Dog Paw Protection"Dog paw protection is essential for dogs with sensitive paws, exposed to cold weather or that often walk on hard surfaces. Dog boots and a topical remedy can also be of help. " We may not think about it, but our dogs go “barefoot” all the time, and sometimes they need dog paw protection. In hot weather, hot pavement can burn their paws. In winter, walking on sidewalks that have been de-iced can lead to dry, chapped paws. This can encourage dogs to lick their feet, and ingesting the salt residue can lead to gastrointestinal upset. In all kinds of weather, dogs can get burrs, thorns, and other things stuck in their feet, causing them pain and difficulty walking. Tips for Dog Paw ProtectionHere are some tips for protecting your pet’s paws:* Inspect your dog’s paws regularly. If you notice any small cuts, wash them with an antiseptic soap. If there are large cuts or cuts are bleeding excessively, your dog should see a veterinarian. * Keep your dog’s nails trimmed so they do not catch on anything and tear. If you don’t know how to trim your dog’s nails, ask your vet to show you, or take your dog to a groomer. * Watch for hazards in the terrain where you walk your dog. If you walk him in the city, watch for things like broken glass, gravel, and sharp concrete. If you walk him in the country, watch for sharp rocks, burrs, and thorns. If something becomes lodged in your dog’s paw, remove it with tweezers and wash the paw well with antiseptic soap. If the wound is large or bleeds excessively, see your vet. * Frequently exercising your dog on hard surfaces such as concrete can cause sore feet. Applying a moisturizing lotion or petroleum jelly may help, but keep an eye on your dog’s paw pads and on his tolerance for the activity. * In hot weather, don’t walk your dog on asphalt or blacktop. Walk him in grassy areas where he won’t burn his feet. * In winter weather, if your dog walks on surfaces that have been de-iced, wipe his paws with a wet wipe when he comes inside to remove any salt or residue. If his paw pads are dry, chapped, or cracked, you can apply a moisturizing lotion or petroleum jelly. You can purchase boots for your dog for dog paw protection in winter, apply Mushers Wax or even apply some Pam or other unflavored non-stick cooking spray. * In snowy weather, balls of ice can form between the toes, especially if there is long hair there. You can trim the hair to reduce the formation of ice there. You should make sure to remove all ice from your dog’s feet when he comes inside from a walk. * Only use pet safe ice melt. Chemicals in street salt and sand that prevents slipping can burn your dog's footpads, leading her to lick and ingest harmful chemicals. Wash her paws with warm water after walking outside. Check for frostbite, too.
Dog Paw Protection is provided by using dog boots when outdoors in winter. This keeps snow and ice balls from forming in the dog paws. * A topical conditioner such as Musher's Secret Paw Care Products may be used alone for dogs walking on less rugged terrain, in conjunction with boots, or for dogs with particularly sensitive feet. * If your dog is limping or appears to be in pain, see your vet. During recovery a natural homeopathic topical such as PawPaw could provide additional support along with methods recommended by your veterinarian. Swollen Dog Paw TipsA swollen dog paw due to insect bites, or puncture wounds from thorns or other sharp objects is common. Any skin puncture could introduce infection into the wound, requiring that the area be cleaned with Hydrogen Peroxide or a natural dog wound cleaner such as Clenzor.Have A Dog Paw Related Question For Our Editors?
Do you have a Dog Paw related question for our Editors or a Helpful Story to Share? Please include information such as medical history (describe visits to vet and any diagnosis/test results), age, sex, breed, medications your dog is taking, recent changes in behavior (lethargy, appetite), etc. From Dog Paw Protection to Dog Health Guide Home |
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