Introduction
To keep your dog’s paws healthy, you will need to frequently check your dog’s paws for any signs of injury or infections. It is also important to keep your dog’s nails trimmed, and to pay attention to any signs that may clue you in to a problem with your dog’s paws.
Keeping Your Dog's Paws Healthy
A dog’s paws are often prone to cuts, bruises, and abrasions that occur when a dog is walking or running. Wwhile most of these injuries are minor and they heal quickly, in some cases the affected paws can become infected and painful. Whenever you walk your dog, or take your dog for a run, jog, or hike, always check your dog’s paws after your physical activities are completed. A quick look at the paws and between the paw pads will help you to see any possible injuries. If an injury has occurred, clean the wound out with hydrogen peroxide and keep an eye on the paw for any signs of swelling, redness, or discharge.
Trim nails are vital to the health of a dog’s paws. Overgrown nails can often curl around and grow into the dog’s paws, especially in the case of overgrown dew claws. If the nail becomes imbedded in the dog’s paw, severe pain and infection will occur.
Watching how your dog walks may also help you to spot any troubles with the dog’s paws before risky complications arise. Keep in mind that if your dog is going to be outside in an area with rough terrain, or walking on surfaces that are especially cold or hot, doggy booties can help to protect your dog’s paws from injury.