Of course, we humans use shoes to protect our feet. We insist on it! But dogs usually don't have that luxury, and routinely walk over ice, rock, grass, cement and soil on their bare paws. Their paws' thick pads give them protection we don't have, and that's why they're less susceptible to cuts and grazes. But this doesn't mean a dog's paws are indestructible. In fact, the areas between the pads are very sensitive and can suffer from cuts, burns, and other ailments.
One of the clues to a paw problem is when your dog comes back limping or favoring only one of its legs. The only way for you to narrow down the issue is to check his paw for any visible and physical signs of bleeding, swelling, redness or blisters.
Some dogs are very protective of their paws and don't like people touching them -- and they'll let you know! Keep persisting. One of my dogs, who just hates having her paws touched, will usually relax when I gently reassure her that I'm only trying to help. Although dogs don't understand many of our words, they do just fine at detecting our emotions, and sometimes intentions, from our actions and tone of voice.
If your dog has a cut, wash the wound with an antiseptic solution and apply a layer of antiseptic cream. Check the wound again the next day to see if it's getting better. If it looks infected, you should bring your dog to the vet. I was once shocked to discover maggots wiggling inside a paw wound on my dog -- ugh. Needless to say, we went to the vet immediately (she was fine after treatment).
In certain breeds, hair mats may grow between the pads, which can cause irritation. In these breeds, it's essential to trim regularly between the mats to keep the paws in good shape. Even in other breeds, dogs that run outdoors can get mud trapped between the pads. Again, this will irritate the paw, so it's best that you clean up with soap and water when you see mud between the toes.
Just as we humans get dry and cracked heels, dogs also experience dry and calloused paw pads. The solution for them is similar to ours -- apply moisturizers. In fact, you can even use your hand moisturizer on your dog! But there's a challenge involved: stopping your dog from licking it away after you apply it. A good trick is to apply the moisturizer right before your dog has his meal. This way, you can allow a little time for the moisturizer to settle in. Otherwise, you can play with your pooch to keep him occupied and restrain him if he starts licking his paws.
Finally, you probably have seen dogs in dog boots and wondered if these boots would effectively protect your dog's feet. But your dog may be better off without them, as they can easily walk out of these boots -- active, athletic dogs in particular. In the end, your dog will enjoy himself more walking on his own paws, with some occasional care and maintenance from you.
About the Author
Blake Kritzberg is proprietor of Poodle-oo: fashion for toy dogs. Stop by for toy dog couture and home decor, fashion for toy dogs and the Toy Dog Blog.
whole house cleaning Deerfield ..Itch, itch. Scratch, scratch, scratch. Does that sound familiar? Hopefully... Read More
Boy or Girl?How can you tell whether your Goldfish is... Read More
Bringing home a new puppy, ushers in a wave of... Read More
Gain some insight into how your favorite feline actually feels... Read More
Did you know that your goldfish can live for over... Read More
Ok, so everyone who stays on top of the show... Read More
For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides... Read More
For heat dissipation and body cooling, a horse trotting at... Read More
The information in this article is based on the successful... Read More
Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.Play provides... Read More
Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More
All breeds and sizes of dogs can be taught easily... Read More
If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy,... Read More
How important is a dog name? Well let's think about... Read More
The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of... Read More
A dog that is feeling pain can often be highly... Read More
1. What is heat?Heat is more properly called the estrous... Read More
Are cats and children a good mix?So, you had a... Read More
I know there are differing opinions on the subject of... Read More
Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, pugs, chihuahuas, pekingese,... Read More
If you have never seen a Shar Pei before, the... Read More
I would like to write a few words about my... Read More
Presently, and throughout the 1990s a phenomena swept through the... Read More
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with... Read More
home cleaning services Des Plaines ..The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500... Read More
Do you have some adult discus fish and want to... Read More
Unfortunately, there are a number of household items which we... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More
Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as... Read More
A pet can be as important a member of the... Read More
As much as you love the sound of your new... Read More
Most of the diseases that threaten goldfish can be cured.... Read More
Which cat food should you feed your cat to be... Read More
Did you know that pets outnumber people in the United... Read More
A dog that is feeling pain can often be highly... Read More
Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More
I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More
I know there are differing opinions on the subject of... Read More
Much has been written about the Discus, or Symphysodon aequifasciatus,... Read More
The large animal organizations and the public money.It is said... Read More
It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
Dogs are quite amiable creatures. Much like our human counterparts,... Read More
Believe it or not boutiques for dogs are everywhere. Nowadays,... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
We have all grown up with at least one hero... Read More
Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More
I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years,... Read More
Pet |