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4 Ways to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Healthy

April 1, 2016
Have you looked at your dog’s paws recently? Fido’s furry feet are very important to his overall health. After all, those furry paws let your pooch run, jump, and play! Read on as a Floyds Knob, IN vet lists some easy ways to keep your canine buddy’s paws in good shape.

Nail Trims

Don’t let your furry buddy’s nails get too long. Overgrown nails are very uncomfortable for Fido! They can also change the way your dog walks, as your canine buddy may have to adjust his gait to avoid discomfort. Over time, this can be very detrimental to your dog’s health, as it can contribute to painful conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia. If you’re uneasy about cutting your pup’s nails yourself, consider investing in clippers with sensors. Or, just call us to set up a quick nail-trim appointment.

Choose Soft Surfaces

When you walk your pooch, always be mindful of the surfaces you are walking on. In summer, Fido can burn his paws on hot tar, sand, or cement. In winter, salt, snow, sand, and chemical deicing agents can all wreak havoc on your pet’s paws. Use paw balm or wax to keep your canine pal’s paw pads moist. Many dogs will appreciate booties to wear in cold weather, although not all of our four-legged friends enjoy fancy footwear. Be sure to choose pet-friendly de-icing agents! We also recommend using a damp washcloth to wipe down your furry friend’s paws every day.

Toe Fur

Those little tufts of fur Fido has between his toes may be super cute, but it’s best to keep these trimmed. Otherwise, they can get matted or gunky, which is pretty uncomfortable for Man’s Best Friend. If they get tangled, they’ll also make it harder for your pet to gain traction on slippery surfaces.

Pawsitive Thoughts

Inspect Fido’s furry feet regularly. You’ll want to watch for any injuries, as well as any swelling or hot areas. Look between your dog’s toes, to make sure there is nothing lodged between them. If your canine buddy gets a pebble or another foreign object stuck between his toes, it can become quite painful for him, and could even cause an infection. Contact your vet for anything more than a minor cut. Does your pet need veterinary care? We can help! Call us, your Floyds Knob, IN animal hospital, anytime!

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