If you have a dog, then you know how important proper paw maintenance is. Healthy paws protect the animal from external factors, keep the paws clean, and prevent infections. The following article will discuss some ways to protect your dog’s paws. Keep in mind that some paw maintenance measures aren’t necessary, but they can be extremely beneficial. Read on to find out what you should do and what not to do.
1. Healthy paws are an important part of your dog’s well-being
If you have a dog, you’re likely familiar with the importance of healthy paws. Your pet’s paws are just as important to its health as your own hands and feet are to yours. Taking the time to provide good paw care can save you money on vet bills and time spent training your pet. Here are 5 simple tips to keep your dog’s paws healthy.
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2. Protecting paws from the elements
While snow, ice, and salt can damage your dog’s paw pads, you can protect them from the cold by providing your dog with paw protection boots. Dog boots are great options because they minimize your dog’s exposure to harsh weather and chemicals. Choose a pair that fits your dog properly and give your dog plenty of time to adjust to them before you head out. The EXPAWLORER Waterproof Dog Boots are a good option for protecting your dog’s paws.
While there are many options available, the most efficient and eco-friendly option is to make your own paw protection. Trim your dog’s long hair and apply a bootie that fits snugly. Long hair may drag through puddles, collect cold water and then freeze into ice balls. Ice balls can cause abrasion and even injury. If the dog has fur on its paws, these may also collect de-icing agents and salt.
3. Keeping paws clean
Keeping your dog’s paws clean is important for a number of reasons. Not only does it help protect your floors, but regular cleaning can also reveal potential problems. If your dog’s feet are always dirty, they can develop irritations and infections. Some dogs develop a painful condition called interdigital cysts, which develop between the toes. Affected paws may require surgery to repair.
If you walk your dog barefoot, it’s important to clean the pads and the underside of the pads. Otherwise, bacteria and viruses may get lodged in the pads. Keeping the pads clean also makes cleaning their paws easier. It also prevents your dog from leaving wet tracks on the floor. In addition to keeping your home clean, regular paw cleaning will help keep your pooch happy and healthy.
4. Keeping paws from becoming infected
Most dog owners don’t think much about their dogs’ paws until they notice their pet is limping. But even if your dog does have an injury, it may not be an infection. As a result, it’s vital that you know how to treat an infection before it gets worse. Infected paws can be difficult to cure, so learning to spot the signs of infection is essential.
As a first step, bandage the wound. It’s vital to keep a bandage on the area because excessive licking can cause the wound to reopen and become infected. However, don’t use bandages for too long, as they can cause secondary skin infections. Infected paws need protection all year long. Apply EMT spray on the wound, if your dog tends to lick it excessively.
5. Preventing paw disease
If your dog’s paws are itchy, it may be a sign of a parasite. There are several types of parasitic infections that affect the skin and internal organs of dogs, including Demodex canis, which is present in the paws of dogs. This parasite causes the paws to be red and itchy. It can also lead to hair loss and infection. A veterinarian will be able to diagnose the condition and prescribe treatment.
Inflammation of the paws can be caused by foreign objects such as grass or plant seeds, or by an injury. Ingrown nails and toe injuries may also cause infection. Regardless of the cause, clean the affected area thoroughly. Then, apply a topical cream containing powerful herbs to reduce inflammation and prevent infections. This product is effective in treating a variety of skin problems, including paw infections.
Final thoughts
Keeping your dog clean is really important to prevent your best friend to suffer from any type of disease. At Good Dog Mobile Spa our main goal is to help your dogs to live stress-free with our fresh treatments to clean their skin, hair, and nails. If your dog needs a bath and trim or full grooming (new haircut with a full bath and trim) feel free to contact us right away. We proudly serve all neighborhoods around Los Angeles, CA.