Paw Care for Dogs

Itchy Paws from Seasonal Allergies | What to Do

Does your dog know any cute paw tricks? Perhaps Fido can ‘Shake’ or ‘Gimme Five’ on command. Or, maybe your canine buddy just has a habit of putting his paw on your leg when he wants you to pet him or walk him. Those furry feet are actually very important to your pup’s health and well-being! Read on as a Coral Springs, FL vet offers some paw care tips. 

Heat

Florida summers get scorching hot. Keep this in mind when walking your pooch. Fido can burn his paws very quickly on hot tar or asphalt! Try to keep your pup on soft ground as much as possible. You can also use paw balm or wax to protect your dog’s feet. (Tip: Vaseline will also work.) 

Walking

Keep an eye on the ground when walking your dog, and steer him around things like broken glass and ant hills. If you take your canine pal to parks or beaches, you’ll also need to watch for things like sharp rocks and shells. 

Claws

Overgrown claws may not sound like a big deal, but they can be cause trouble. If your furry pal’s nails get too long, they’ll become quite uncomfortable, just as long toenails are for us. Fido may adjust his gait, which can put a lot of strain on his bones and joints. This is particularly problematic in older dogs. Of course, many people aren’t comfortable in trimming their pet’s nails themselves. One option is to get a clipper that is equipped with sensors. These show exactly where to snip, taking the guesswork out of the process. You can also ask your vet to demonstrate proper techniques. Or, just call us to schedule a pawdicure. No matter which way you go, be sure to give your four-legged buddy a yummy treat after! 

Injuries

We recommend checking Fido’s paws regularly. You’ll want to look for things like ticks, pebbles, and splinters. Keep an eye out things like swelling or limping as well. Your furry friend may also lick his paws frequently if they are bothering him. Light nicks and abrasions can be treated at home with antiseptic. However, call your vet right away if you notice anything more serious than that.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if ever we can be of assistance. As your local Coral Springs, FL animal hospital, we are always happy to help!

Our animal friends experience health problems and medical conditions just as much as we humans do. Taking them to the vet regularly is key to making sure they’re in great health. To avoid any surprises during your vet visit, it is highly recommended that pet owners get pet insurance coverage. The reasoning is that even the simplest of visits to an emergency room can turn out to be very costly. So a little shopping around and research will help pet owners make a well-informed decision about the insurance coverage that is best suited for their budget and their animal friend(s).