Dog Paw Care

Does your canine buddy know any cute paw tricks, such as Shake or Gimme Five? Your pup’s cute paws are crucial to not just his mobility, but also to his overall health and well-being. It’s important for you to take good care of them! A Roswell, NM vet offers some doggy paw care advice in this article.

Paw Pads

Did you know that dogs’ paw pads serve several crucial functions? Fido’s toe beans work like shock absorbers, cushioning his bones and providing traction. They also act as sensory devices, providing information about the heat and texture of the surfaces your canine pal walks on. They’re also very sensitive. In summer, your pooch can get painful burns and blisters by walking or running on hot surfaces. And while our winters are short, we do get enough snow here to warrant concerns about salt, sand, and ice burns. Keep your furry pal’s paw pads moisturized! You can use paw balm, but coconut oil or Vaseline will work in a pinch.

Nail Trims

Overgrown nails may not sound like a huge deal, but they’re much more problematic than many people realize. If Fido’s nails are too long, he’ll have trouble getting good traction on slippery ground. They can also interfere with his stride and posture, which can contribute to arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other bone/joint issues. Keep up with those pawdicures!

Toe Fur

Does Fido have toe fur tufts? These are cute, but it’s probably best to clip them. They can gather up gunk, such as gum and ice balls. They can also get matted, which isn’t very comfortable for your furry friend.

Surfaces

Pay close attention to the terrain and temperatures when you’re walking Fido. On hot days, keep him off scorching surfaces like tar, sand, and asphalt. Also, watch for potential hazards, such as broken glass, as well as snakes, spiders, scorpions, and other critters that are best given a wide berth. Keep the pooch away from anything that could be dangerous.

Paws For Thought

Does your four-legged friend hate having his feet touched? Teach Fido that he’ll get a yummy snack for giving you his paw. Those cute tricks we mentioned above can be very helpful here. Your furry student may have a sudden change of heart about the issue!

Is your canine companion due for an exam? Contact us, your Roswell, NM animal clinic, today!