How do you look after your dog’s four paws? The secrets of dog paw care in summer and winter
Dogs feel every change in the ground or temperature through their paws. Their sensitive pads help them to move freely, but they can also cause a lot of problems. Failure to control a dog’s four paws can lead to many complications. See how to care for your dog’s paws.
Dog paws – care
The paws of our four-legged friends are exposed to many factors that can damage them. Different substrates, temperature changes or minor damage will make paws hard or sore. It is worth caring for the paws so that the dog can be comfortable.
Here are some methods on how to care for your dog’s paws:
1. Regular observation of the paws
Small elements such as stones or sand can often get stuck between the pads of your pet’s paws, so it is important to check them regularly and clean the pads. In most cases, dirt can be removed with tweezers or your fingers. You can also use a dog paw cleaner to make this task easier.
2. Nail trimming
Your dog’s claws should not touch the ground when walking, so if you hear tapping or scratching when walking on the floor, this is a sign that your dog’s claws should be trimmed. This can be done with special scissors for this purpose
3. Trimming protruding hair
The fur between the pads on your pet’s paws can be matted, so be sure to comb it out and trim it to the same height as the paw pads. The fur can also affect adhesion to the ground and having too much hair between the pads negatively affects free movement.
4. Moisturising and massaging – what should I lubricate my dog’s pads with?
Proper moisturising of the pads and paws will make the paws less prone to mechanical injury or cracking. In addition, it is a very nice gesture that will bring you closer to your beloved pet. You can use petroleum jelly or a special paw cream for the massage.
Dog paw care in winter
When the temperature drops and it snows, you should limit the time your dog’s paws are in the snow or start using special boots to protect their paws from the cold, sharp ice, salt and other harmful substances. If you don’t want to use boots, wipe your pet’s paws thoroughly after every walk. It is a good idea to wash them with warm water to get rid of salt and ice residue. Your pet may also tend to lick their paws, which can be dangerous if they ingest any chemicals or salt used in melting snow. What to use to lubricate your dog’s paws in winter? As we mentioned above – petroleum jelly or specialised creams are indispensable.
Dog lap care in summer
Similarly, during the hottest months, you will need to pay special attention to your pet’s paws. Remember that a shoeless dog feels the temperature of the ground as if you were walking barefoot. A good way to check if the ground is too hot is to put your hand on the ground for five seconds. If the temperature is too hot to hold your hand for the full five seconds, such ground will burn your pet.
Hot pavement, dust and dirt can cause your dog’s paw pads to crack, burn or blister. Limit the amount of time spent on the pavement, street or hot sand at the beach on these days and ensure that your pet’s paws are moisturised regularly. Good moisturisation will help your pet to better withstand warm ground temperatures. You can also stock up on lightweight shoes, in which your doggie can walk more freely on heated concrete.
Symptoms of paw problems
Your dog’s first reaction to an injury or irritation is to lick. If your dog licks and bites his dog paws too often or too intensely, it is possible that something is irritating or hurting him. Frequent inspection of the pads and paws will help to spot any abnormalities. If the wound is deeper and needs to be treated, ask your vet for help or treat your pet accordingly. You can put a simple sock over his bandage or use special protection Do not use alcohol to wash the wounds, as this can cause more bleeding and worse healing. Use hydrogen peroxide and clean gauze.
Red paws in a dog
If your pet has severely reddened pads and you suspect inflammation, visit your vet. There can be many reasons for this. Your dog may have irritated paws, there may have been mechanical damage or infection has set in. Also, an allergy may be present and an allergen will irritate the delicate paws. Hormone and allergy tests should then be carried out to see what the dog should avoid. Tumours, proliferative lesions or growths may also appear on the dog’s paws, which require immediate vet checks. A small lump on the paw may turn out to be cancer or another unpleasant disease.
Observing paws allow a comprehensive understanding of the dog’s needs and are a concern for its comfort and safety.
The dog puts its paw on me
Such a gesture can be both a dog’s declaration of love and a request for help. Sometimes dogs try to get attention in this way so that more time can be spent playing or petting them. Observe your dog’s gestures, as this is how your four-legged friends can communicate with you. Once your dog has put his paw on you, check to see if everything is okay with his pads. This will give you an excuse to pet him, but also to take care of your pet’s comfort.
