Paw-Friendly Tips For Your Pooch

Of course, you already know that dogs have paws and that those paws are extremely sensitive and need careful looking after. For the most part, your furry friend knows how to look after their own paws, but sometimes they may need a little help from you, to keep everything comfortable and in working order.

When your pet has a problem with their paw, either due to a condition or an injury, they’re not going to be happy within themselves, and it’s going to make them pretty grouchy at best. Because you love your pet as part of your family, knowing how to help them stay comfortable is vital.

Here are a few tips on how to look after your dog’s paws:

• Check their nails aren’t too long– Depending upon the breed of your dog, you may be able to clip your dog’s nails yourself or you might need to take them to your vet instead. Either way, make sure that your dog’s nails don’t click on the ground when they walk. This is a sign they’re too long and could easily become caught on something and rip off.

• Check their hair isn’t too long – The hair around your dog’s paws can easily become stuck together and even matted, especially if they’re out and about in the mud. When this happens, it can be a little painful for your furry friend, so keep an eye on it and comb the hair which grows between the pads regularly. If you notice it is becoming too long, just give it a trim.

• Clean your dog’s paw pads– Not every dog is happy with you touching their paws, but if your dog will let you, regularly check between the pads to ensure nothing is caught or stuck. It’s easy for small stones or other items to get lodged, and you might just need to grab a small pair of tweezers and carefully remove something that might cause your pet a little discomfort otherwise.

• Give your dog a little pampering– Ask your vet for a doggy moisturizer (don’t use human ones) and regularly apply to the pads to stop them from becoming dry and cracking. When this happens it’s easy for infection to occur, or simply discomfort, which you don’t want to happen. It’s also a good idea to give the pads a little massage at the same time because it can help to boost circulation. Total pampering!

You will certainly notice if your pooch is experiencing problems with their paws because they will limp, bite at their paws, lick them more than normal, and be a little low in mood. Be sure to get anything you’re not sure of checking out with your vet, to help your pet remain pain-free as much as possible.