Basic Dog Care - Paw Care
Snip
and Trim
Trim paw hair
regularly to avoid painful matting. Simply comb hair out, especially from
between the toes, and trim even with the pads.
Rock salt and
chemical ice melters can cause sores, infection and blistering. Toxic chemicals
can also be ingested by your dog when he licks his paws. After outdoor walks,
wash your dog’s paws in warm water to rinse away salt and chemicals. You may
wish to apply Vaseline, a great salt barrier, to the foot pads before each
walk—or make sure your dog wears doggie boots.
Summertime
Care
To prevent burns
and blisters, avoid walking your dog on hot pavement or sand. Signs include
blisters, loose flaps of skin and red, ulcerated patches. For minor burns,
apply antibacterial wash and cover the paw with a loose bandage. For serious
burns, visit your vet immediately.
Clean
In Between
Foreign objects
can become lodged in your dog’s pads. Check regularly between toes for
foxtails, pebbles, small bits of broken glass and other debris. These pesky
items can usually be removed with a pair of tweezers.
Deep
Paw Massage
Similar to giving
a human hand massage, a paw massage will relax your dog and promote better
circulation. Start by rubbing between the pads on the bottom of the paw, and
then rub between each toe. Your dog will be forever grateful for the extra TLC!
Apply
First Aid
It's not unusual
for dogs to suffer cuts or other wounds from accidentally stepping on glass,
debris or other objects. Wounds that are smaller than a half inch in diameter
can be cleaned with an antibacterial wash and wrapped with a light bandage. For
deeper paw cuts, see the vet for treatment.
Pamper
With Pedicures
Your dog's nails
should just about touch the ground when she walks. If her nails are clicking or
getting snagged on the floor, it's time for a pedicure. Ask your veterinarian
or a groomer for advice about what types of nail trimmers are best for your dog
and how to use them properly.
Ticks and Flea Control
The
dog’s paws are the best place for ticks and flea to hide and breed. Check your
dog’s paws thoroughly for ticks and flea and make sure to keep the paws clean.