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.

Healthy dog foot pads.

Look between toes on the top of the foot and between the pads on the bottom of the feet. 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. If so this could be a warning sign. Nail trimming is crucial to maintaining good paw health.

Foot pads protect bones and joints from the shock incurred by running and walking. They also insulate the foot from extreme weather hot and cold and aid navigation of uneven or rough terrain. Dry and cracked paws can be painful and put your pet. Here are some easy tips for you to make sure your dog s paw pads stay clean and healthy so your dog stays happy.

Areas to check on your dog s feet include. For serious burns visit your vet immediately. Peeling away of the paw pad is often the most visible injury in which the thick outer covering is peeled away due running or skidding on hard or rough areas and the tender inner part becomes exposed. Dry and cracked paw pads.

If your dog limps or licks at her pads. Be cautious when inspecting your dog s paws as he may react unpredictably to the pain. A dog s paw is an amazing thing with structures that work together when all is strong and healthy. 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.

When a dog s genetics make them prone to skin allergies the skin has a weaker protective barrier to the external world. 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. Healthy foot pads are crucial so injuries need prompt attention. As always dog boots are a great first line of defense in winter or summer.

In summertime the pavements can become extremely hot and will burn your dog s pads if they walk on paved roads. 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. A dog s nails provide stability. Allergies are one of the major causes for red inflamed paws and a common reason that a dog would be licking their feet.

For minor burns to the paw pads apply a gentle antibacterial wash and cover the paw with a dog boot. Does your dog spend an inordinate amount of time licking his feet. Pets paw pads are supposed to be rough so they can get traction on smooth surfaces. What happens if my dog hurts her foot pads.

4 protecting your dog s pads.