Essential Foot Care for Dogs

The pads on a dog’s paws are the toughest skin area on its body. When you think about it, they need to be, but they also need to have a certain amount of sensitivity so the animal knows what it’s walking on and if it is safe to do so.

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This area needs to be very well padded too because it has to act like a shock absorber and take the impact of walking, standing, jumping and running, so that there is reduced stress on the dog’s joints. So, care of the paws is a very important part of canine health care.

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A simple daily inspection is usually all that is needed, with particular attention paid to the gaps between the toes which can pick up gravel, bits of dirt and even thorns. Always rub off dried on mud which could become hard and sharp and cause injury. Some dogs have webbed feet (Labrador for example) and care should be taken to ensure that there is no damage to the webbing.

Parts of a Dog’s Paw

KEY:   A =  Claws     B = Digital pads     C = Metacarpel pad    D= Dew Claw    E=  Carpel pad

Photo and key:  Source:  Wikipedia.com   Creative Commons

Nails should stay short if the dog walks on hard ground regularly but a dog that runs only on grass will sometimes need its nails clipping. A regular inspection of nails will ensure that they are kept at the right length and are not causing problems because of damage.

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The signs of an injured paw are usually obvious because the dog will limp, hold its paw up, or even chew and lick at it. A quick inspection will usually reveal a wound, a cracked pad, or a foreign object between the toes. If the cause it not obvious veterinary advice is essential.

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There is a rich blood supply to the pads on a dog’s paws, so removing a very small object can result in quite a lot of bleeding. This should normally stop very soon. If not, get help.

Most wounds can be treated with a watered down antibacterial and a temporary bandage if you can get the dog to keep it on. If really necessary a Elizabethan collar can be fitted around the dogs neck to stop it being able to chew at the wound for a short time. These are easy to make from thin card and they simply stand up around the dog’s neck, but should only be used if essential and for very short periods of time.

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Some dogs suffer a lot with cracked, or flaking footpads and some very good pad creams are available from a pet shop, or veterinary surgeon to treat this. Prevention is very often better that cure if a dog has sensitive pads.

If any wound to a dog’s paws, or anywhere else, does not respond to treatment, or heal quickly, professional help should always be sought.