Does your canine buddy know how to Shake or High Five? Fido can do some pretty cute tricks with his paws! Actually, those furry feet are crucial to your pet’s health and well-being. Without them, he couldn’t play Fetch or jump for joy to see you. A North Miami Beach, FL vet discusses doggy paw care in this article.
Nails
Don’t let Fido’s nails get too long! Overgrown nails are quite painful for dogs. Your furry friend may change his stride because of the discomfort. This can really strain his bone and joints. Long nails also easily catch and tear on things, which can lead to painful infections. If you aren’t comfortable cutting your pet’s nails yourself, get some clippers that have sensors. Or, contact us to schedule a pawdicure.
Heat
We probably don’t have to tell you that Miami can get pretty hot. Fido can get painful burns by walking or running on scorching hot surfaces. Use paw balm or wax to protect your pet’s feet. Also, try to keep him on dirt and grass as much as possible.
Toe Fur
Does Fido have tufts of fur growing between his toes? These are cute, but you may want to trim them. They can easily pick up gunk, like gum, and sometimes get matted or tangled. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Paws For Inspection
We recommend inspecting Fido’s feet regularly. Look for insect bites, ticks, cuts, scrapes, or abrasions. Also, check for swelling, heat, and/or redness. If you see something small, like a little nick, you can treat it yourself with antiseptic. However, anything more serious than that should be treated by a veterinarian. Paw infections are definitely not something to mess around with!
Training
Does your furry buddy hate having his feet handled? Fido may be ticklish, or he may just not like having his feet touched. One thing that may help is desensitization. Teach your pooch that he’ll get a yummy treat every time he gives you his foot. Most likely, he’ll become a bit more accepting of the idea. The next thing is to start running clippers over his toes, so he gets used to them. Offer lots of treats and praise to help your pet form a ‘pawsitive’ association with this.
Is your pet due for vaccinations, parasite control, or an exam? Contact us, your North Miami Beach, FL vet clinic, today!
