Caring for dog paws

Caring for your dog’s paws is important to help keep them healthy and pain free. Dog paws are actually one of the most sensitive parts of their body, particularly as the tops of them have lots of blood vessels.

That’s why it’s a good idea to get your puppy used to having their paws touched regularly and as early as possible to help make grooming easier.

With older dogs who don’t like their paws being touched, or when grooming an anxious dog, use treats and praise to create a positive association as you gently touch them when they are feeling relaxed.

Check for injury

Dogs instinctively hide their pain so regularly check your dog’s paws for any signs of injury or irritation. Grass seeds are a common problem and can be life threatening if they get lodged, so always check for them between the paw pads and toes.

Allergies

Grass can also harbor allergens, pesticides, and other harmful substances that can irritate dog paws, or be ingested when they lick them, so giving them a wipe after a walk or playing on grass can help keep them safe and allergy free.

The DGG Bamboo Wipes are PH balanced for dogs and enriched with Aloe Vera and Oatmeal to soothe while cleansing and are biodegradable and cruelty free.

Protecting dog paws from injury

During the summer, dogs can easily burn their paw pads on the ground. I commonly see dogs being walked in the middle of the day on boiling hot pavements, so always check it with the palm of your hand and ideally. walk early in the morning and at night.  For more tips on protecting your dog in the heat, click HERE.

Their paws can be prone to cracking during the colder months, so in both the hot and cooler months, keep their paw pads moisturized with the DGG paw balm.

Cutting your dog’s nails

Nail trimming is also vital for your dog’s comfort and mobility. Overgrown nails can lead to discomfort, difficulty walking, and even joint issues. Trim your dog’s nails regularly, aiming to keep them just above the quick (the blood vessel inside the nail).

If you’re not confident about doing it yourself, see your groomer or veterinarian for guidance. Or for tips on how to do it, click HERE.

Trimming hair around dog paws

Overgrown hair around the paws can trap dirt and moisture, leading to irritation, matting, and bacteria. By keeping the hair on dog paws trimmed, you can prevent these issues and ensure your dog’s paws stay clean and healthy.

I often see dogs slipping on tiles due to hair growing over their paw pads, which can be particularly painful for ageing dogs.

For tips on grooming your dog’s face and paws, click HERE.

When to get medical help

If you notice your dog excessively licking or chewing on their paws, always check them. An environmental or other allergy may be causing the itching, whilst swollen, red, or otherwise irritated paws may be an allergy or injury.

If your dog has mild allergies, giving them the right dosage of an antihistamine may help some dogs. Learn about that HERE.

Always take your dog to the vet if they’re limping and you can’t find anything lodge in their paws yourself, or their licking and swelling persists.

The DGG grooming range can help with your dog paws care, so look for them in your local pet speciality store including Petstock, or online.

You can grab a free grooming e-book on their website as well.

About the Author: Lara Shannon is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com. Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love Your Dog