Why You Should Trim Your Dog's Paw Pads
Why You Should Trim Your Dog's Paw Pads
Hygiene is an essential part of pet care that simply can’t be set aside. In order to keep your dog happy and healthy, it’s important to make sure all of their sanitary needs are met. A good cleaning routine ensures your dog has a longer and more comfortable life. It also makes it that much easier to give them all the hugs and snuggles you could want.
Among the various things that need to be a part of your pet’s regular regimen, trimming the hair between their paw pads is a topic of hesitation for many owners. The concern usually comes from a fear of hurting their fur baby or doing something counterproductive, especially if they are using dog self-wash stations or doing it at home.
What’s important to note is that it’s usually just medium and long-haired breeds that need a trim, and this should only be done when the hair is starting to grow beyond their pads. It’s natural to have a thin coat to protect their paws.
If you’re wondering why it’s bad to let your dog’s fur start covering their feet, here are some important factors to consider:
Dogs Need Enough Friction for Their Activities
Dogs use their paws for stability and friction when running and walking around. If their hair grows out too long, this will hinder their ability to move easily and efficiently. It can cause a lot of discomfort for your dog, and even lead to accidents like running into people or knocking breakable items over because they have limited control.
Long Fur Can Cause Ailments
The most pressing concerns are injury and illness. In the first place, if your dog’s toes don’t have enough traction, they can actually slip and hurt themselves. Aside from those injuries, they can also develop infections from covered wounds or built-up yeast in that area. Yeast infections are painful and can develop into worse conditions, and they will grow more rapidly because of the humidity that the extra fur brings to the underpaw.
Debris can also be caught in between the toes, especially if the fur is matted. This can cut your dog’s paw and cause painful wounds that can also become infected. You should also consider your terrain and the climate, as winter brings in the risk of ice balls that can further cause matted fur.
Extra Fur Means Extra Dirt
Not only is it more visually appealing to have your dog’s paws well-trimmed, but it also lessens the likelihood of them tracking unwanted marks on you and your belongings. Imagine your dog stepping into a wet puddle. Long, bunched-up fur under the paws will act like a mop bringing dirt everywhere your dog goes.
Conclusion
With those in mind, it’s best to make sure you keep your dog’s pads nice and tidy. A pair of round-tipped scissors will do the trick after brushing out the fur for easy access. This should be simple enough to find when shopping for local pet supplies, but you can always opt for a professional session if you feel too nervous about doing the trimming yourself.
Studies show that having a dog significantly improves our mental and physical well-being, so it’s only right to make sure they are as healthy and comfortable as they can be, too.
For fur parents looking for pet needs and dog groomers in Fremont, EarthWise Pet Fremont carries a wide range of brands for every dog and offers a whole suite of grooming services in their physical store. Dog owners can also have their goodies delivered from their online shop. Contact us for your pet needs today!