How much do you know about dog paw care? This is something that many people never think about because the footpads are basically the toughest part of your pet's body. They absorb the shock from each step your pet takes to help reduce the pressure that's put on his joints.
Your pet's paws can be seriously injured and they are prone to punctures, abrasions, blisters and burns. They can also get things struck between their toes and their pads can become cracked and dry. For this reason, you should check your pet's pads to make sure they're in good shape.
Dog paw care is important and the following tips can help you take care of your pet better:
- Get in a habit of checking your pet's paws regularly.
- Look between their toes and examine their pad good and look for anything unusual. If anything is found stuck between the toes, gently remove it.
- Use an anti-bacterial wash mixed with water to clean any small cuts or abrasions and wrap the area lightly until it begins to heal.
- Apply anti-bacterial wash to any burns or blisters your pet may have due to walking on something hot and cover it with a clean bandage.
- Check bandages everyday and change them at least every two days.
- If your pet has cracked and dry pads you can buy a special moisturizer designed for dogs to help heal and soften them up a bit.
- Take steps to keep your yard as free of debris as possible and this will help to reduce the risk of your pet injuring his paws.
If your pet is injured in some way, take you time and handle him with caution. When a dog is in pain they may be tempted to bite even if they normally wouldn't. If you can't treat your pet's injury or if the pad is bleeding and it doesn't stop within a reasonable amount of time, then it's advised you take your pet to the vet for treatment. Dog paw care is vital to the health of your pet so learning how to care for them properly is a necessity.
