can quickly become obsessed with their feet, leading to constant licking and chewing, which only makes the problem worse.
Paw problems are not just for dogs. Owners suffer when their dog is unhappy and their constant chewing, licking, and biting keep them up at night. Not to mention expensive vet bills.
Care of paws and pads
To keep your dog’s paws in top condition, they should be regularly groomed and inspected weekly. When checking their paws, be sure to check the sides and underside of the pads for abrasions and splits, between the toes for foreign objects and unusual redness, as well as the length and condition of the nails.
It is also important to keep in mind how the weather can affect paws. Hot asphalt can cause painful, devastating burns. However, freezing temperatures, ice, salt, sand, and chemicals can also injure their pads.
If paws are occasionally irritated due to extreme weather conditions and unexpected events, the tips below can help to cure them.
As you increase your dog’s exercise, or if your dog isn’t used to long walks or hikes, you can help condition their paws and calluses to prevent irritation by taking short walks and gradually increasing the distance as their paws tolerate it.
Here are some tips to keep your dog’s paws healthy:
Fur care
To keep paws healthy, keep them trimmed. To do this, make it a habit to wash your dog’s paws and trim the excess fur between the pads, which can collect debris such as stickers and small stones. It will also help prevent the fur from tangling and make it easier to see what’s going on with them.
Nail clipping
Nail trimming is important for a dog’s health and hygiene. Nails that are too long can be easily injured, cause pain, and negatively affect your dog’s gait. When nails are too long, they can also cause tendon problems and reduce traction. Your dog’s nails should not hit the ground when walking, so if you hear clicking and scratching when your pet walks, it’s time for a trim. To keep your dog’s nails trimmed at home, all you need is a premium clipper like this one.
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If you cut your dog’s nail too close or the nail breaks, a good hemostatic gel or styptic medicated powder will help stop the bleeding and prevent infection. Products like these can give you peace of mind when trimming your nails at home.
Help for smelly, itchy, and irritated paws
Your dog’s paws can easily become breeding grounds for yeast and bacteria overgrowth, especially during allergy flare-ups, when pollen levels are high, or when they start licking and chewing their feet a lot. To help keep your pet comfortable, prevent infections and yeast overgrowth and “Frito feat”, regular washing of your dog’s paws in a fresh-smelling ketoconazole and chlorhexidine gluconate with soothing oatmeal shampoo like this one can help.
Heal rough skin or cracked paws
Because a dog’s feet are in constant contact with the ground, they are exposed to many irritating surfaces and substances. Dryness, roughness, abrasions, small cracks, irritation, hyperkeratosis, and even itching and dry elbows can be soothed with a healing paw balm that contains natural butter and vegetable oils.
Balms like these also help keep paws healthy and the skin supple. Making them less prone to minor cuts, cracks, and irritations. Balms are also great for soothing sore paws after rough play or when massaging your dog’s feet.
Paw protection
Booties or booties are a great choice when your dog will be walking on hot or super rough surfaces. However, when booties are too much you want a little extra protection. Paw protection wax can protect paws from damage caused by abrasive surfaces, not too hot or cold pavement, ice, and salt. It can also help soothe irritated paws and help heal sore feet.
Protecting your dog’s paws and preventing problems is the best way to keep your dog healthy and comfortable all year round. Grooming, regular nail trimming. Intervention at the first sign of trouble will keep your pup happily zooming around and playing their favorite games.
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