8 WAYS TO PROTECT AND CARE FOR YOUR DOG'S NAILS

Paw problems in dogs can be caused by allergies, infections, cuts and scrapes, nail problems, cysts, or cracks on the soles of their paws. Paw pads insulate your dog's paws, and provide traction. They help balance, slow down and stop, and act as shock absorbers for the bones and joints that make up your dog's feet and legs. Nevertheless, they are durable and designed to withstand. With a lot of activity and wear and tear, you run into some problems. It's important to regularly check your dog's paws for problems and take steps to identify any problems and keep them healthy and protected.

Foot problems in dogs and causes of injuries

Alergy

Just like people, pets suffer from many types of allergies. Pets with allergies will have itchy feet, especially often chewing, licking and chewing to relieve itching. In some cases, excessive licking can cause inflammation and damage, leaving your pet's paws vulnerable to secondary bacterial and fungal infections. Pets that lick their paws excessively should be evaluated by a veterinarian for allergies.

Fungal and bacterial infections

Many different types of bacteria and fungi live on the soles of your pet's feet, and sometimes these organisms can get out of control and cause an infection. Bacterial and fungal skin infections are common in dogs and usually affect the feet.

Signs of a foot infection include licking or biting, redness, swelling, pain, itching, and discharge. Typically, the skin between the toes and other skin folds is affected by itching, redness, seborrhea, and sometimes brown discoloration of the nails.

These infections can also be the result of allergies. Your veterinarian is the best person to diagnose an infection in your pet and can prescribe and treat it with a variety of medications such as creams, wipes, and washes.

Nail problems

Long Toenails: Long toenails are very common and can have many negative effects on your dog. Long nails make it difficult for dogs to walk. When a dog's nail hits hard ground, the hard surface can push the nail back into the nail bed, causing pain and pressure on all of the toe joints. More likely to break or tear Ingrown Toenails: 3 Toenails that are not trimmed properly or are naturally worn out from walking outdoors can lead to painful ingrown toenails. Cracked Toenails: If your dog catches their toenail on something, it will crack or break. A common scenario is when a dog suddenly comes in from outside, limping and sometimes bleeding. Upon closer inspection, the nail was found to be broken. Cracked or broken nails can be very painful and often bleed, so they are best treated by a veterinarian.

Burns and blisters

If it's too hot to walk barefoot outside, your dog will also get hot. Always feel the pavement with your bare hands before walking your dog. If you can't keep your palm comfortably on the sidewalk for more than 10 seconds, your dog's paws are too hot. Unfortunately, if your pet walks on very hot surfaces, it can burn the soles of its feet. Burned pads may be swollen, red, and blistered. Foot burns are a serious medical problem and require urgent veterinary care.

Dry and cracked feet

The soles of your pet's paws should be slightly rough so they can grip smooth surfaces. However, many factors such as hot pavement, winter conditions, chemicals, dry air, exposure to rough surfaces, and excessive licking can cause dry and cracked soles. Dry and cracked paws are painful and can put your pet at risk for infection.

Cuts and scrapes

Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations can occur at any time and are common when dogs run and play on different terrains. It is important to watch for sharp objects on the ground when walking your dog and to ensure that you are providing adequate protection when walking on uneven ground or sidewalks. , sticks, burrs, glass shards, shards, and other foreign objects can be found stuck in the skin.

Parasite

Ticks are notorious for hiding between your pet's toes and can cause all sorts of problems, including pain and infections. It is best to have a veterinarian remove the tick. If you cannot contact your veterinarian, use tweezers or a special tick removal tool to grasp the tick by the head and gently pull it out.

Pets can also have mites infesting their paws, which can lead to dandruff, hair loss, and swelling. Your veterinarian should perform tests to diagnose and treat mites.

Cysts and growths

Cysts, lumps, and tumors often appear between the dog's feet and toes. If found, contact your veterinarian. It can be treated and removed as needed.

Dog Paw Care and Prevention

Give a dog a pedicure

Your dog's nails should be trimmed when they grow long enough to touch the ground when walking. The frequency of clipping a dog's nails varies greatly from dog to dog. Depending on the breed, you may not even need to clip the nails as often. Nail clipping should be a calm, stress-free experience for you and your dog. Teaching your dog to accept touching your paws will make clipping easier. You can also teach your dog to scratch his nails with a scratchboard. Do not hold your dog or clip his nails when he is showing signs of stress or anxiety. There are many great tools to help reduce the stress of nail clipping for you and your dog.

Consider weather conditions

In the summer it is important not to run your dog on hot pavement or sand. In the winter, rock salt and chemical ice can melt and hurt your dog's paws and can be ingested when your dog is licking your paws. Avoid these things and wash your dog's paws with warm water after a walk to wash off chemicals and salts. Consider using a moisturizer to prevent dry and cracked feet. Do not use human lotions or moisturizers on your dog. Ask your vet about special moisturizers for dogs.

Check your pet's feet

It is important to perform a foot exam after playing outside or exercising strenuously, as injuries are very common. This is also the time when your dog is most likely to get something stuck between their heel or toe.

First aid when needed

It is important to have a first aid kit for your dog for minor injuries. If you find small cuts or blisters on your dog's paws, wash them with water and mild soap. If the wound is still bleeding, consider bandaging the foot. Be careful not to bandage your feet too tightly or leave them wet for too long. Dog boots can also be worn to avoid further damage. Observe your dog closely and consult your veterinaria