Dog Paw Protection Tips

As a proud pup parent, nothing is more important than your dog’s safety and happiness. One area that’s easy to overlook is the need for dog paw protection. Explore some common paw problems, why paw care matters, and some tips for keeping those paws safe.

Common Paw Problems

The pads on your dog’s paws are tougher than the bottoms of your feet, but they aren’t indestructible. Here are some common issues that can affect them:

• Dryness: Dryness can occur for several reasons, including weather changes, walking on rough surfaces, and chemical exposure. When your dog’s paw pads dry out, they can start to crack, causing discomfort and making it painful to walk.
• Cracking: This symptom of untreated dryness can happen if your dog walks on hard surfaces for extended periods. It can also be caused by exposure to de-icing salts and other chemicals. Cracked paws can lead to infections if not treated promptly.
• Burns: When the air temperature is 95 degrees, the pavement can hit 140, enough to burn your dog’s paws. Burns can be extremely painful and may require veterinary care if severe.
• Injuries: Sharp objects like broken glass, rocks, and debris can cut or puncture your dog’s paws. These injuries can be painful and may lead to infections if not treated properly.
• Infections: Small cuts, cracks, and other injuries can become infected if not cleaned and treated. Infections cause swelling, redness, and pain. They may require antibiotics or other medical treatments to recover completely.
• Ingrown nails: Ingrown nails occur when a dog’s nail grows into the flesh of the paw. This can lead to inflammation, infection, and the inability to walk. If your dog is limping or their paw appears swollen and red, there might be an ingrown nail.

Tips for Protecting Your Dog’s Paws

Healthy paws allow your dog to walk, run, and play to their heart’s content. Ignoring paw health may impair your dog’s mobility and affect their quality of life. Prevent unnecessary pain and discomfort by keeping their paws in good shape. Here’s how.

Avoid Hot Surfaces

To protect your dog’s paws from burns, avoid walking on hot surfaces in the middle of the day. Instead, stick to grass and shaded areas for quick bathroom breaks. Reserve long walks for the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Before heading out, test the pavement with the back of your hand; if you can’t hold it there for more than five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Use Protective Gear

Dog booties add an extra layer of protection against hot pavement, sharp objects, and rough surfaces. It might take some time for your dog to get used to wearing booties, but they can be very effective at preventing injuries and burns. You might also try applying paw wax before walks to create a barrier that protects your dog’s pads from hot surfaces and prevents cracking.

Keep Paws Clean and Moisturized

Regularly clean your dog’s paws after walks to remove dirt and debris that might cause irritation or injury. Use a damp cloth to wipe each paw and check for signs of cuts or cracks. If you suspect exposure to chemicals or other harsh substances, consider soaking your dog’s paws in warm water with dog shampoo. Dry the paws with a towel and apply a  to keep the pads soft and prevent cracking.

Trim Your Dog’s Nails

Trimming every two to four weeks helps prevent ingrown nails. Use dog-specific nail clippers or a grinder and have styptic powder ready in case you accidentally cut too short. Choose a well-lit, quiet area and get your dog comfortable before starting. If possible, recruit an assistant to help the process go smoothly. Hold one paw gently and make small, gradual cuts, or gently grind the nails down. Praise and reward your dog with small treats throughout. If you have trouble, consider visiting a professional groomer for help.

Watch for Signs of Paw Problems

Be vigilant about your dog’s paw health by regularly inspecting for injury, burns, or infections. If your dog is limping, licking their paws excessively, or seems reluctant to walk, check their paws. Detecting and treating paw problems early prevents more serious issues in the long run.

Schedule Dog Training and Care

At Hilton Butler, we aim to improve every aspect of your dog’s health and behavior. Our family-owned and operated business has been serving the DFW area since 2005. During this time, we have built trust and long-term relationships with our clients. We offer a variety of puppy and dog training services ranging from basic obedience training to advanced distraction control and off-leash obedience.

We believe in keeping our promises and providing top-notch services to improve the lives of dogs and their owners. Schedule dog obedience and behavior training with us today and see how we make bad dogs good and good dogs better.