Pampering Your Pooch’s Paws:
Why Your Dog Needs a Paw-Di-Cure Too!
by www.SixWise.com

Your dog’s pads are an engineering marvel, uniquely designed to withstand rough terrain while cushioning joints and protecting bones. In fact, your pooch’s paws are covered in the toughest skin on his body, which is a good thing considering how much of a beating most dog’s paws take on a daily basis.

Imagine, for a second, walking barefoot for an entire day … including on a long walk down a gravely road or hiking trail, in the snow and ice or, come summer, on the hot pavement.

You see, while dog’s paws are made for walking, they are not invincible.

Exposure to heat and cold, road salt and foreign objects like glass or gravel can easily lead to cuts, bruises, burns, blisters, abrasions, chaffing, cracking and puncture wounds on your dog’s feet.

This is why it’s so important to schedule regular “paw-di-cures” for your pooch. Doing so will not only help you recognize early warning signs of paw injury, but will help prevent them from occurring. And there’s no need to go out for a pricy grooming visit, either. You can perform a paw-di-cure for your pooch right in the comfort of your own home.

7 Top Tips to Care for Your Dog’s Paws

1. Check for Foreign Objects

Pebbles, bits of glass, thorns and other debris can become lodged between your dog’s paws, so get in the habit of checking between your dog’s toes for debris regularly.

2. Trim Excess Hair

Some dogs have long hair growing between their pads, which can become matted. You should keep the hair trimmed even with the pads.

3. Keep Nails Trimmed

If your dog is active and spends a lot of time walking outdoors, his nails may stay “trimmed” naturally. But for dogs that are less active or spend more time indoors (or have fast-growing nails), regular nail trims are necessary. You can typically tell your dog’s nails are too long if you can hear them clicking on the floor. If you’ve never trimmed your dog’s nails before, ask your vet or groomer for a quick lesson.

4. Moisturize Pads Regularly

Dog’s pads can quickly become dry, cracked and painful, which is why regular moisturizing is so important. However, do not use your own hand cream for this, as it can actually soften your dog’s paws, leaving them more prone to injury.

You’ll want to find a moisturizer that especially designed for dogs, such as the highly recommended bowWOW Butter Balm from GreenerWiener.com. This excellent, all-natural balm is designed to soothe and condition your dog’s dry, cracked paws using creamy Shea Butter, aloe and other natural ingredients like marshmallow, Indian frankincense, tea tree oil, burdock and comfrey. And because it’s all natural, it’s perfectly safe if your dog licks it off.

You may also apply bowWOW Butter Balm as a preventative measure to paws or to your dog’s nose to keep it soft and moist. It even helps to provide relief for hot spots, eczema and insect bites, making it a must-have for every pet owner.

5. Ease Your Dog Into Longer Walks or Runs

If your dog is new to hiking, running or long walks, start out slowly to give his pads time to toughen up -- likewise if you’ll be testing out any new terrain.

6. Avoid Extreme Temperatures and Chemicals

Even if your dog is a seasoned walker, extremely hot pavement or roads covered with salt and chemical ice melters or fertlizers can burn and damage his paws. Ideally, avoid taking your dog for walks in extreme temperatures or if there are chemicals on the pathway.

If you think your dog has walked through any chemicals or salt, be sure to wash his paws in warm water as soon as you come home.

7. Know When to Apply First Aid, and When to Go to the Vet

Scrapes, minor burns, and small wounds (less than half-inch long) to your dog’s paws are quite common and can be cared for safely at home. First be sure to remove any debris, then clean the area with a natural antiseptic such as Quick Fix Antiseptic Blend from GreenerWiener.com.

This particular antiseptic spray for dogs contains lemon, cypress, tea tree, lavender and thyme, all essential oils that are regenerative and anti-infectious. Because they are in a water base, they are rapidly absorbed -- unlike with other salves and creams that your pet may quickly lick off. Quick Fix Antiseptic Blend’s gentle mist covers and soothes the entire affected area, working right away to help prevent infection.

If necessary, you may then wrap the area with a light bandage.

For more serious wounds or burns, you should see your vet immediately.

Using common sense and proper preventive care will keep your dog’s pads healthy and injury-free. As the ASPCA points out, “keep this simple tip in mind -- if you wouldn’t like to walk on it barefoot, neither will your dog!”

Finally, if you really want to pamper your pooch, you can even incorporate regular pad massages into your routine! Many dogs love to have their pads rubbed, just like we humans enjoy a good foot rub from time to time, providing a simple way to bond with (and spoil) your pooch!

Recommended Reading

Dental Care for Pets: Do You Need to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth, Too?

Pet Obesity is Now the Leading Cause of Preventable Death in Dogs and Cats

How to Keep Your Dog’s Ears Clean and Healthy

Sources

ASPCA.org

DogTopics.com