Caring for Your Dog’s Paws

Our canine pals have some very adorable feet! Fido can also learn some cute tricks with his paws, such as Shake and Gimme Five . Your furry pal’s paws are actually crucial to his health and well-being. After all, if your pooch develops paw problems, he won’t be able to run after his favorite toy or do a happy dance to greet you when you get home. Here, a Castle Hills, TX vet discusses doggy paw care.

Claws

Keep your pup’s claws trimmed! If Fido’s nails get too long, they could snag and tear on things. This can be quite painful, and can also cause infections. Overgrown nails are also very uncomfortable for dogs to walk on. Your four-legged friend may change his stride to compensate, which would put extra strain on his bones and joints. This can exacerbate or contribute to some very painful conditions, such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. Of course, many people aren’t comfortable giving their pets pawdicures. Consider getting clippers that have sensors in them. This will make it much easier, as they’ll indicate where to cut. Of course, you can also call your vet to schedule a quick nail trim for your canine buddy.

Toe Fur

Some dogs have tufts of fur growing between their toes. These can be quite cute, but you may want to trim them, as they can collect gunk and get matted. This can be quite uncomfortable for Man’s Best Friend!

Paw Pads

Fido’s paw pads are very sensitive. Your furry buddy can get some very painful burns or blisters by walking or running on hot surfaces! Use paw balm to protect your pet’s feet, and try to avoid walking him on hot tar or sand in summer. Take extra care with your canine friend after he has been swimming, as dogs’ feet are very delicate when they are wet.

Paw Check

Check your furry friend’s feet regularly. You’ll want to look for cuts, bumps, swelling, or insect bites. Keep an eye out for ticks as well, as sometimes they latch on to Fido’s feet. If you see something minor, like a scratch, you can treat it with antiseptic. Contact your vet for anything more serious.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care. As your Castle Hills TX, veterinary hospital, we are dedicated to providing great veterinary care!