Caring for Your Dog’s Paws

Does your dog sometimes put his paw on your leg when he wants a walk or a belly rub? It’s hard to refuse these charming requests from our canine friends! Actually, Fido’s paws are crucial to his health and mobility, so taking good care of them is very important. A local Columbia, MD vet discusses taking care of your pup’s paws in this article.

Nails

Don’t let your furry buddy’s claws get too long! Overgrown nails are very painful for dogs to walk on. Your canine pal may change his gait to avoid discomfort. This is very bad for your pet’s bones and joints, and can aggravate painful bone/joint problems, like arthritis or hip dysplasia. Fido can also have trouble getting traction on slippery ground if his nails are too long.

Seasonal Care

The different seasons all bring unique hazards. In summer, your pooch can get burns or blisters on his paw pads by walking or running on hot surfaces. In winter, dogs can get paw burns or abrasions from walking on salt, sand, ice, snow, and/or chemical de-icing agents. Even spring and fall can be dangerous: Fido can pick up pollen or toxic chemicals on his paws, and can then get sick just by licking his feet. Use paw balm or wax to protect your pup’s paws, and wipe those furry feet down daily with a damp cloth.

Toe Fur

Those little tufts of fur between your dog’s toes may be super cute, but Fido will be better off without them. Toe fur can get tangled or matted, which can be quite uncomfortable for your canine buddy.

Tricks

Fido can do some really cute tricks with his paws! Actually, teaching your pet to Shake or Gimme Five can make your clipping your pup’s nails much easier. To help your pooch get the hang of it, reward him with yummy treats for giving you his foot.

Paw Checks

We recommend inspecting Fido’s paws daily. Check for signs of injury, such as heat or swelling. Look at those furry toes, and make sure there are no foreign objects or ticks lodged between them. Minor cuts can be treated at home with antiseptic, but don’t take chances: contact your vet for anything deeper than that. Please contact us, your local Columbia, MD animal hospital, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!