Our top tips on paw care for dogs

Your dog’s nails should just about touch the ground when they walk. If you hear your dog’s nails clicking or getting snagged on the floor, then it’s time to get them clipped. If you are unsure on how to trim your dogs claws then ask your vet or a local groomer to advise you on how to do them. Ask them for advice about what types of nail trimmers are best for your size and breed of dog and how to use them properly.

It’s also essential that you trim your dog’s paw hair regularly to avoid painful matting. all you need to do is simply comb hair out, especially from between the toes, and trim even with the pads.

if your dog walks on various terrains debris and foreign objects can become lodged in between your dogs toes and even in your dog’s pads. Avoid walking your dog on rough terrain areas. Even cut grass and soft sandy beaches can harbour small bits of debris which can cause harm to your dogs feet. Check regularly between their toes for thorns, pebbles, small bits of broken glass and other debris. These pesky little items can usually be removed with a pair of tweezers.

Just like humans a dog can benefit from a good paw moisturising. A dog’s pads can become cracked and dry no matter what time of year. Ask your veterinarian for a good PET PAD moisturiser and use as directed. NEVER use human hand moisturiser, as this can soften the pads too much and lead to injury.

Humans love a good hand massage from time to time, so why not massage your dogs paws? A paw massage will not only relax your dog but it will promote better a circulation. Start by rubbing between the pads on the bottom of the paw, and then rub between each toe. Your dog will love being pampered this way.

Some dog owners and dogs take it easy throughout the winter. So when spring comes around it’s time to get active once again. If you are about to begin a new exercise program with your dog, start off slow. A dogs paws may become sensitive, chaffed or cracked, particularly when starting your dog out on hikes and runs. You can use a bicycle dog trailer for adventures out of the city, especially if you like cycling.

It’s not unusual for a dog to suffer a cut or other wounds from accidentally stepping on glass, debris or other objects. Sadly our streets can be littered with small amounts of rubbish which we can’t see or avoid. Even the beach can have small bits of broken bottle tucked into the sand.

Always make sure you have the adequate amount of first aid treatment indoors. Wounds that are smaller than a half inch in diameter can be treated at home. Just make sure the debris has been removed. Then make sure the wound is cleaned with an antibacterial wash and wrapped with a light bandage. For deeper paw cuts, it’s vital that you see the vet for treatment.

Have you ever stepped onto hot sand in the summer? Or felt the hot pavement with your bare feet? It’s also important to remember that your dog’s paws feel these heat extremes too. To prevent burns and blisters, avoid walking your dog on hot pavement or sand in the first place. Signs of paw sores will include blisters, loose flaps of skin and red, ulcerated patches. For minor burns, apply antibacterial wash and cover the paw with a loose bandage. For serious burns, visit your vet immediately.

Some dog owners find that dog strollers are a great way to travel with their pets in the height of summer. Not only does the dog buggy prevent the dog from walking on hot pavements but the protective stroller covering prevents the dog from overheating and getting sun burnt. The mesh window panels on the stroller will also encourage air flow which will keep the stroller interior cool and well ventilated.

If not properly protected winter can be hard on every body’s skin, even your dog’s! Bitter cold can cause chapping and cracking on your dogs paws. Rock salt, snow grit and other chemical ice melting agents can cause sores, infection and blistering on dogs feet. Toxic chemicals can also be ingested by your dog when they return home and begin to wash or lick their paws.

After wintry outdoor walks, wash your dog’s paws in warm water to rinse away any salt and chemicals that may have got embedded into the foot. A handy tip is to apply Vaseline, a great salt barrier, to the foot pads before each walk. Or you can buy protective shoes or boots for your dog. For smaller and shorter dogs, walking in snow and ice can not only damage their paw pads but it can make them colder much quicker than taller larger dogs.

Again a dog stroller is an ideal solution for protecting your dog from harsh winter weather. Using a dog pushchair you can easily transport your dog through the ice or snow to the local park where exercising them there is more agreeable. After the exercise you can dry off your dogs paws with a towel, which can be stored in the lower storage compartment of the stroller.

To help reduce the risk of a paw or pad injury, try to walk your dog in clean dog friendly areas. Keep a look out for broken glass or other dangerous litter. Also keep your home, garden or yard clear of pointy bits and pieces like glass splinters, thorns, nails and screws. And keep this simple tip in mind—if you wouldn’t like to walk on it barefoot, neither will your dog!