Dog paw care tips

Much movement outdoors is not only good for pet owners but for their four-legged companion as well: It toughens up and strengthens the immune system. When the biped are protected from coldness and ice by wearing big winter boots, dogs are barefooted even in winter.

Now the paws are strained and need increased attention by the dog owner. Thawing salt outside in housing areas is unavoidable and attacks the bale enormously. Therefore it is recommendable to rinse off the paws with luke-warm water after every walk. To avoid the paws from getting rough and chapped, rub them with vaseline or deer-sebum after washing. Also marigold-, elderflower- and chamomile-salve as well as amber- or lavender oil are suitable for pad-care.

Special caution with frozen water surfaces. Thin ice on puddles may break easily and the dog’s paw might get hurt by resulting sharp edges. If a cut just happened, apply poultices of comfrey, yarrow or chinese cress and marigold-douches and salve may help additionally.

Do not take your quadruped ice skating: In the heat of the moment your dog can slip easily and may crick painfully.

If your barking companion just twisted in the deep snow, external poultices with arnica, marigold, yarrow or witch hazel can help and arnica-globules support inner healing. Also light therapy and reflexology of course are popular and effective remedies to help and relieve pain as soon as possible.

If your hairy fellow already suffered sore bales or an open paw injury, keep his foot protected with a special dog bootie from a pet shop or veterinarian. Take care that the bootie fits optimously and does not rub. Furthermore it should be waterproof for walks outdoors but you should take it off or change to an air-permeable shoe indoors. Otherwise the dog may sweat which causes an additional irritating salty-moist milieu. Long-haired quadrupeds freeze less during the cold season than their short-haired companions, but snow may also become a drag for them: Especially at their legs and paws the snow forms small and big snow balls which interfere the dog’s walking. That’s why the dog’s fur needs to be shorten in these particular areas. If snow lumps are already formed in their fur, you should rather cancel your walk and carefully detach the balls with luke-warm water back home.

After an eventful winter day outdoors, the dog paws earned a relaxing wellness care at home.

A foot- or face reflexology e.g. provides new energy for your quadruped. Take the paw inside your hand and massage it for general regeneration and stabilization with your thumb on top and your other fingers underneath. The finger movements should be circling.

For more information to reflexology for dogs browse through our website.