5 Tips to Take Care of Your Pets Paws
It’s easy to think that pet's paws can withstand anything. They are designed to provide extra cushioning and protect their joints and bones, provide some insulation against extreme weather and aid walking on rough ground, but your pet's paws aren’t as invincible as you might think. Just like ours, they need to be taken care of and pampered. You wouldn’t walk across a burning hot parking lot or a snow-covered field without the proper protection, the same applies to your pooch. Paw pads need attention and care and it always helps to be aware of the nail length, any cracked pads and if there might be any objects stuck in between paw pads.
So, how do you keep their paws in PAWfect condition? Here are a few easy steps to follow all year round to protect your pet paws and to prevent problems such as torn nails, pad burns, and frostbite.
Trim
If all you can hear when your pet is walking is ‘click, click, click’, then is time to clip the nails. Nails should barely skim the ground. With a little bit of practice, you can do this yourself but if you don’t feel confident, most vets or groomers offer this service. Make sure to also trim the fur around the paws and between the toes.
Wipe off
Ice, snow, salt, and other chemicals found on the streets can be harmful to a pet’s paws. Always make sure to wipe their paws when they come inside after the daily walks, hiking or a day at the beach. If you take your dog out into the snow, try to put snow booties on. In summer, put your palm on the ground and hold for 5 seconds, if it is ok for your hand then it's ok for paws.
Examine
When walking, hiking or at the beach with your dog, always pay attention to their paws and how they’re walking. Sometimes they can step on something sharp that can lacerate their paw pads or the paws themselves. Things like glass, metals, thorns or burs can get stuck in their paws while on walks. Always check their paws and pads after every adventure.
Routine
By nature, pets don’t like when their paws are touched. Like with bath time, food time, grooming time, etc. it helps to train your pooch to feel comfortable with you being around and checking its paws and pads. If you’re getting or have a puppy, make sure you get them used to having their feet meddled with and nails trimmed. If you have an adult dog, try to start a routine and like with a puppy, treats can make the whole ordeal much easier.
Pampered
There’s nothing quite like a foot rub after a long day. Even your pet can love a paw massage! Your pet’s pads can easily get dry and cracked so a moisturiser is a must-have. Make sure to pamper their paws after a big day at the dog park with our Crusty Nose, Itchy Toes Balm. Made from nourishing Shea Butter and Hemp Seed Oil, which will moisturise your paws to avoid them becoming dry and cracking. It also works great on the snoot!
