We all know that feeling of coming home from a long day out from work, school or simply grocery shopping and taking off those shoes. That wonderful feeling of relief from not having any restriction on your feet, the air on your toes, and overall comfort is one of the first steps you take to relax. Your dog can’t do that. His paw pads are his biological equivalent to shoes and they’re on for good. They take the wear and tear of walking, hiking, running, chasing balls or squirrels, and any other doggy things your pooch may do on a daily basis. Just like the soles of your shoes, his pads can crack, rip, dry up and become painful to deal with. A few steps can help to make your pup’s paws healthier and more comfortable.
5. Trimming
If a dog’s nails are click, click, clicking when she walks or get snagged easily, then she is in need of having them clipped. The nails should barely skim the ground. Most vets offer this service if the owner is too anxious to do it themselves or the dog is unwilling to have it done. The hair in between the pads does cause painful matting if not trimmed regularly. Comb hair out and trim so they’re even with the pads. Check for pebbles or other debris while trimming.
4. Wintertime Care
Excessive exposure to cold weather could cause paw pads to dry out. This will lead to pads becoming chapped and cracking. Another thing to keep in mind during the long, cold winter months is that lots of people use salt, de-icers, and other items to melt ice off of sidewalks. This could be toxic to dogs who like to lick their paws or could even cause burns on their feet. When coming home from a daily walk, either wipe down or rinse the paws with warm water to wash away any chemicals they may have picked up. Another alternative is to slather the dog’s paws with a pet-safe paw balm before a walk, which will keep salt from getting on the pads, or get canine snow boots for your pup.
3. Cracked Pads
Pads do crack and bleed if they get too dry. Don’t use human lotion on the dogs’ pads, it may soften pads too much and lead to more issues. Instead, look into pad moisturizers specifically designed for a dog’s dried-out paws. While rubbing in the lotion give the dog a paw massage by rubbing between the pads and up in between each toe.
2. Summertime Care
Dogs’ paws feel the heat as much as humans do on the bottom of their feet. Keep this in mind while out walking during the heat of the summer. To avoid blistering and burning, avoid walking on hot surfaces (such as parking lots or sand). If blistering or burning occurs, wash with antibacterial soap and loosely wrap with gauze.
1. Cuts and scrapes
Occasionally dogs will cut the pad of their paw and require some first aid. Clean the cut out with an antibacterial wash, put some antibacterial cream on the cut, and bandage the paw. Of course, that is easier said than done. If the dog is unwilling to have its paw tended to, the owner should do the best they can under the circumstances. As always, seek veterinary care for any symptoms or injuries that concern you or become worse.
