How to Care for Your Dog's Feet

Not all dogs like having their feet messed with. In fact, some dogs can get rather touchy about it. Even though my dogs are used to me picking up their feet to look at them and trim their nails; I still get a look that says, "If you hurt me, you'll be sorry." And then they stare at me as if that will make a difference. It's important to care for your dog's feet to catch injuries before they become a problem. Whenever you need to check their feet; the key is to make it a pleasant experience and not one where you have to fight them every step of the way.

A dog's paw pads are like shock absorbers that reduce pressure on his joints when he's standing, walking, running or jumping. Dogs walk on their toes, like a horse, and if their toenails are too long, they can become splayed, which causes them to fall back off their toes and realigns their body, causing them discomfort. Long toenails are one reason why some dogs chew or lick their feet. Medical issues, injuries and boredom are other reasons why dogs chew on their feet.

Trim toenails at least once a month
If you let your dog's nails grow too long before trimming them, the quick (blood vessel inside the nail) will also grow longer. The longer the quick, the more difficult it is to keep the nails properly trimmed. The toenails should not touch the floor when the dog is standing still. Clicking toenails are a sure sign they need trimmed.

Trim the hair around the paw pads
Some dog breeds, like Siberian Huskies, have long hair around the paw pads that's meant to protect them when they're working or playing in snow and ice. It helps keep their feet warm and gives them traction. When the hair gets too long, it causes them to loose traction. All dogs have hair around the pads and it's important to keep the hair trimmed back even with their pads.

Check the paw pads for injuries
The dog's paw pads are tough, but they can still injure their pads by stepping on something that's sharp. Every so often, one of my dogs will step on a sharp rock while we're walking. Small wounds should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. I prefer to use an antibiotic made for pets that you can get from your vet. Some over the counter antibiotics for pets also work well. Human triple antibiotic is safe for your pet if you don't have one made specifically for pets. You can try to cover a wound with a loose bandage, but it's difficult to get a dog to keep a bandage on a foot. I will dress a wound and try to keep it on for as long as I can. The bandage helps to keep him from licking his injury and gives the antibiotic a chance to do its job. Watch the wound to make sure it doesn't become infected and keep it as clean as you can. Take your dog to the vet if it becomes tender, swollen or warm to the touch.

Dogs can scuff their pads on cement. Hot sidewalks, hot sand, hot metal and hot asphalt can burn your dog's pads. When walking your dog on a hot day, have him walk in the grass whenever possible to help prevent burns to his feet. If he does burn his feet, it's best to take him to the vet for treatment.

Check the feet after hiking, playing outside in tall grass and after winter walks
Small rocks can get caught in between the dog's paw pads and toes, causing an irritation that could turn into a painful sore if it isn't removed. Burrs, pieces of grass, small pieces of sticks, shards of glass, matted hair, small seeds from some grasses and dried mud can become embedded in the hair around the pads and get trapped next to the skin; irritating it. Ticks will hitch a ride home in between your dogs toes or pads.

Snow, ice, sidewalk ice melt and road de-icers can cause cuts, buns or puncture wounds. Winter weather can cause their pads to become dry and cracked. Ice melt and road chemicals are toxic for pets. Dogs can also step in antifreeze that has spilled out of a car's radiator anytime of the year and just a small amount of antifreeze is extremely toxic for pets. Avoid letting your dog walk through puddles and wash their paws after a walk to wash off any toxins they may have picked up. Vaseline or Bag Balm work good to help moisten dry cracked pads and both are safe if the dog licks his paws. Just remember, the pads are suppose to be rough, so only use these products to heal the cracked pads. Never use hand creams made for humans. A good solution to protect your dog's feet any time of the year is a quality set of doggy boots.

Check in between the dog's toes for abnormalities
Interdigital cysts or interdigital furuncles can form in between a dog's toes causing them to lick or chew on their feet. Interdigital cysts are abscesses that develop between the toes and are painful for the dog. Most of the time, these cysts will break open on their own, but it's always a good idea to have your dog checked out by a vet to determine the cause for the cysts. Interdigital furuncles are small painful lumps that form between the toes and are usually caused by a bacterial infection.

If your dog chews on or licks his feet constantly, there could be a medical reason why. If he's healthy, then it could just mean he's bored and needs more exercise. Never ignore a dog who licks and chews his feet. Dogs are just like us when it comes to the feet. If his feet hurt, he feels bad all over. Keep his feet healthy with regular inspections and remember; he is walking around barefooted.