May 3rd, 2023 by Shauna Hammond

Dogs' paws are an essential part of their anatomy and play a crucial role in their daily lives. They enable dogs to run, jump, play, and explore their surroundings. Therefore, it's crucial to take care of your furry friend's paws to ensure they remain healthy and happy. In this blog, we'll discuss the importance of taking care of your dog's paws and provide some tips on how to do so after all your dog is a member of the family, and they deserve the same level of care that you would provide to a human family member.

Why is it important to take care of your dog's paws?

Just as we regularly use our feet and when we injure them, or get blisters it can be very painful. Your dogs' paws are the same and they are susceptible to injuries and infections, which can be very painful and uncomfortable for your furry friend. Neglecting your dog's paws can also lead to long-term health problems, including mobility issues and chronic pain. Here are some reasons why it's crucial to take care of your dog's paws:

Protection: Your dog's paws have thick cushioned pads that protect their bones, muscles, and ligaments from the shock incurred while walking and running. They also provide insulation against hot and cold temperatures too – so if you fail to take good care of these paws then they will lose this valuable protection.

Traction: Dogs' paws also help to provide them with traction, enabling them to walk, run, and play without slipping.

Detection: Your dog's paws are highly sensitive and they can detect changes in their environment, such as temperature, texture, and terrain.

Communication: Your dog's paws can communicate how they are feeling through their body language. For example, if your dog is in pain, they may hold up their paw to indicate the problem.

Tips for taking care of your dog's paws:

Keep nails trimmed: Overgrown nails can cause pain and discomfort for your furry friend, if dogs’ nails are left too long this can add extra strain on joints and bones that can lead to arthritis, they also risk getting caught or snagged which can rip them causing bleeding and a lot of pain as I’m sure you can imagine. Regular nail trimming can prevent nail breakage and keep them from growing too long.

Getting your pup used to having their nails cut from a young age will make it a much easier and less stressful event for both you and your dog. Keep in mind when trimming nails, to take off a small section at the tip regularly rather than making big cuts less often. Try cutting in a straight line so they do not affect you when they are walking, keep in mind to not cut past the curve of the nails as this area known as the quick contains blood vessels if this is caught it can begin to bleed and can be very painful.

Clean paws regularly: Unlike us, dogs only have their pads for protection. They don’t have the advantage of wearing shoes or socks, as you can imagine dirt, debris and bacteria leading to infections. So be sure to wipe your dog's paws with a damp cloth after walks or playtime to keep them clean.

Moisturize: Exposure to the element’s paws can become dry and cracked, especially during the colder months. Applying a paw balm or coconut oil can keep your dog's paws moisturized and prevent painful cracking.

Check for injuries: It’s important when cleaning your pooch’s paws to be sure to regularly check your dog's paws for cuts, bruises, or foreign objects, such as splinters or rocks. If you notice any injuries, clean them with antiseptic and contact your veterinarian.

Regular grooming: Regular grooming, including trimming the hair between the paw pads and keeping the paw pads clean and dry, is also important to prevent matting and infection. So, when bathing your dog, take special care with their paws.

Taking care of your dog's paws is essential for their overall health and well-being. Following these tips ensures that your furry friend's paws remain healthy and comfortable after all our dogs make great companions and we want to keep them happy and healthy for as long as possible.