dog & FAMILY

Most dogs could probably benefit from some form of paw protection, but whether or not your pet has special paw needs depends on many factors. Some things to consider are the activity level of your dog, the terrain you usually encounter, and the weather in your area.

• A dog who loves to run and play outside can definitely abuse his paws, but working and hunting dogs are an extreme example of the active dog. These dogs are very likely to encounter paw issues, so for them, paw health must be a priority.
• If you and your dog enjoy trails and rough terrain for your walks and runs, remember that your dog is more susceptible to injuries from sharp rocks, gravel, and twigs.
• Urban areas have their own dangers. You must be wary of litter and broken glass that can prove perilous to unprotected paws.
• If you live in warmer climates, consider the effect of hot asphalt on doggie toes. This can be easily forgotten by the human companion who is sporting sneakers.

Should your pet experience an injured paw, remember that your veterinarian can guide you in selecting products to treat the problem more specifically. This may be limited to antibiotic ointments, light bandages or even a foot soak. However, some paw injuries can be complicated, so it is best to address them sooner rather than later.

Cut paws

Minor cuts on the paws will often heal on their own with a little TLC.

• To clean the wound, you can soak your dog’s paw in warm water mixed with a small amount of Epsom salts.
• Once the wound is cleaned, the most important thing to do is discourage your dog from licking his paw. This can be difficult, and may require the use of a cone or e-collar around the dog’s head. You can also try placing a sock over the affected limb and securing it to the dog’s leg with some medical adhesive tape (not too tight though!).
• Put a plastic bag around the paw when your dog is going outside to protect the healing wound from the elements.
• Antibiotic creams and ointments may seem like a good idea, but unfortunately, these tend to encourage dogs to lick at their wounds.
• A veterinarian should tend to deep or infected lacerations.

Splinters and thorns

Removing foreign bodies from your dog’s paws may require the helping hands of a friend or two. It’s always useful to have someone to hold your pet while another
person pets and distracts him or her – perhaps with a cookie!

• A good light source will help you visualize the object and tweezers are great for grasping splinters.
• Make sure that you will be able to remove the object in its entirety, as remaining material may lead to infection.
• If the object is very embedded or breaks off, please seek veterinary assistance.

Train your pet to tolerate paw inspections through positive reinforcement so that you can catch small problems before they become big ones.

Broken toenails

When a dog breaks or splits a toenail, the quick (or blood vessel) often bleeds.

• Apply cornstarch or styptic powder to the nail to stem the blood flow. Styptic powder can be purchased at most clinics or pet stores.
• Silver nitrate will also stop bleeding, but it stings and may not be well accepted by your pet.
• Sometimes broken nails need to be removed by a vet, but if the nail is split,
  you can try gradually clipping it back over time as the nail grows out.
• If you have difficulty trimming your pet’s nails, your veterinarian or veterinary technician can help you with this sometimes daunting task.