Pets pet paw use their paws as their link to their surroundings. A paws’ primary purpose is to sprint around a park and even knead a soft blanket. Due to contact with different types of surfaces, paws can suffer irritation or injury. The pet’s health and comfort can be greatly impacted if no action or care is taken. That is why understanding pet paw care is crucial.
This guide covers hygiene and grooming, and it looks at pet paws all year grooming. Protection from heat in summer and during the winter from the cold is necessary. Now, you can go ahead and explore the street with renewed confidence, all thanks to proper paw care. Your pet’s comfort and pain is all taken care of.
Understand the structure of a pet’s paw in anatomy.
To care for paws effectively, understanding the structure is paw is crucial. Structure wise for both species there are some differences but with respect to anatomy they both share the same components. Designed to absorb shock and offer traction, paddle, and paws are incredible, delicate structures.
Paw Structure:
- Digital Pads – these small rounded constructions maintain balance by resting on the bottom part of the toes.
- Metacarpal/Metatarsal Pad – this is the large, heart-shaped central pad on the paw, which is also the principal shock absorber. It carries the most weight of the whole paw.
- Carpal Pad – this isolated small pad is located on the upper part of the back of the front legs. It is used for additional control during rapid descents.
- Claws (Nails) – the essential tools for maintaining traction, digging, and defense, are made of keratin. These are also the sharpest on the cat and are the most used on the dog. Cat nails can retract, while dog nails extend and are used more frequently.
- Dewclaw – located on the inner side of the leg, this is the ‘thumb’ of the leg which enhances grip for fast turning.
Paws also have numerous blood vessels, ligaments, and fatty tissues. These tissues insulate the paw from extreme temperatures and cushion the joints while running.
Common Paw Problems in Pets.
In respect to the other body parts, the paw has more exposure to the outer environmental factors. Therefore, it is more prone to various issues. Scheduling and conducting regular paw inspections can help you notice problems before it spirals out of control.
Cuts, Scrapes, and Punctures
Sharp objects such as broken glass, thorns and sharp rocks can result in injury. A tell-tale sign of injury may be limping or licking at a paw. Wounds on the paw of an animal should be inspected closely. Minor cuts may only requires and antiseptic solution. On the contrary, deep cuts may require additional medical treatment to avoid infection.
Dry, Cracked Pads
Paw pads, just like human skin, may be riddled with cracks and cuts, and in the process, become sore. Causes may include hot pavements, cold seasons, dry air, or even some heated de-icers. Cracked pads can quickly become infected which can result in serious medical ailments.
Burns and Blisters
Tar and sand can become unbearably hot. This sort of heat can lead to severe blisters on your animal. Refrain to the ‘five second rule’ to remediate the burning feeling on an animal.#
Foreign Objects
Your pets may also have burrs, foxtails, little pebbles, or even splinters stuck between their toes and pads. If these items remain stuck, they may be very painful and risk infection. Always inspect your pet’s paws after they have just been on a walk in wooded or grassy regions.
Allergies
Allergies, whether to the environment or to certain types of food, can present themselves in inflamed and itchy paws. If you notice your pet chewing or licking his or her paws excessively, accompanied by some irritation and redness, the pet may have allergic reactions. The veterinarian can assist in determining the reason for the issue and reviewing available solutions.
Essential Tips for Healthy Paws
The best way to avoid problems or issues with paws is by being proactive. Following some of these suggestions on a regular basis can help tremendously in this regard.
1. Conduct Regular pet Paw Inspections
All pets should have visible and healthy paws to walk with ease and comfort. It should also be a part of your routine to inspect their paws after they have walked or played. They should be clean of injury, redness, swelling, or any bobbles or attachments. That is why, with five minutes of checking, a pet’s health can be saved, rather than paying for expensive treatments and surgery.
2. Keep Paws Clean and Dry
Just like humans need to keep their hands clean, it is important to clean the paws of animals. After going out for walks and other outdoor activities, it is important to keep the paws clean by wiping them down and removing the allergens and other harmful substances.. It is also important to clean the spaces between the toes, as if the spaces between the toes are left wet, it can lead to the growth of fungus.
3. Trim Nails Regularly
Nail care is also important. Nail care is important as it can lead to improper movement of the animal, and can lead to joint pain as well.. Nails also can become a snag and lead to harm. Nails should be trimmed every 3 to 4 weeks, and this can be done using professional tools. A good sign is if the animal has difficulty walking as it is a clear indication that the nails are too long. . Please remember to consult a specialist if you feel like the distance is too much.
4. Moisturize Paw Pads
If a pet has cracked paws, it is best to use a pet safe balm instead of using ointments that could be harmful. A good ointment that can help is natural wax which has vitamin E and shea butter. Human lotion should be avoided as it can lead to injuries.
Seasonal Pet Paw Care
It is important to consider that each season will produce a different form of protection.
In the summer-Paw Protection
- Avoid Hot Surfaces: Walk your dog when the sun is less intense: in the morning or later in the evening. Walk only on grass or shaded pathways.
- Use Protective Gear: Dog boots are a great way to prevent dog paws from sitting on hot pavement. Put the booties on the dog slowly: only one at a time. Reward the dog for not fighting you.
- Soothe and Cool: If the dog’s paws are hot after the walk, the dog can lick a damp towel that is cold.
In the winter-Paw Protection
- Protect from Ice and Salt: Salt and chemical de-icers on walkways can cause chemical burns. Protection from salt and de-icers is best attained through booties. Alternatively, put on a layer of paw wax before going outside to form a barrier.
- Clean Paws after Walks: After a walk, remember to remove the salt from your pet, along with the de-icer and any ice balls that might have formed.
- Paw Hair: If the dog has a lot of ice, the skin may get very cold along with the snow and ice. The snow, ice, and cold air is very uncomfortable. Keep the hair between the paw pads the shortest for long.
Cat Paw Health and Hygiene
A bit of a different approach is needed for a cats paw health and hygiene. This is mainly due to their retractile claws and grooming behavior.
- Claw Care: Even though a cat does a lot of scratching and declawing as a natural behavior outdoors, scratching posts are still highly recommended. They help avoid claws from overgrowing and curling inwards.
- Litter Box Issues: Sensitivity to certain textures is a common trait amongst some cats. This is particularly correlated to avoiding the litter box. Pay attention to the cat’s paws for any discomfort due to irritation.
- Self-Grooming: Cats are arguably the best self-groomers. Ideally self-grooming should be complemented by inspecting for any issues that the cat can’t help.
Conclusion: Prioritize Your Pet’s Paws
Prior to your pet’s hygiene, make sure their paws are free of any dirt. The paws are the first and simplest point of contact to the ground. Most importantly, do regular inspections to relieve discomfort and the pain your pet suffers. Paws need to be healthy to help the pet stay active and happy.
Focus on the paws of your pet. It’s important to build a positive association with the praise you give. Treats will solidify the association. Just like with all other habits, it pays to build a positive routine for the pet paw care that will make it easier to perform. This commitment will contribute to the your pet having a longer, quite stable, and low pain life.
