The Importance of Paw Care For Dogs

If there’s anything cuter than our dogs’ faces, it has to be their paws pads. You might be surprised to know that these cute, squishy features provide more than just a padding for our doggos to walk on. 

Apart from absorbing shock to protect the bones and joints in the feet and legs when our dogs run, walk and jump, they also help our dogs to recognise the type of terrain they are treading on, and provide balance for walking on slippery and steep surfaces. 

Your dog responds to irritations on his paws by licking and biting at them, which can lead to ingesting harmful chemicals that he has treaded on, cause an injury, or aggravate an existing one. When a paw injury goes unnoticed and untreated, they can cause infection and severely affect your dog’s health. It is therefore important to keep a dog’s paw clean and protected to ensure good health. Keep an eye out for possible causes of paw injuries and learn how to avoid them!

​​​​​​​5 TYPES OF PAW INJURY AND IRRITATION

• Cracked Paws

The skin on a dog’s paws can crack when they dry out due to walking on rough and hot pavements. These paws may also be sensitive to household chemicals like carpet and floor cleaners; make sure that your cleaning solution are pet-afe.

• Burns and Blisters

A dog’s paws can get burned or blistered from walking on hot surfaces. Check the pavement’s temperature before letting your dog tread on it; only proceed with the walk if you can place your palm comfortably on surface for more than 10 seconds.

• Cuts and Abrasions

Although dog’s paws are made to withstand tougher conditions than our bare feet can, they are still vulnerable to sharp objects like small rocks, sticks, and debris. When you’re out for a walk with your fur friend, keep your eyes out for objects that could cut his paws! 

• Parasites

Apart from fleas, ticks are one of the most common parasites that can affect your dog. Ticks usually reside in areas with tall grass, and often latch themselves between your dog’s toes. If gone unchecked, these parasites not only will cause problems to your pet’s health but they can also potentially affect your household members.

• Allergies

The second most common topical canine allergy is grass pollen. Fortunately, having this allergy does not mean your dog can never walk on grass; its pollens are only released seasonally from unmown grass. If your dog starts scratching, biting or licking at its paws or isolated spots after a walk, it is possible your dog may have a grass allergy. This can easily be avoided by cleaning your pet’s paw with cleansing wipes after every walk. For a more thorough clean and for dogs with longer fur, it is recommended to get a paw washer to ensure that all dirt and allergens are removed.