Most pets return to their regular routine after a long walk outside. However, those happy walks can always bring tiny problems home with them, like dust, bacteria, chemicals, and even tiny pieces of glass on dog paw pads that can be uncomfortable for your dog. For this reason, veterinarians advise paw washing and a short examination after each excursion. Many owners even end up using dog balms after the cleaning routine to keep the pads soft.
Dogs can return with grass, or chemical residues between their toes, according to Dr. Christian Broadhurst, who spoke to Newsweek about this. And if there are left there, these particles can cause dermatitis, excessive licking, and skin irritations. Adding to that, Pamela Payne of PetMD says that checking the pads closely allows you to identify cuts, splinters, or wounds before they become infected.
For the American Kennel Club the road is always a risky place; extreme heat on pavement or winter road salt increases the chances of an injury. PreventiveVet’s also give advice to make your canine friend’s steps safer.
Why to check after a good old walk
Paws are always touching everything around, and this turns them into magnets for invisible objects, like tiny broken glass, mud, cigarette ashes and of course many bacterias. But also, season has different effects too; winter salt can dry out and irritate doggy’s sensitive skin, and hot sidewalks can put pressure on pads.
A quick check will avoid you to bring those issues home with you. Because particles that sometimes seam harmless, like grass, fine dust, or chemical residues, can hurt the god skin between toes and often cause swollen or licking areas (dermatitis).
The intervention is easier if you look to the canine paw pads before any damage develops into infections that then will require you to take a trip to the clinic.
How to safely and easily clean paws
The steps are not difficult, you can start now, right after the walk and get rid of those contaminants:
- Use pet-specific wipes or a moist cloth for a fast cleaning routine.
- Rinse the paws with warm water and mild, neutral soap to prevent moisture buildup.
- Dry them carefully with a fresh towel, paying close attention to the spaces between toes.
- Avoid using any products with alcohol or strong fragrances, as advised by PreventiveVet, because these can provoke skin irritations and dryness.
- Look more closely by spreading the toes and looking for any sharp objects, grass, or little stones; if there’s any take them away carefully.
- After cleaning the pads, many dog owners apply dog balms or soft moisturizers.
The important thing is to do it regularly, because this way it helps pets relax and and then cleaning gets easier everytime.
A small habit with big benefits
We often forget how vulnerable dogs can be, they walk and walk without wearing shoes or ask their owners to take them to the vet if they don’t feel good. They usually just deal with pain. But how would you think your feet will feel after walking out without shoes for a whole day? Wouldn’t you want to go wash them as soon as you’re back home?
The American Kennel Club, Pamela Payne at PetMD, and Dr. Christian Broadhurst in Newsweek all agree that it’s worth the few minutes to do a quick check and give your dog a gentle cleaning after every excursion to reduce any possible discomfort and promote long-term pet health.
There is no need for rush, so take it slow, with methodical steps. You can make a healthier tomorrow for your pets with a happier walk today.