Perfecting The Art Of Pawdicure: How To Maintain Your Canine's Paws And Nails

A pleasant mani and pedi can be a calming act of self-care.  This simple bit of pampering can make you feel more put together and feel like you're in a position to put your best foot forward, literally.

So how about your canine pal? Your canine spends much of their time walking with no protection between their paws and the ground. Sure, they have tougher feet than we do, and they're not going to invite you to a mani and pedi session. Frequent grooming appointments, dental care, and brushing are all necessary for your dog's wellbeing, but quality nail and paw care is just as important.

Why Regular Paw Care Should Be A Priority?

First things first, healthy paws = happy canine. 

Overgrown nails, dry and broken paw pads are some of the things that might drive your canine mad. If your canine is continually licking or chewing on his or her paws, it's a warning that something is wrong.

Beyond ease, neglecting the nails and paws of your canine carries substantial health risks. Dry paw pads will gradually crack and break, making it easy for germs and parasites to access. Overgrown nails can reduce the traction of your canine and make walking difficult. Over time, this may lead to severe muscle or tendon damage.

How To Get Started With Paw and Nail Care

Giving your canine a complete pedicure (yes, pedicure for your fur babies!) can be a calming activity for your dog when it's done properly, and it can also serve to reinforce your connection with them. However, even a few simple steps will go a long way towards maintaining your canine’s paws. 

1. Examine Your Canine's Paws Frequently.

This may sound intuitive, but looking at their paws will help you detect issues. Check for debris, pebbles, or other detritus that can easily be caught between paw pads. Often, watch for abrasions, bruises, or other damage to the pads or skin between them.

2. Know When Your Canine Needs A Nail Trim 

There's no quick answer as to how often you should trim your canine’s nails. Activity level, the types of surfaces on which they walk daily (e.g. lawn vs. pavement) and breed will all influence the development of the nails.

The best way to know if it may be time for a trim is to look at your canine while he's standing with all four paws on the ground. You want to make sure the tip of their nail to be just above ground. On hardwood or ceramic floors, do you hear your canine's nails clicking? This is another sure indication that it's time for their nails to be trimmed.

Trimming Your Canine’s Nails at Home

A delicate pink nail bed, also known as the quick, can be found in each of your canine's nails. Cutting their nail too short will damage this region and cause it to bleed, causing an unpleasant circumstance for you and your canine. However, with proper technique, trimming your canine nails yourself can be a pain-free experience for both of you. You should check out the many grooming tools that Pet Master has to offer.

The Basics of Nail Trimming

-Firstly, take one of your canine’s paw in your hand and put your thumb under its paw of your canine's toe and your forefinger on the top of the toe, above the nail.

-Slowly work your thumb up and down (towards your forefinger) when moving your forefinger gently forward. This will extends the nail.

-Clip the tip of the nail, straight across, with the other hand. Do not cut deeper than where the nail begins to curl downwards; this raises the chance of cutting the quick.

-Repeat the entire process for the remaining nails and you’re done! 

Still Apprehensive About Trimming Your Canine's Nails?

That's all right, too. At-home trimming is not the best move for every owner or canine. If you or your canine are too anxious, asking a pro to do a job will save you all a lot of anxiety.

Here at Pet Master, we provide skilled and professional pet grooming services for pets as we believe that every pet's soul exists in the same way that we humans do. They have feelings, so we are always looking to give and pet a nice and calming pet grooming experience with us. 

Our professional and welcoming groomers are always delighted to offer advice and tips for keeping your canine's paws happy between visits.

Curious about what grooming services and spa treatments we have over at Pet Master? Do click here to find out more!

We will even transport your furry friends to and from their grooming appointment at no extra cost if you live in the Eastside, score! (Not to worry, transport can still be offered if you live in other regions of Singapore-charges will range from $10-$15).

Book your appointment with Pet Master today! 

Tags: Grooming