Doggy Paw Care

Does your dog know how to Shake Paw? Fido’s furry feet are adorable! They’re also very important to his health and well-being. After all, without his paws, your pet wouldn’t be able to walk, run, or jump. Read on as a Fort Collins, CO vet discusses caring for your dog’s paws.

Overgrown claws are actually very problematic in dogs. They are quite uncomfortable for Fido, so your pup may adjust his stride to compensate. This puts extra strain on your furry buddy’s bones and joints, which can aggravate or contribute to painful conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia. If you aren’t comfortable trimming your canine pal’s nails yourself, contact your vet or groomer and set up a quick pawdicure appointment. Or, get a pair of clippers that are equipped with sensors. These will indicate exactly where to cut. Also, don’t forget to check your dog’s dewclaws. These are the ones higher up on Fido’s ‘ankle.’ Sometimes they can become ingrown, which is very painful!

Your dog’s paw pads are very sensitive. Fido can get burns or blisters by running on hot or harsh surfaces. In summer, hot tar and asphalt can really do a number on your pet’s feet. Dogs’ paws are extra delicate when they are wet, so be extra careful after your pooch has gone swimming. In winter, salt, sand, snow, and ice can also hurt your pup’s feet. Use paw balm or wax to protect your furry friend’s paws.

We recommend inspecting your canine buddy’s feet regularly. You’ll want to look between Fido’s toes, as dogs often get pebbles or other foreign objects stuck between them. Ticks also sometimes latch on to dogs’ feet, so keep an eye out for hitchhikers as well. Also, if your pooch has those adorable tufts of fur between his toes, keep these trimmed back. They can easily get gunked up and matted, which is very uncomfortable.

Paw injuries are definitely not something to take lightly! Fido can step on a sharp object, or get bitten or scratched. If you notice your furry pal limping, immediately take a look. You can treat a very minor cut yourself with antiseptic, but call the vet for anything else.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can ever be of assistance. As your Fort Collins, CO vet clinic, we are always here to help!