If you are a dog owner, you know that pups are very active animals! From long walks to digging unwanted holes in the backyard to jumping around in the snow, our furry best friends are always on their feet. Just like the soles and heels of our own feet are there to support us, a dog’s paw pads are an essential part of keeping them healthy and protected. More specifically, a paw pad is a thick layer of skin covering the fatty tissue of a dog’s paw. A dog’s paw pads work together with their nails to maintain a healthy and stable structure of the foot. Healthy paw pads can benefit a pup in many ways:
- aiding in balance
- traction
- general stability
- shock absorption
- protection against both hot and cold surfaces
It’s for these reasons that we must care for our dogs’ paw pads. Read on to learn the essential principles of paw pad injury prevention and care.
Paw Pad Injury Prevention
One of the most common injuries to paw pads are burns. Before taking your dog on a walk, check the pavement temperature with the back of your hand. If it burns your hand, it will also burn your pup’s feet. In this case, it’s recommended to get your pup’s energy out through another activity that doesn’t involve boiling hot pavement. If you want your pup to become more accustomed to regular walks, begin with short walks that build up the toughness of your pup’s feet, so that they’re able to endure longer, higher intensity walks. This temperature rule can go for hot sand as well!
Just like heat can harm your pups paw pads, the cold can harm them as well. When a dog spends time in the snow, it can roll up and create small ice pebbles that can unfortunately create mats. They can also suffer from frostbite if they are exposed to ice and snow for extended periods of time. Just as you check the sidewalk and sand for temperature, you can do the same to snow. If your fingers and toes are freezing, your pup’s toes are most likely freezing too.
Another strategy to use in the maintenance of paw pads is to regularly check the bottom of your pup’s feet. Spread your pup’s toes to see if there is any unwanted debris or pebbles that are hindering your pup’s ability to walk. Having a trusted groomer regularly trim the fur between the toes can also help with paw maintenance.
Injury Care
In the instance that your pup does develop damaged paw pads, use the following first-aid measures: Take notice of your pup’s behavior. If they are wincing, limping, or excessively licking, they might be uncomfortable or in pain. If the pad is torn, clean the wound by looking for any foreign objects that might be lodged in the foot. You might be able to use a pair of tweezers to dislodge the item. Applying pressure to stop the bleeding is crucial! Next, bandage the wound with gauze pads. This will create a cushion for the bottom of the foot, aid in blood absorption, and decrease the pain of walking.
If you find that the foreign object is too deep or the bleeding doesn’t cease after roughly fifteen minutes, it’s important to take your dog to the veterinarian. In the event of a burn, soaking the paws in room temperature water followed by applying antibiotic ointment and bandages can do wonders in alleviating the pain. If the burnt pads become discolored or if the tissue underneath the outer pad becomes exposed, it’s time to take your furry friend to the vet.
Resources
Below will be a few links to helpful products if you are preparing for or looking to mend your pups’ feet!
TropiClean Spa Paw and Pad Treatment
- Helps heal and soothe your pup’s paw pads.
Vets Preferred Paw Balm Pad Protector
- Ideal for extreme weather conditions and can be used on dry noses as well.
- Organic, all natural ingredients. Helps prevent cracking, peeling, and defends against damage from harsh elements.
- Waterproof dog boots with an anti-slip sole.
Aqumax Anti-Slip Traction Pads
- Pads that stick to the bottom of your pups paw to help with traction and prevent injuries.
