Summer Paw Protection: Keeping Your Best Friend Safe
Summer has arrived and with it comes long walks and playtime outside! But along with sunny days, there can be some hazards for delicate paws. While you can’t avoid all risk, here are some steps to protect your dog’s paws:
Protect against torn or cut pads. Metal edging is a common fixture in many backyards and is a common cause of cut or torn paws. Although it may seem blunt, it can cut like a knife when a running dog lands on it at high speed. Remove the risk from your yard by opting for pet-friendly edging options like plastic, brick or poured concrete. During the spring, check your yard for broken glass, pieces of metal or sharp objects which could lead to torn or cut pads in warmer months.
Avoid torn nails. Long toenails can easily get snagged and torn during play or while running through areas with roots or across uneven terrain, resulting in a very painful injury. Keep your dog’s nails trimmed to prevent them from catching on things. Never use dull trimmers as they can shred the nail, increasing the likelihood of a break. If trimming their nails stresses you or your dog, check out our tips to de-stress your pet during their pedicure. If you still find it challenging, your veterinarian or veterinary technician can demonstrate proper nail trimming and recommend the proper equipment, or you can schedule regular pedicures.
Prevent embedded thorns or grass awns. Grass lawns may appear harmless but these little seed pods are sharp. They can pierce the delicate skin between your dog’s toes and then work their way into deeper tissues of the paw or the rest of the body. Thorns from various ornamental plants and weeds can easily find their way into your pet’s paws. Keep grass awns and thorns off your dog by mowing your lawn regularly and avoiding tall grasses on walks. Remove plants with thorns or block your dog’s access to them in your garden.
Thwart ticks. Ticks love to find dark, moist places to burrow in, and two of their favorite spots are between the toes and in the ears. The best way to protect your pet from ticks is to use year-round parasite preventives. Check your pet daily for ticks—especially between their toes and in and behind their ears.
