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Dog paw care – our tips for well-groomed paws!
Sep.
Unlike humans, dogs' paws do not have protective shoes separating them from the surfaces they walk on every day. And there are a lot of things lurking here that can seriously harm them, including broken glass, sand, thorns and chippings. This is accompanied by hot asphalt in summer and road salt and snow in winter. Correct dog paw care is therefore important.
But how can you protect your four-legged friend's paws, what should you pay attention to and what else should you take into account? We asked ourselves these questions for you in this article.
Dog paw care: The structure of dog paws
We want to start with the topic of paw care for dogs with the paws and their structure themselves. Because these already have a lot in their luggage to offer the four-legged friend a high level of protection when walking and running.
A dog has five toes on its front paws and four toes on its hind paws. The fifth toe on the front paw is called the dewclaw. It is located further up the leg. Some dog breeds may also have a dewclaw on their hind paws.
Each toe ends in a claw that constantly grows, like our fingernails and toenails. Therefore, the nails need to be trimmed regularly, especially if they do not wear down naturally, such as dogs that run primarily on soft grass or inside homes.
Each toe has its own pad (Torus). There are the pads of the fingers, the heel of the hand and the ball of the carpus. Each of these ball pads is made of a thick, fatty tissue that acts as a shock absorber and protective layer. The padding fabric also insulates against heat and cold and offers the dog good support on various surfaces.
The skin on the paws is thicker than other parts of the body to provide equal protection from rough and uneven surfaces. The sweat glands through which dogs sweat are also located here. Fur often grows between the toes and pads. In some breeds, the fur becomes particularly long and requires regular trimming when it comes to dog paw care to prevent matting and the collection of dirt and ice.
The paws are ultimately equipped with bones, joints, tendons and ligaments that give the toes flexibility and mobility. There are also blood vessels and nerves that supply the paws with nutrients and allow sensation.
Why is dog paw care so important?
The paws are constantly in contact with the ground and various surfaces. Regular dog paw care is essential to avoid and prevent injuries or skin diseases.
foreign bodies such as thorns, Awns (small ears of various types of grain or sweet grasses) or broken glass can quickly lead to serious injuries, while bacteria or fungi often cause infections. A lot of dirt, grime and moisture often accumulates, especially between the toes, which creates the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. In addition, depending on the weather, the bales will become cracked or dry if you do not care for them appropriately.
Claw trimming is also part of dog paw care. Claws that are too long can inevitably curl and dig into the dog's pad, causing pain and forcing the dog to adopt an unnatural posture when walking and running. This in turn has a damaging effect on the joints. Regular dog paw care also helps you detect and treat health problems such as skin diseases at an early stage.
Tip: If your dog noticeably often licks or nibbles on its paws, you should pay particular attention, because in this case there seems to be something wrong with them.
What is involved in dog paw care?
Important when caring for a dog's paws: routine. Get into the habit of checking their paws regularly. Look for cuts, tears, blisters, foreign bodies, swollen areas, or signs of infection. After every walk you should clean your four-legged friend's paws. All you need is lukewarm water and a mild dog shampoo. Then dry well to prevent the tissue from softening, which is also known as maceration. This reduces the risk of bacteria and yeast causing skin infections. Always check the areas between the toes carefully.
As already mentioned, trimming claws and treating pads are essential parts of dog paw care. If your dog's fur between his toes grows quickly and heavily, you should also trim it regularly. A gentle massage of the paws at the end can promote blood circulation and ensure well-being.
Dog paw care in summer
In summer, dog paw care looks a little different than in winter, although the basics such as cutting claws or trimming fur remain the same. This is mainly due to the hot asphalt, which makes walking the dog difficult at this time of year. Streets and sidewalks become extremely hot in the summer sun, which can cause burns. Before you start your walk, you should always check the asphalt temperature with your hand - if it's too hot for your palm, it's also too hot for your dog's paws. During these months, it's best to plan your walks in the cooler morning or evening hours or prefer to go for walks in shady parks or forests.
Additional paw protection is still essential, regardless of where and when you are out and about, but especially if you cannot avoid walking on the street. One is suitable for this paw balm, which protects the paws from the heat and which you apply before going outside. Special dog shoes can also help, but not every dog feels comfortable with them.
Also, make sure your dog always has access to fresh water, especially when he is active outside. Not only does this help with overall hydration, but it also keeps their paws healthy. If necessary, you can apply the paw balm again after the walk, paw check and cleaning to keep the paws supple.
Dog paw care in winter
In winter, road salt and its chemicals are the main challenge when caring for dogs' paws. Road salt, deicers, and other chemicals used in the winter can irritate dogs' paws and can even be dangerous if dogs lick them off. After every walk, you should definitely rinse the paws thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry them, also to remove ice crystals.
A paw balm creates a protective barrier against cold, snow and chemicals and also helps prevent or relieve cracks in the pads. If there are extreme cold conditions outside, you should move games and training sessions indoors.
Which products for dog paw care?
To care for your dog's paws, you should always have the right utensils to hand. This includes nail clippers, a hair trimmer, a mild dog shampoo, towels, disinfectant sprays and a paw balm like our paw cream SOOTHING BALM. This comes exclusively with natural ingredients such as shea butter and beeswax. On the one hand, it provides the dog's paws with a lot of moisture and, on the other hand, it has a moisturizing effect. It is also easy to apply and absorbs quickly.
When is it better to go to the vet for dog paw care?
If you feel unsure about caring for your dog's paws, particularly when it comes to nail trimming, seek advice from your veterinarian. You should also make an appointment immediately if you have injuries, foreign bodies that have penetrated the paw, ingrown claws, swelling or growths, or redness or blisters. The same applies to sudden limping, difficulty walking or visible pain.
Are you looking for more informative content about your furry friend? In our blog you will find detailed articles on the following topics:
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