Clean Dog Paws: Paw Pad Care After Walks, Before Coming Inside

Bringing your furry friend back inside after a delightful walk shouldn't mean bringing in a mess of mud and potential health hazards. Keeping your dog's paws clean is crucial for their well-being and for maintaining a tidy home. This article will guide you through the best ways to clean your dog’s paws, the importance of paw care, and how to protect their paws effectively.

Importance of Cleaning Dog Paws

Reasons You Should Clean Your Dog's Paws Frequently

Cleaning your dog's paws frequently is important for several reasons. During the rest of the year, keeping paws clean will not only protect your floors from muddy paw prints but also allows you to inspect the dog’s paw pads for any issues that may need attention. This proactive approach helps prevent problems from developing. Often, caked-on dirt hides wounds, and chronically dirty paws can cause inflammation and abrasions, impacting your dog’s comfort and health.

Impact of Dirty Paws on Your Home

The impact of dirty paws on your home can be significant, particularly after walks in muddy or dusty environments. Dirty paws can track mud, dirt, and other debris throughout your house, leading to the need for frequent cleaning and potentially damaging flooring and furniture. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep a clean towel nearby to dry the paws, ensuring your dog doesn't slip or leave wet footprints everywhere after you clean their paws.

Health Benefits of Clean Dog Paws

The health benefits of clean dog paws are considerable. Cleaning their paws after a walk is a must. "Some dog’s feet are extremely sensitive to the cold, to the salt, and all the elements," says Helen Adler, member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America. You never want your dog licking their paws after they have been exposed to salt. Licking salt can cause oral ulceration, irritation, and even gastrointestinal upset. Regular paw cleaning prevents ingestion of harmful substances and keeps the dog's paws healthy.

Best Ways to Clean Dog Paws

Guide on How to Clean Your Dog's Paws

Before you begin to lather up those dog's paws, it's important to check your dog's paw. Often, debris gets stuck between the paw pads or in toenails. After checking your pup's paws and trimming their hair, wet their feet, lather with mild dog shampoo, and rinse. To clean the area, gently turn your dog’s paw toward you and carefully clean or wash between the pads. Always separate each of the dog’s claws for proper cleaning so you keep your dog’s paws clean.

Paw Cleaning Techniques: Wiping vs. Washing

For a quick and easy paw cleaning routine after a walk, gently wiping the dog's paws with a washcloth and warm water is often sufficient. For extra dirty paws, you can use a dab of dog shampoo on the washcloth and make sure to wipe off thoroughly. This method helps maintain clean paws without needing a full wash.

Using Dog Wipes for Quick Clean-Ups

For an even more convenient option to clean dog paws, the American Kennel Club recommends using moist wipes that are safe for dogs. If your dog's paws are just a little dusty, a wet towelette might be all you need to clean them up—as long as you're using a wipe that’s labeled as safe for pet care. Many wipes for humans contain harmful chemicals that can be detrimental to your pet’s health.

Paw Pad Care After Walks

How to Inspect Toes and Paw Pads

Gently spread their toes and paw pads apart and inspect the sides of their paw pads and between their toes for any injuries or foreign objects. It’s also a good time to check for any swelling or discoloration. After a walk, always check your dog's paws for cuts, abrasions, and blisters. Proper paw care involves diligent inspection of the toes and paw pads to ensure no foreign objects or injuries are present after walks, helping maintain the health and well-being of your dog’s paw.

Signs of Irritation or Injury to Look For

Watch to see if your dog shows any signs that they are in pain or have tenderness when examining their foot. Although they may start out as minor wounds, they can rapidly develop an infection if untreated. Therefore, it's crucial to pay attention to any indications of discomfort or sensitivity when checking your dog's paws after a walk to take your dog to the vet immediately. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and ensure your dog’s paws remain healthy.

Best Practices for Paw Pad Maintenance

Make it a habit to check your dog’s paw pads regularly to ensure their paws are clean. Keep your dog's potty walks during hot weather short; try to walk your dog on grass and in the shade, and have lots of cool, fresh water available for frequent rehydration. This will also help you see any small cracks or abrasions. Then clean the area with a diluted antiseptic to maintain clean paws. After cleaning, dry the paw and apply a small amount of antiseptic or antibacterial spray or lotion that is labeled for use in pets.

Using Dog Booties and Dog Boots

Benefits of Dog Booties in Keeping Paws Clean

If your dog welcomes the use of dog boots, they are the best preventive measure to ensure no amount of salt or debris will get on those dog's paws, according to Liddle. The best way to protect their paws is to have your dog wear dog booties when they are participating in activities or in environments that could damage their paws and paw pads. Dog booties are great for keeping paws protected from the elements.

Choosing the Right Dog Boots for Your Pet

When choosing the right dog boots for your pet, you want to look for something sturdy, well-fitted, and non-slip to clean dog paws. The dog’s paw needs the right boot size for the dog’s feet. Dog boots that are too tight can cut off circulation and cause discomfort, while those that are too loose can easily slip off during walks. Choose dog boots that provide a secure and comfortable fit to ensure your dog's paws after a walk remain protected.

Adapting Your Dog to Wearing Boots

It’s always a good idea to introduce dog booties slowly with some desensitization techniques to help your dog feel less stressed by their new kicks and more comfortable moving about in them. Start by letting your dog wear the dog boots for short periods inside the house, gradually increasing the duration as they become more accustomed to them. Make the experience positive by offering treats and praise.

Tips to Help Your Dog Enjoy Cleaner Paws

Making Paw Cleaning a Positive Experience

Cleaning your dog's feet is just one small aspect of being a dog parent, but it's also a great opportunity to build your bond with your dog and remind them you'll always be there to take care of them and make sure their paws are clean. If possible, have a helper distract your dog with yummy treats while you trim their paw pads. It's okay to just do one paw pad trim a day if that's all your dog can handle and to ensure the process is positive.

Incorporating Paw Care into Your Routine

Consider checking your dog's paws weekly to clean dog paws. Depending on their level of exercise and the season (harsh summers and winters can be tough on your pet's paws), you can adjust the schedule to fit your pup's needs to ensure your dog’s paws after a walk are clean. If you frequently take your dog hiking, for example, you may need to check and wash their paws after every trip to the trails.

When to Seek Professional Help for Paw Issues

If the wound is severe or appears infected, you should consult your veterinarian about the dog’s paw, Payne advises. You may need a portable paw cleaner. Matting can cause discomfort and skin irritation, and attempting to remove it yourself could accidentally injure your dog. A professional groomer has the tools and experience to safely and effectively remove mats from your dog's feet.