Protecting your dogs paws

It is a fact that people wear shoes to cover and protect their feet. Well, it is practical. Your poor dog doesn’t really have that choice and regularly has to walk over rough surfaces such as snow, ground, concrete, jagged rocks and mud with their paws. Although your dog’s paws have thick pads to protect them they are still susceptible to injury burns and cuts.

You can probably notice paw problems when your favourite pet starts to limp or begins to favour a certain leg. The first thing to do is visually inspect the paws for any visible damage or wear. Look for blood, discoloration or swelling.

You better be careful though, as some dogs do not like their paws being touched. But if you persist and are masterful the dog should obey. My dog dislikes his paws being touched, but with a bit of stroking and some affection he normally gives in. Obviously dogs don’t understand our language or words but they seem to pick up on our intentions and emotions from our movements and voice tone.

For any paw cuts, clean the wound with an anti septic solution applying some cream if necessary. Regularly inspect the wound for repair or infection. If an infection appears a quick call to the vets maybe necessary.

It was disgusting once to find horrible maggots wriggling around in a wound on my dog’s paw once. This was definitely a case for the vet, and luckily it was sorted very quickly.

Some certain dog breeds have some mats of hair growing between their pads, which can create some irritation. With these dogs it is necessary to regularly to trim the mats, keeping your pet’s paws in good condition.

Mud caught between the pads can also cause some irritation to the paws. It is very easy to clean out the mud with some soap and water.

The same as people dogs can get dry cracked heels and dry pads with calluses. If this is the case apply some moisturiser. The only problem being is to prevent your pet from licking off the moisturiser after applying it. It may be a good idea to put the moisturiser on just before your pet has a meal, or by playing with your dog to take his mind off the idea of licking his paws.

In conclusion you may think of using dog booties and wonder if these would aid your dog’s paws and pads, but apart from looking a bit silly your dog needs to be able to run about freely.

At the end of the day all that is needed to care for your dog is some common sense and occasional care and some preventative measures.