Choosing Better Veterinary Care

The pads on your dog's paws are very sensitive and require care from you as a pet owner. These pads can crack, bleed, become dry, burn or even be so painful that your dog has difficulty walking. Caring for these pads is very important to prevent pain. Read on for tips to help care for your dog's paw pads.

Keep Their Fur Trimmed

Your dog's fur may grow through the pads of his paws. This excess fur can build up with dirt and debris, but it can also build up with ice and snow in the winter. This freezing can make his paws and pads freeze, causing frostbite on his paw pads. Use scissors to clip the fur or use electric hair clippers to clip around the pads of the paws carefully. Trim these areas in the winter and the summer as well.

Moisturize The Pads

Moisturize the pads of your dog's paws using coconut oil, or you can use Vaseline which can moisturize and protect your dog's pads from weather. Keep an eye on your dog, so he doesn't lick off the moisturizer you use. Only apply enough, so it moisturizes it, but not too much that the pads become too oily or slippery. Apply it at night before your furry pal goes to bed to allow the moisturizer to soak into his pads.

Avoid Hot Pavement

In the summer months avoid taking your dog on walks when the pavement is too hot. If the pavement is too hot for your own hands, it's going to be too hot for your dog's paws. Take your dog for walks in the grass rather than on pavement, or walk him early in the morning or later at night when the pavement is not as hot.

Avoid Using De-Icing Salts

In the winter months, make sure you use sand to give traction on the ice rather than using de-icing salts that can be toxic for your dog and harmful to his paw pads. De-icing salts can be effective, but don't use them anywhere your dog normally frequents. Sand can be effective in providing traction, although it may not melt the ice it can help you and your dog walk across the ice. Break up the ice for your dog, so he doesn't have to walk across it by shoveling often.

Keep Your Dog Out Of The Snow

Being in the snow and on the ice for too long can cause your dog's paws to freeze. If you notice your dog lifting his paws when outside it may be too cold for his paws, and they may be frostbitten. Bring your dog inside immediately if you notice this happening to him.

Care for your dog's paw pads to prevent them from cracking, freezing, burning or causing pain to your furry pal. Talk to your veterinary clinic about other paw pad care tips.