Does your pup sometimes put a paw on your leg when he wants attention? Fido’s paws are not only super cute, they’re also crucial for keeping him active, mobile and happy. You’ll need to take good care of those furry feet! A Fayette County, KY vet offers some advice on caring for Fido’s paws in this article.

Keep Nails Clipped

Long nails are uncomfortable for our canine pals, just as they are for us. They can make it hard for Fido to get good traction when he’s running down the hall to greet you at the door, which increases the chance of a slip-and-fall injury, which can be just as dangerous for dogs as they are for us. They’ll also interfere with the way your cute pet’s toes hit the floor, and how he walks and stands. That strains his bones and joints.

Paw Pad Care

Don’t forget about those toe beans! (Fun Fact: If you look at Fido’s paws upside down, you may notice that they are kind of shaped like teddy bears or koalas.) Those paw pads cushion your furry buddy’s bones when he jumps up for a Frisbee, and give him traction when he’s running after that squirrel. Those paw pads are quite delicate, however, and are susceptible to burns, blisters, cuts, and abrasions. Use paw balm to keep them moist, and keep your pup on soft ground as much as possible.

Toe Fur

Does your canine friend have toe fur sprouts? Those little tufts are cute, but you may be better off snipping them. That fur can get matted and gunky, which is very uncomfortable.

Dew Claws

Don’t forget about your furry pal’s dew claws! When these get overgrown, they can actually dig into Fido’s skin. Ouch!

Tail Wags

We know, getting that tail going doesn’t directly affect Fido’s feet, but it won’t hurt. Teach your four-legged pal that he’ll get a yummy snack for letting you handle his paws. This may make him much more amenable to having his furry feet held and handled. If your canine buddy is still a puppy, you definitely have the upper paw here. It’s much easier to instill good pawdicare habits in a young dog than to try and change the mind of a skeptical older pooch!

As your Fayette County, KY animal clinic, we’re dedicated to providing great veterinary care. Please contact us anytime!