Tips for proper paw and skin care for dogs
Have you noticed that your dog licks its paws or even nibbles on its claws? Then it is high time to look into the topic of paw care. What sounds like purely cosmetic can quickly lead to health problems. With regular paw care, you can effectively counteract misalignment of joints and prevent serious inflammation.
Find out more about paw care for dogs and what you need to consider in today's blog post.
Healthy Paws – Why You Don’t Just Need to Cut Claws
If your dog holds his paws slightly at an angle or makes loud noises when walking on hard ground, then it is time to trim the claws and groom the paws. Claws that are too long or hair on the paws that is too long increase the general risk of injury from slipping or falling.
Claws that push upwards or even touch the ground need to be cared for. If your dog regularly licks or even nibbles on its paws, this can be the first sign of a lack of paw care . If your dog slips frequently or appears reluctant to run or walk, it is time for paw care. Some dogs have hair between their pads, which can hinder them when walking.
A dog's pedicure does not only involve cutting and filing claws, but also trimming hair and cleaning the spaces between the pads.
Diseases caused by uncared-for paws in dogs
It's not just claws that are too long that can cause pain to your dog. A claw bed that is pushed up causes painful pressure on the pads. To avoid this kind of injury, your dog will try to place its paws to the side. This increases the risk of permanent misalignment, muscle tension and permanent joint damage.
If your pet only walks on the tips of its claws, it is not using its pads. Ideally, however, these serve as an ABS braking system and provide cushioning. There is a regular risk that the claws will break, tear off or become deeply torn.
Hair between the pads often becomes matted, making it an ideal home for parasites such as mites and bacteria. Small, sharp-edged stones can get caught in them and promote inflammation and infection.
The ideal paw care for dogs
For ideal paw care for your dog, you will need nail clippers or a nail trimmer, depending on the size of the dog . You should also have a pair of grooming scissors and a nail file. Ideally , you should also have a flashlight, head lamp or other strong light source. Our emmi®-pet grooming set and the special paw balm will help you with regular paw care.
Minimize the germ load between the paw pads by cleaning them regularly with our emmi®-pet coat care set. Regularly checking and caring for the paws makes sense in both summer and winter. After every walk, you should check your dog's paws for possible injuries. Also check the length of the claws, ideally while standing. Free your dog's paws of annoying dirt and ensure that your dog no longer has a reason to lick or nibble on his paws.