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Your dog's paws touch almost everything. Hot roads, wet grass, dusty paths, mud, tiles, stones and sometimes things we wish they had not stepped in. Because dogs use their paws all day, small problems can quickly become painful if they are missed.
The good news? Paw care does not need to be complicated. A quick check after walks and a few simple habits can prevent a lot of trouble.
After a walk, take a few seconds to look at your dog's paw pads and between the toes. You are looking for small cuts, stones, thorns, mud, redness or anything stuck in the fur.
This is especially important after walking on rough roads, construction areas, wet ground or long grass.
For everyday dirt, plain water and a soft cloth are usually enough. You do not need to scrub the paws aggressively after every walk.
If the paws are very muddy, rinse them with lukewarm water. The most important step comes afterwards: dry them properly, especially between the toes.
Wet skin between the toes can stay damp for a long time, especially in dogs with thick fur around their feet. Constant moisture may irritate the skin and can create conditions where skin problems develop.
After rainy walks, baths or paw washing, gently dry each paw with a clean towel.
In India, hot roads and pavements can be a bigger paw problem than cold weather. Concrete, asphalt and stone surfaces can become extremely hot under direct sunlight.
A simple rule is to feel the surface with the back of your hand. If it feels uncomfortably hot to you, it may also be too hot for your dog's paws. Choose early-morning or later-evening walks when the ground is cooler.
During the monsoon, dogs may come home with wet and muddy paws almost every day. The goal is not to keep the paws perfectly clean at all times. The goal is to avoid leaving them wet and dirty for hours.
A quick lick after a walk can be normal. But if your dog keeps licking or chewing the same paw, there may be something bothering them.
Common possibilities include a small injury, something stuck between the toes, skin irritation, allergies or infection. Persistent licking deserves a closer look.
Dog paw pads are naturally tough, so they do not need to feel completely soft. A slightly rough texture can be normal.
However, deep cracks, bleeding, painful areas or sudden changes should not be ignored. Avoid using random human creams or strongly scented products because dogs often lick their feet.
Nails that become too long can change how a dog places its feet on the ground. Over time, that can make walking less comfortable.
How often nails need trimming varies. Dogs walking regularly on hard surfaces may naturally wear them down more than dogs that spend most of their time indoors.
Dewclaws often do not touch the ground, which means they may not wear down naturally. Check them regularly so they do not grow too long or curl towards the skin.
Breeds such as Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Golden Retrievers and other long-haired dogs may develop a lot of fur around and between the paw pads. Long fur can trap mud, water and debris.
Keeping this fur tidy can make paw cleaning easier, but be very careful with scissors around the feet. If you are not comfortable doing it, ask a groomer.
Your dog walks directly on freshly cleaned floors and then may lick its paws. Use cleaning products according to their instructions and avoid letting pets walk over wet, freshly treated floors.
Dog shoes are not essential for everyday life for most dogs. But they can occasionally be useful for very hot surfaces, rough terrain or when a veterinarian has recommended paw protection.
If you use boots, introduce them gradually. They must fit properly and should not rub against the skin or make normal walking difficult.
Puppy paws are still getting used to different surfaces. Avoid suddenly taking a young puppy on long walks over rough or hot ground. Build activity gradually and make paw handling a normal part of life.
Gently touching the paws, toes and nails while your puppy is relaxed can make future nail trimming and paw checks much easier.
Older dogs may walk less, meaning their nails may not wear down as quickly. They may also be less likely to show you that something small is bothering their feet.
A quick paw check should become part of routine senior-dog care.
Contact your veterinarian if your dog has persistent limping, significant swelling, bleeding, deep cracks, a wound, pus or discharge, a strong unusual odour, pain when the paw is touched or repeated licking that does not settle.
A dog that suddenly refuses to put weight on a paw should also be examined.
You do not need a drawer full of paw-care products. For most dogs, the best routine is simple: look at the paws after walks, clean them when they are dirty, keep them dry, maintain the nails and pay attention when your dog starts licking, limping or behaving differently.
Those little paws carry your dog through every walk, game and excited run to the front door. Looking after them is one of the simplest ways to keep your dog comfortable and moving happily. 🐾
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