Doggy Paw Care Tips

Your dog’s paws are a crucial part of his physique, and are very important to his health and well-being. Those furry feet let Fido chase after his favorite toy when you play fetch, jump to greet you at the door, and keep him happily moving along on his daily walks! There are some simple but important precautions you can take to keep your pet’s paws in good condition. Read on for some great paw care advice from a Thorold, ON veterinarian.

Make sure to keep your furry buddy’s nails trimmed back. Overgrown claws can be very uncomfortable to our canine friends, and can make it hard for Fido to gain traction on slippery surfaces. If you’re uneasy doing it yourself, consider getting clippers that have sensors in them. These will take the guesswork out of determining where to cut. Of course, you can always just call us to schedule a quick pawdicure appointment.

Does your canine pal have those cute tufts of fur growing between his toes? Keep these trimmed back, as they can easily develop painful mats.

Summer and winter can both be hard on Fido’s paws. In summer, your canine friend can get painful burns or blisters by walking on hot surfaces, especially after going swimming. In winter, snow, salt, sand, and de-icing chemicals can all hurt your pet’s delicate paw pads. Try to keep your pooch on dirt or soft surfaces, and wipe his feet down with a damp cloth after each walk. Consider getting booties for your pooch to wear outdoors in bad weather. You can also use paw balm or wax to protect your furry pal’s paws.

Want to pamper your pooch? Give him a gentle paw massage. Fido may find this very relaxing!

Check Fido’s feet regularly for signs of injury or swelling. You’ll also want to make sure that your four-legged buddy doesn’t have anything stuck between his toes, like pebbles or other small objects. You can treat minor scratches yourself with antiseptic, but contact your vet for anything more than a light nick.

Fido can learn some super cute tricks. If your pet has basic doggy obedience down, consider teaching him to Shake Paws or Gimme Five .

Do you have any questions about dog care? Call us! As your Thorold, ON animal clinic, we are here to help.