Does your dog know adorable paw tricks like Shake or High Five? Does Fido place his furry foot on your thigh when he wants attention or to request pets, walks, or treats? Fido’s furry feet have become his unofficial emblem, as we often utilize paw prints to indicate that particular things or works of art are for or about dogs. Those paws are very important to your canine friend’s health and well-being! This article contains information from a local Fernley, NV veterinarian about how to care for your dog’s paws.

Should I Wipe Fido’s Paws After Each Walk?

Cleaning your dog’s feet down after a stroll is not a bad idea. In the summer, this might help to remove dust and pollen. If your furry pal suffers from allergies, this will be quite beneficial. You’ll also have less muddy pawprints to deal with!

This also helps remove salt, sand, and chemicals. Fido can suffer painful burns and abrasions over the winter from salt, sand, and chemical de-icers. If feasible, choose pet-friendly de-icing products, which are kinder on your pooch’s feet.

A simple solution is to put pet wipes or clean rags and a spray bottle of water by the door. Teach your canine friend that he’ll get a snack if he lets you wipe his feet.

If your canine companion is a very well-behaved pup, you may even be able to teach him to wipe his own feet! This will be easier if you have a bath mat or thick doormat near the door you and Fido enter and exit through. Remember to give your pooch a treat! Consult your veterinarian for training tips.

Should I Moisturize My Dog’s Paws?

Yes! To avoid cracks and chafing, moisturize Fido’s adorable tiny toe beans. This can also protect your dog’s skin from hot or abrasive surfaces.

What Is the Best Thing to Put on Your Dog’s Paws?

You’ll want to use paw balm or paw wax. There are plenty of appropriate products. Or, you can make your own! The AKC has this recipe on their website:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive, sunflower, or sweet almond oil.
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil.
• 1 tablespoon of shea butter.
• 4 tablespoons beeswax

Melt the oils, shea butter and beeswax in a small pot or double boiler over low heat. Stir frequently until everything is melted and nicely mixed. Next, pour the mixture into little tubes or tins. Allow to cool until hard, then label it. This is also a great present for Fido’s friends, though you should note the ingredients in case any of the dogs or their owners have allergies.

You don’t have to go all out, however. In a pinch, use olive oil, coconut oil, or even Vaseline.

How Do I Care For My Dog’s Claws?

Fido will require frequent pawdicures to keep his nails from becoming too long. This is more significant than most people understand. Overgrown claws can be very uncomfortable for your four-legged companion. They will also alter the angle of your canine buddy’s toes against the ground. That can lead to a variety of troubles.

For starters, your canine companion will struggle to get traction, particularly if he is walking or running on slippery ground. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of your furry pal slipping and falling.

Another problem with claws that are too long is that they can make your furry friend change his stride or change how he holds his weight over time. That’s also uncomfortable. Furthermore, it might cause or exacerbate bone/joint problems such as arthritis.

Last but not least, lengthy nails are more vulnerable to getting ripped and torn. This can result in painful (and perhaps hazardous) infections.

How Do I Get Fido To Accept Having His Claws Clipped?

We’ve discussed why it’s so vital to cut your beloved pet’s nails. If you try to explain this to him, you’ll probably get a cute head tilt and a bewildered expression. It may take some time, patience, coaxing, and, well, bribery to get your pooch on board.

Begin by just caressing his paws. Give him a tasty treat as you do this. Tricks can also be quite useful here. You want Fido to believe he’ll get something tasty for letting you handle his paws. Choose something high-quality, such as a bite of steak or deli meat.

At first, do nothing. Just hold Fido’s paws, give him his treat, and let him go. Once he’s accustomed to this, introduce the clippers. Do not cut right away. Run them over his paws and make the clippers ‘click’ until he gets acclimated to the sound. Give a treat, a head pat, and a compliment. Keep repeating this.

Once Fido appears to have calmed down, you can begin clipping. Keep in mind that you don’t have to complete all four paws at once. You can do one at a time and continue rotating. This may be more effective if your canine companion will only sit for a few moments.

If your furry bff hates having his feet played with, you can entice him. You may have seen videos of people using peanut butter and other treats to distract Fido. This may work, but there are a few limitations. If you pick peanut butter, make sure it doesn’t include xylitol, which is hazardous to dogs. And use a plate, not your head or the shower wall.

Regardless of what you do or what type of clippers you use, keep styptic powder available in case of bleeding. Also, ask your veterinarian to demonstrate proper procedures. This can assist you avoid cutting the quick, which connects your canine buddy’s nerves and blood vessels.

How Can I Protect Fido’s Paws?

Your best option is to be vigilant. When walking with your companion, keep an eye on the landscape. Stay on soft grass as much as possible if it’s freezing or hot outside. In the summer, avoid surfaces that are too hot. This goes double after your furry friend has been swimming. When dogs’ paws get wet, they become very fragile, much like our skin. Fido might develop blisters running around just after being in the water.

Should I Put Boots on Fido’s Feet?

Honestly, that is best left up to Fido. If your furry pal tolerates them, boots can be an excellent way to protect his feet. However, you do not want to force it.

How Can I Tell If Fido’s Paws Are OK?

Performing routine paw exams on your four-legged buddy is always beneficial. Of course, if you notice your dog hobbling or favoring his paws, there may be a problem. Aside from that, just get into the practice of checking things over. This can be included in snuggle time or trick training sessions. Check for bumps, bruises, wounds, ticks, and blisters. Look for foreign items, including ticks, thorns, foxtail grasses, and gum. You can use antiseptic to treat a minor scrape at home, but anything more serious should be seen by a Fernley, NV veterinarian.

Should I Cut Fido’s Toe Fur?

You might want to. We know those little tufts are adorable. However, they can pick up items such as gum or ice balls, resulting in uncomfortable mats. Contact your Fernley, NV veterinarian for further information.

Make An Appointment At Our Fernley, NV Pet Clinic

Do you have any queries about care for your canine companion’s feet? Is Fido due for a visit to our animal clinic? Please feel free to contact us, your Fernley, NV pet hospital, at any time!