Dogs are always on their feet running around, jumping, playing, making us happy and angry at the same time, always trying to be there for us in their own little way. And although it doesn’t seem like it due to the sturdy nature of their paws, they do face paw problems and their paws are just as vulnerable as the human feet and need to be taken care of and protected. Carrying out regular paw checkups on your dog can help you identify, prevent or treat various issues that might be causing a lot of discomfort for your canine friend. Here are some steps you can easily follow to keep your dog paws clean and healthy.
1. Trim nails regularly
If you hear nails clicking every time your pet walks by, then you should know it is time to get the clippers out because their nails are already too long and need to be trimmed immediately. You can take up this task on your own at home or take your dog to a professional to help you get the trimming work done. Ensuring to keeping your dogs’ nail at the right length (barely touching the ground), and the hair in between their pads at the right length will help them walk comfortably and confidently with no pain or discomfort.
2. Keep their paws moisturized
Dog paws Just like the human feet and hands are prone to dryness and cracks. Ensuring your pet’s paws are well moisturized will prevent it from cracking and bleeding, causing discomfort and pain to your dog. However, it is important you use only dog pad moisturizers for your pet as human moisturizers are known to have an adverse effect on dogs and might lead to various health issues. While applying the pad moisturizers, take your time to massage your dogs’ paw and really rub it in.
3. Check regularly for foreign objects
Various kinds of objects regularly get stuck in between a dogs’ paw pads. Taking your time to carry out routine checks for these objects and remove them can help you prevent any health problems that might arise from it. It will also help your dog feel more comfortable and walk with no problems, pains or discomfort.
4. Treat cuts and scrapes
The fact is dogs are generally known to be very active in nature so they are very liable to get little cuts and bruises here and there from time to time. Ensuring you deliver on time treatment to these cuts or scrapes with the right antibiotics whenever it happens can help prevent it from getting infected or degenerating to something much worse. And depending on the size and type of wound, you might actually need to take your dog to see the vet for further treatment and advice.
5. The importance of seasonal care
As the weather condition changes so those the various kinds of problems that plague a dog’s paws. Ensuring you in tune and aware of the various effects the different kinds of weather conditions can have on your dog is important if you want him/her to maintain a healthy paw.
Summer time: during the summer time it is important you prevent pad burning by trying to take your dog walks in cool shades, staying away from the hot pavements and sands. And in a situation where burns occur, you can immediately treat it using the right antibacterial and bandaging the spot.
Winter time: dogs experience dry paws the most during the winter season, they are also prone to the dangerous effects of the chemicals used for melting ice. To solve these problems, you can always rinse your dog’s feet with warm water whenever you get back home from a winter walk or you can go classy by getting your dog a lovely paw boot that protects him from both the cold and the chemicals.
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