5 Paw Care Rules Every Dog Owner Should Know
by mylifewithpets | Last updated on October 26, 2021
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I know how easy it is to overlook our dogs’ paws.
And that is a big mistake, one that often causes pain to dogs all over the World.
They walk barefoot (barepawed?) everyday, on rough terrain (road, sidewalk, dirt, grass, sand, you name it).
If they jump, it’s their pads that will absorb the shock and protect their joints.
It’s safe to say paws are a big deal for dogs and caring for them should be a priority.
What to Do When Accident Strikes
Sometimes, even with all the care in the World, our dogs can still get hurt.
The pavement can be too hot or there will be something sharp hiding in the sand or grass.
They’ll get cuts, blisters, cracks, sores, burns, sometimes even ulcers.
First and foremost, you need to decide if you can handle it or if a vet is required.
If the gash is deep, if there is too much blood, if it looks infected or your dog is in a lot of pain, go straight to the vet and get it sorted.
If you can see that the damage isn’t that great, it looks clean, it’s just a small affected area or there isn’t too much blood, then there are some things you can do yourself.
You’ll start by cleaning it with antibacterial wash and then you’ll want to wrap it in something.
You can use a sock or a dog boot. Just make sure to keep it clean and dry, luckily dogs mend quickly and he’ll be recovered in no time.
Related: 5 Reasons Why Your Dog is Licking His Paws Obsessively
My 5 Rules for Taking Care of Dog Paws
Ever since one of my dogs got a serious paw injury, I have been following these simple 5 rules religiously.
They combine prevention with the best possible products to aid in this very important task.
The 5 rules are the result of in-depth investigation along with expert veterinarian advice.
Give them a try and keep your dog’s paws healthy and strong throughout your adventures.
1 – Keep Your Dog’s Paws Moisturized At All Times
One of the most important things you can do for your dog’s paws is to moisturize them.
I’ve tried a couple of balms and butters, but ultimately, this is my favorite, because it smells great and it stays on for longer.
For paw moisturizer, less is more, you don’t want to get the paws too soft because they’ll get hurt easier, they need a thick paw skin.
Also, I do advise using socks for a few hours after applying it if you don’t want them to lick it and if you don’t want to have little greasy paw marks all over your home
I’ve been using this paw balm for years and we are 100% satisfied.
If you prefer to make your own, I can also help you with that.
2- Use a Homemade Paw Softener
If, like me, you prefer to use your own natural recipes to moisturize your dog’s feet, this is the recipe I like to use:
– 6, 1oz Heat safe tins
– Small pot
– 2 oz olive oil
– 2 oz coconut oil
– 1 oz shea butter (don’t replace with cocoa butter, it’s toxic for dogs)
– 4 tsp beeswax
Melt all the ingredients together over low heat while stirring.
Pour the mix into the tins and leave to cool until they harden again. It should last between one to two years as long as you store it somewhere cool.
3 – Keep Your Dog’s Paws Clean
If you’re making sure to keep your dogs’ paws clean, you’re doing half the work already.
Wipe your dog’s paws with a moist cloth when he gets home, closely inspecting between the toes for some sort of debris.
After that, use a dry towel to keep them nice and dry.
4 – Keep Your Dog’s Nails Short
You’ll want to keep the nails trimmed.
I know it can be a horror movie to trim your dog’s nails. It’s the only thing that makes Dobby bite, but with 4 extra nails that can get stuck on just about anything and rip, I can’t take the risk.
Here’s a cool article I’ve read that’s taught me a lot about how to cut his nails without causing any pain or stress.
One of us will feed him treats or even wet food (which he doesn’t get very often) while the other works on those pesky nails. He’s suspicious but food trumps fear.
The nail clipper you use is also important, we’ve tried a few he hated and we couldn’t really use properly.
Then we got this one and things got a lot better.
5 – Keep a Watchful Eye Over Where Your Dog is Walking
Consider the places you take your dog to.
Is that park filled with sharp pebbles and other debris?
Is the terrain your dog walks on safe?
Is it very hot where you live? Or maybe there’s icy roads during the Winter?
Sometimes you need to take it one step further, with an extra protection layer.
I use this particular balm. It’s so easy to apply and so small you can carry it with you.
What it does is, it creates a protective coating between the paw and the surface while it helps to heal the wounds and cracks with its natural ingredients.
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