10 Tips to keep your dog’s hooves
by Lenda | May 7, 2020 |
Your dog’s hooves are made for walking, but did you know they are also made to protect ? The pads provide additional cushioning to help protect the bones and joints from shocks, provide insulation against extreme weather, help walk on uneven ground, and protect the deep tissue of the paw.
We offer you 10 tips to keep them in perfect condition:
- Pedicure : Dog’s nails should barely touch the ground when walking. If your nails click or get caught in the ground, it’s time for a pedicure. If you have never done it before, or are not sure, ask your vet how to do it correctly.
- Comb and trim the hair on the legs, especially between the fingers and pads.
- Clean the pads well , as there may be some pebbles or crystals stuck. If necessary, use tweezers.
- Hydrate the pads with a specific cream so that they do not crack. Ask your vet for advice and do not use a normal hand cream, because it could weaken your skin and cause injury.
- Occasionally give her a gentle massage (especially between the fingers) to improve her circulation, they also love it!
- If you are going to start exercising with your dog, start gradually and moderately , because his paws are not used to them and they can get damaged if you start taking him to do runs and long walks.
- First aid : If you have any small cuts or erosions, you can clean them yourself with an antibacterial soap and a light bandage, but if it is something deeper, it is best to take him to the vet.
- Summer sores : When the asphalt or sand is very hot, your dog can get blisters and burns. It acts as we have explained in the previous point: if it is serious enough, it is best to take it to the vet.
- Winter damage : watch out for ice, snow and antifreeze products (like salt on the road). If you consider it necessary, you can put some booties on it.
- Finally, some common sense : don’t take your dog for a walk in areas where you wouldn’t go barefoot!
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