Do you have a furry best buddy who waits for you to come home, and then jumps for joy and happily greets you with tail wags and doggy kisses? As a devoted pet parent, it’s only natural for you to want to take every step possible to keep your canine friend happy and healthy.
Fido’s feet may not be the first things that come to mind when you think about caring for your furbaby, but his paws do need some attention. In this article, a local Carenco veterinarian discusses doggy paw care.
Weather
Summertime heat can be very harsh on dogs’ paws. Use a paw balm or wax to protect your Fido’s feet in hot weather, and try to avoid walking him on hot asphalt, gravel, or tar. If Fido swims, keep him off hot surfaces when he gets out of the water. Immersion will make those paw pads very delicate and sensitive, which means Fido’s paws will be much more susceptible to burns, scrapes, and blisters.
Claws
Overgrown nails can affect Fido’s gait. Over time, they can contribute to bone and joint disorders, such as osteoarthritis. Make sure to keep Fido’s claws trimmed! If you’re nervous about doing it yourself, call us to schedule a quick ‘peticure’! You can also get a clipper equipped with a sensor.
These will indicate exactly where to clip. This way, you don’t have to worry about cutting the quick, which is where Fido’s nerves and blood vessels end. If you are using a regular clipper, make several shallow cuts, and inspect each trimming. When you see a pale oval in the center, stop. Keep styptic pens or powder on hand, just in case you do cut too far!
General
If Fido has cute little tufts of fur between his toes, keep them trimmed, so they don’t form painful mats and tangles. You’ll also want to check between those furry little toes regularly to make sure there is nothing lodged between them.
If your dog gets a minor scrape or cut on his paw, clean it gently with an antiseptic wash. Anything more than a very light cut should immediately be seen by a vet. It’s very important that paw wounds be treated correctly, so they don’t become infected.
Does Fido need his claws trimmed? Call us any time! As your local Carenco veterinary clinic, we are always here to help!
