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Dog paws go through a lot. Whether it's a muddy walk, digging or just having a scratch, paws are an important part of how canines experience the world.
But they're also a hotspot for infection, pain and other problems. It's why learning how to clean dog paws and maintain them over the long term is important; it'll help keep your dog healthy, happy and in tune with whatever the world throws its way.
Thankfully, maintaining dog paws isn't too hard. We'll show you how.
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How to maintain healthy, clean dog paws
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Maintaining healthy paws comes down to one key area: proactive care.
It's important that if you notice anything wrong with your dog's paws, like a strong odour, discolouration to the fur or reddened skin, or your dog's experiencing obvious signs of pain, then take them to a vet.
Maintenance
Regularly cleaning, trimming and maintaining your dog's paws is the best way to keep them healthy.
We already have a dedicated guide onhow to trim dog nails which will help you out.
As for cleaning them after a muddy walk, we recommend the following:
Wash them well, preferably with a good dog shampoo - wet your dog's paws, lather with shampoo and rinse. Dedicated paw cleaners are pretty good too.
Use wipes. We recommend unscented, natural and dog-friendly ones.
Use a damp cloth. Make sure it's clean, and gently wipe your dog's paws.
Dog grooming is essential, and it should be the cornerstone of any owner's preventative care.
You should also make sure that your dog is happy having their feet handled.
Start from an early age, giving your pet praise and rewards for letting you touch and hold their feet.
Should you trim the hair between a dog's pads?
Yes, we recommend trimming the hair between a dog's pads. There are a few reasons for this:
It helps prevent foreign bodies, like grass seeds, from getting caught up in the fur.
Trimming reduces the volume of dirt, mud, snow and anything else stuck between your dog's paw pads.
It stops the fur matting between their toes, leading to discomfort.
Nutrition
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A good quality, complete diet is essential to your pet's overall health, including their paws. Diets rich in essential fatty acids can help to improve skin and coat condition which can be particularly helpful for dogs with nail and skin complaints, including allergies.
Good habits
Alongside your nail-cutting schedule, get into good habits. After long walks, particularly in wet weather, dry off your dog's paws and make sure they're clean.
Combine this with regular bathing and grooming, and you'll reduce the chances of paw infections and problems. It'll also mean you'll spot any issues early on, making them easier to treat.
Being perceptive
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Paw symptoms to look out for
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Paw-related symptoms that can indicate a health problem include:
Bleeding, scabs, or sores
Damaged or overlong nails
Dry, cracked paw pads
Excessive licking and chewing
Hair loss around the paws
Lameness or limping
Odour
Redness
Swellings between the toes
Warts and cysts
These can indicate anything from allergies and bacterial infections to burns and ingrowing toenails, which is why it's important to note down any changes to your dog's paws (or anywhere else) and report them to your vet.
Preventative pet care is the best way to keep your dog healthy, and you can't do that unless you give them a regular once-over.
How dog insurance helps
Dog insurance can help you prepare for the unexpected, like sudden issues with your dog's paws and other health issues.
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