Dogs are our beloved companions, and protecting and caring for them is the responsibility of every pet owner. But have you paid enough attention to your dog’s paws? Are they clean or dirty? To help your dog stay healthy and happily run and play, let’s look at the following 3-step paw-cleaning routine.
Dogs are active animals that love to run, play, and interact with their owners or other dogs outdoors. However, dust, sand, and small pieces of debris from outside can irritate your dog’s paws. Cleaning the hair and paws regularly helps protect your dog from unwanted external factors while also keeping your home cleaner. Let’s learn the 3 proper steps for cleaning your dog’s paws with spa-quality care.
STEP 1: TRIM THE HAIR AROUND YOUR DOG’S PAWS
Why should you trim the hair around your dog’s paws?
– The paws are in direct contact with the environment, making them more susceptible to various dermatological problems such as fungal infections, mange, dermatitis, and interdigital inflammation. Therefore, keeping your dog’s paws clean is extremely important.
Image of dogs
– Dogs can also dissipate body heat through their paws. In dogs, the tongue and paw pads are important areas involved in heat dissipation, rather than the skin. In breeds originating from cold climates, the paw pads are often covered with long hair to reduce heat loss. However, when these dogs live in Vietnam, excessive hair around the paw pads may interfere with heat dissipation. In particular, heat release may become more difficult, increasing the risk of heatstroke. Therefore, if your dog has excessive hair around the paw pads, trimming it appropriately is essential to facilitate heat dissipation.
STEP 2: TRIM YOUR DOG’S NAILS REGULARLY
A dog’s nails continue to grow throughout its life, just like human fingernails and toenails. If nail trimming is neglected, excessively long nails can make it difficult for your dog to walk and move normally. If left untreated for an extended period, the nails may curl inward and grow into the paw tissue, potentially causing serious infection.
Image of dogs
Important considerations when trimming your dog’s nails:
– Do not use human nail clippers to trim a dog’s nails, as inappropriate tools may cause the nails to split or become damaged, resulting in pain or injury. Avoid cutting the nails too short because dogs still need their nails to provide traction and grip during normal movement.
– To make nail trimming easier, regularly get your dog accustomed to having its paws touched. During nail trimming, gently massage between the toes and stroke the paws to help your dog feel relaxed and less defensive, thereby building trust with its owner. If you accidentally cut into the quick and bleeding occurs, promptly apply firm pressure with gauze or use a styptic powder formulated for dogs, while reassuring your dog. The bleeding will usually stop after a short period.
– If you are not confident in your nail-trimming skills, take your dog to a professional pet grooming salon. Experienced groomers can perform the procedure quickly and gently, minimizing stress and fear for your dog.
STEP 3: WASH YOUR DOG’S PAWS THOROUGHLY
– If your dog’s paws are covered with mud or debris trapped between the paw pads or toes, you should wash them using a spray nozzle or sink. If the paws have particularly sticky substances on them, make sure to wash them thoroughly.
Image of dogs
– Small dogs can generally have their paws washed in a sink or with a cup of water. For larger dogs, use a spray nozzle and their regular dog shampoo, especially for long-haired breeds.
– There are currently convenient paw-cleaning sprays available on the market that allow you to clean your dog’s paws quickly and easily. The fine soap particles combined with a convenient brush help remove unpleasant odors and dirt effectively. These products can also help moisturize the paw pads and prevent dryness and cracking.
These 3 simple paw-cleaning steps will help keep your dog’s paws fresh, clean, and healthy while reducing the risk of certain paw-related problems. Remember to clean your dog’s paws regularly!