A dog s paw is an amazing thing with structures that work together when all is strong and healthy.
Healthy dog foot pads.
Foot care is just as important for our dogs as it is for us humans dogs can suffer from blisters torn paw pads burnt paws from walking on pavement that s too hot or mats between their toes.
Foot pads protect bones and joints from the shock incurred by running and walking.
Be cautious when inspecting your dog s paws as he may react unpredictably to the pain.
A dog s nails provide stability.
Look between toes on the top of the foot and between the pads on the bottom of the feet.
When my australian shepherd sisko tore two toenails on a camping trip this summer i got a quick refresher course in how the structures of the paw work together and how important a dog s toenails are.
For minor burns to the paw pads apply a gentle antibacterial wash and cover the paw with a dog boot.
Dry and cracked paws can be painful and put your pet.
If your dog limps or licks at her pads.
However a variety of factors including hot pavement wintery conditions chemicals dry air exposure to rough surfaces and excessive licking can cause dry cracked paw pads.
Dry and cracked paw pads.
Here are some easy tips for you to make sure your dog s paw pads stay clean and healthy so your dog stays happy.
4 protecting your dog s pads.
What happens if my dog hurts her foot pads.
It s rare for most dogs other than working dogs or hunting dogs after running tests on the lab she discovered he had liver disease which can be caused by toxins medications cancer bacteria viruses or autoimmune and degenerative issues.
Healthy foot pads are crucial so injuries need prompt attention.
Nail trimming is crucial to maintaining good paw health.
Does your dog spend an inordinate amount of time licking his feet.
Dog owners need to investigate the source of the irritant to determine if there is a particular reason or location of the dog s attention to its feet.
Allergies are one of the major causes for red inflamed paws and a common reason that a dog would be licking their feet.
Pets paw pads are supposed to be rough so they can get traction on smooth surfaces.
When a dog s genetics make them prone to skin allergies the skin has a weaker protective barrier to the external world.
In summertime the pavements can become extremely hot and will burn your dog s pads if they walk on paved roads.
Although your dog s pads are very hardy they do need some kind of protection against the elements when it is very hot or cold out.
A healthy dog should be able to hike and run around without splitting or cracking his paw pads.
They also need protection during wintertime from snow ice and salt.
For serious burns visit your vet immediately.
As always dog boots are a great first line of defense in winter or summer.
They also insulate the foot from extreme weather hot and cold and aid navigation of uneven or rough terrain.