Nothing can compare to the joy and excitement of owning a dog. Eager owners usually take all sorts of steps to keep their four legged best friend happy and healthy, from buying the right food to making sure they’ve got a comfortable bed to sleep in and toys to play with. We’re usually vigilant about taking him to the vet to help promote good health but one thing many owners tend to overlook is taking proper care of their dog’s paw pads. It’s a simple step but it can have a crucial impact on their overall health.
Good Health Starts with Healthy Paws
Just like healthy skin is important for us, keeping your dog’s paw pads in good shape is essential for maintaining good overall health and just like we take steps to protect our skin, we need to do the same for our pets. The tender skin on the pads of a dog’s paws comes into contact with a lot of different surfaces every day and that can take a toll. For this reason, the most important step you can take on a regular basis is to inspect your dog’s paws every day. Make sure there is no accumulation of dirt and debris and remove any foreign objects like thorns or tiny glass fragments.
Much like our own skin, a dog’s paw pads can benefit greatly from regular cleaning and moisturizing. Using a damp cloth or pet-friendly wipe, gently clean pads, paying particular attention to the area between toes where debris can easily accumulate. Carefully trimming the hair around the pads can also help to prevent a build up of debris.
Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the pads, apply a specialized pet balm or cream containing all natural ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil. These products are designed to provide moisture while protecting against the elements. You can find them at most pet stores and if you don’t know exactly what to get, consult with your vet for a recommendation. No matter what you use, be careful not to overdo as too much moisture can be just as problematic as not having enough. As with our own skin, the key is striking the right balance to keep pads properly hydrated, smooth and supple.
Besides cleaning and moisturizing, the other important step for maintaining healthy paw pads is protection. Because they are exposed to the elements, paw pads can endure a lot of damage. Everything from scorching hot pavement to freezing surfaces can be painful for sensitive pads. To prevent damage, limit your dog’s time outside in extreme weather and choose safer spots like grassy areas for their walks. Also, make sure to carefully wash off their paws when you come back inside, especially during the winter when salt used to melt ice can cause damage to sensitive pads. You may also want to apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or even use protective booties during the worst weather.
Again, much like we can ensure the health of our own skin with a balanced diet, the same can be said for a dog’s paw pads. Obesity can be detrimental to the pads as carrying extra weight can put a severe strain on these sensitive areas. Make sure your dog is getting a proper diet with all of the essential nutrients and maintaining a healthy weight and that will help to keep their paw pads feeling good too.
As a concerned owner, you want what’s best for your dog and that means taking care of their paw pads. Healthy paws can mean a happier and healthier dog, so take an extra few minutes to keep their sensitive skin smooth and soft and you’ll both notice the difference in the long run.
