Caring for Fido’s Furry Feet

Our canine companions have a special way of leaving pawprints on our hearts. (They also leave pawprints on our floors, but that’s beside the point.) Fido’s furry feet are crucial to his health and well-being, so it’s important to take care of them. An Aboite, IN vet offers some helpful advice on caring for your dog’s paws in this article.

Claws

Make sure to keep your pet’s nails trimmed. Overgrown claws are very uncomfortable for Fido. Your pooch may walk a little differently to try and ease the discomfort. This is very bad for your canine buddy’s bones and joints! Long nails also tend to get snagged on things. This can lead to painful tears, which can also cause infections. If you aren’t comfortable giving your furry buddy a peticure, try using clippers that are equipped with sensors. These take the guesswork out of the process. You can also just call us to set up a quick nail trim.

Paw Check

Get into the habit of checking your pup’s paws regularly. You’ll want to look for cuts, insect bites, scratches, and abrasions. Keep an eye out for ticks as well, as they sometimes latch on to Fido’s toes. Minor cuts can be treated at home with antiseptic, but call your vet for anything more than a nick.

Paw Protection

Man’s Best Friend has very sensitive paw pads. Your dog can get painful blisters and abrasions from running and playing on hot or hard surfaces. In summer, tar, asphalt, and gravel can really do a number on your cute pet’s feet. Winter can also be problematic: snow, salt, sand, and chemical de-icers can all hurt Fido’s paws. Use paw balm or wax to protect and moisturize your furry pal’s feet. You can also try putting booties on your canine friend, though not all pooches like wearing doggy shoes.

Toe Fur

Does your canine pal have those cute tufts of fur growing between his toes? Your vet may advise you to keep these trimmed. They often get matted, and can trap ice, burdocks, or gunk. As one can imagine, this can be pretty uncomfortable for your four-legged buddy! Just be sure to only use blunt-end scissors, for safety reasons.

Please reach out to us with any questions about caring for your dog’s paws. As your local Aboite, IN vet clinic, we are dedicated to providing excellent care!