Does your pooch sometimes put his paw on your leg when he wants attention? Does Fido know cute tricks, like Shake or Gimme Five? Those furry feet aren’t just Fido’s unofficial logo: they’re crucial to keeping him active and mobile. A local Oradell, NJ vet offers some advice on caring for your pet’s feet in this article.

Nail Trims

Keeping Fido’s nails trimmed is more important than many people realize. Long nails interfere with the angle of your canine pal’s toes against the ground, which in turn affects his gait and posture. Over time, this strains Fido’s bones and muscles, and can cause or exacerbate issues like arthritis. Overgrown nails also increase the risks of injuries from strains, slips, and falls, as they just make it harder for dogs to get good traction. Plus, they’re just uncomfortable! 

Paw Massages

Have you ever had a hand or foot massage? These can be very relaxing. You may find that your pooch also enjoys having his paws gently rubbed. After all, those furry feet do take a lot of abuse. They act as springboards, temperature gauges, and shock absorbers. Try it and see! 

Paw Pad Care

Paw balm or wax can help keep your furry pal’s paw pads moisturized. It will also protect them from hot or harsh surfaces. You can use coconut or olive oil in a pinch. If your dog’s paws are really rough and/or cracked, you may need to do this quite often.

Ground Monitoring

Pay attention to the ground when you are walking Fido. Steer him around things like broken glass or sharp rocks. In summer, keep him off scorching-hot surfaces. If it’s too hot for you to go barefoot, it’s too hot for your canine buddy!

Paw Checks

Get into the habit of checking Fido’s paws regularly. You’ll want to look for wounds, such as burns, blisters, or bites, but also watch for ticks and foreign objects, like burrs, pebbles, or gum. Work this into your daily doggy hangout time!

Tips

Is Fido shy about having his feet handled? Teach your pooch that he’ll get a yummy snack for giving you his furry feet. Chances are, your bashful pet will soon have a miraculous change of opinion about having his feet touched.

Do you have questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your local Oradell, NJ pet hospital, today.