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Doggy Paw Care

September 1, 2019

Your dog’s paws are crucial to his health and happiness. After all, Fido wouldn’t be able to get around without them! A Leesburg, VA vet discusses caring for your furry friend’s paws in this article.

Claws

Keep Fido’s nails clipped! Overgrown nails can cause quite a few problems for your furry best friend. For one thing, they’re uncomfortable to walk on, just as long nails are for us. Over time, your canine companion may adjust his stride to compensate. This puts a lot of strain on his bones and joints. Of course, many people are (understandably) nervous about cutting their pup’s nails. If you cut too deep, you may cut the quick, which can cause bleeding and pain. Consider getting a clipper with a sensor. These indicate exactly where to cut, taking the guesswork out of the process. You can also just call us to schedule a pawdicure.

Toe Fur

Some dogs have tufts of fur growing between their toes. These are cute, but it’s best to trim them back. Toe fur can trap foreign objects, like gum, for instance, which can lead to painful mats. In winter, it can collect ice balls, which, as you can imagine, isn’t very much fun for Fido.

Paw Pads

Dogs’ paw pads are quite delicate, much like human feet, In summer, your canine pal can get painful burns, blisters, and abrasions from walking or running on hot surfaces. Ouch! Winter can also be rough on Fido’s furry feet. Snow, salt, sand, ice, and chemical-deicing agents can lead to burns and abrasions. Try putting booties on your canine friend when it’s really hot or cold out. If your pooch isn’t having it, you can use paw balm to protect his feet.

Clean Feet

You may want to wipe Fido’s paws down when you bring him in. This will help keep your pet from tracking mud inside. It will also remove pollen, dust, and trace chemicals from his feet.

Pawsitive Thoughts

Does Fido hate having his feet handled? Teach him that he’ll get a yummy snack for letting you touch his paws. Your pup may have a sudden change of heart!

Inspection

Make a habit of inspecting Fido’s paws regularly. You’ll want to check for ticks, cuts, bruises, swelling, and heat. Paw issues are no joke!

Please reach out to us, your Leesburg, VA vet clinic, anytime. We’re always happy to help!