Your dog’s paws are crucial to his health and well-being. Fido’s furry little feet are, of course, critical to his mobility. They also cushion his bones and joints, and help him get traction. In this article, a Crown Point veterinarian offers some doggy paw care tips.
Seasonal Care
Winter and summer can both be very hard on Fido’s feet. In wintertime, ice, snow, chemical de-icers, salt, and sand can all damage your pooch’s sensitive paw pads. Try to keep your canine pal on soft surfaces, and wipe his paws down with a damp cloth after each walk. You may want to get your furry pal a pair of doggy booties to wear in extreme cold. In summer, hot asphalt and sand can hurt Fido’s paws. If your dog is a swimmer, you’ll want to be very careful with him after he gets out of the water. Immersion will make his paw pads very delicate and sensitive, and much more prone to damage.
Claws
Make sure not to let your four-legged pal’s claws get too long. Overgrown nails can make it hard for your pooch to get traction on slippery surfaces. They can also affect his gait, which, over time, can contribute to skeletal issues, such as arthritis. Many pet owners are nervous about clipping their dogs’ claws, for fear of hurting their canine pals. When trimming your pup’s nails, you’ll want to avoid cutting the quick, which is where nerves and blood vessels end. Start by making shallow cuts, and inspect the trimmings. When you start seeing a pale oval, stop. You can also get clippers that are equipped with sensors, which will take the guesswork out of the process. Of course, you can always book a quick ‘pawdicure’ session with your vet or groomer.
Toes
Fido’s cute, furry little toes need a bit of attention as well. Check between your dog’s toes regularly to make sure there are no pebbles or other objects stuck between them. If your pup has tufts of fur growing between his toes, keep that trimmed back. Otherwise it can get tangled or matted, which can be quite painful for your poor pooch.
If your dog does injure his paws, contact your vet immediately!
Do you have questions about caring for your canine buddy? As your local Crown Point vet clinic, we are always here to help. Contact us any time!
