Caring for Fido’s Paws

Has your dog learned any cute paw tricks, such as Shake or High Five? Does Fido place his furry foot on your thigh when he wants attention or to respectfully request pets, walks, or treats? Fido’s hairy feet have become his unofficial symbol; we frequently utilize paw prints to indicate that particular things or works of art are for or about dogs. Those paws are extremely important to your pet’s health and well-being. This article contains information from a local Deer Park, TX veterinarian about how to care for your dog’s paws.

Should I Clean Fido’s Paws After Each Walk?

It’s not a bad idea to clean your dog’s feet down after a stroll. In the summer, this might help to remove dust and pollen. If your pet suffers from allergies, this will be quite beneficial, as it will reduce the amount of allergens he’s carrying around.

Winter isn’t usually a big problem here in Texas, but it’s something to keep in mind if you travel. Fido can suffer painful burns and abrasions over the winter from salt, sand, and chemical de-icers.

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

If your dog is a good boy, you may be able to teach him to wash his own paws! 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 and some praise for playing along! Consult your veterinarian for training tips.

Should I Moisturize My Canine Buddy’s Paws?

Yes! It’s important for you to keep Fido’s lovely tiny toe beans moisturized to avoid cracks and chafing. It 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 numerous acceptable products available in stores and online. Or, simply 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. Place in a small pot or double boiler over low heat. Stir frequently until everything is melted and nicely combined. 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.

Don’t worry if you run out. In a pinch, you can use olive oil, coconut oil, or even Vaseline.

How Do You Care For A Dog’s Paw?

Fido will require frequent pawdicures to keep his nails from becoming too long. This is more significant than many people understand. Overgrown claws can be very uncomfortable for your canine companion. They will also alter the angle of your pet’s toes against the ground. That can lead to a variety of problems. For starters, your dog will struggle to get traction, particularly if he is walking or running on slippery ground. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of your pet slipping and falling, which you certainly do not want.

Another issue with overgrown claws is that they can cause your pet’s weight and/or stride to change 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 likely to become ripped and torn. This can result in painful (and possibly dangerous) infections. Ask your Deer Park, TX vet for more information. 

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

We’ve discussed why it’s so vital to cut your dog’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 dog on board.

Begin by just caressing his paws. Give him a tasty treat as you do this. 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. Tricks can also be quite useful here. Teach your pup that he’ll get a delicious snack for giving you his paw.

At first, do nothing. Simply hold his 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 feet and make the clippers ‘click’ until he gets acclimated to the sound. Give a treat, a head pat, and a compliment.

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.

If your pet is particularly resistant to having his feet played with, try to entice him. You may have seen videos of people using peanut butter and other treats to distract Fido. If you pick peanut butter, make sure it doesn’t include xylitol, which is hazardous to dogs.

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 pet’s nerves and blood vessels.

How Can I Protect My Dog’s Paws?

Simple attentiveness is probably your best option. When walking your pet, keep an eye on the landscape. If it’s freezing or hot outside, stay on soft grass as much as possible. In the summer, avoid hot surfaces. This is especially true after your pet has been swimming. When dogs’ paws get wet, they become exceedingly fragile, much like our skin. Fido might develop blisters rapidly after being in the water.

Should I Put Boots on Fido?

Honestly, that is entirely up to Fido. If your pet 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 My Canine Buddy’s Paws Are OK?

Of course, if you notice your dog hobbling or favoring his paws, there is obviously a problem. Aside from that, simply get into the practice of checking those furry feet over. This can easily be included in snuggle time or trick training sessions. Check for bumps, bruises, wounds, and blisters. Keep a look out 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 veterinarian.

Should I Cut My Dog’s Toe Fur?

You may 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 Deer Park, TX veterinarian for further information.

Make An Appointment At Our Deer Park, TX Animal 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 Deer Park, TX pet hospital, at any time!