How to care for dog paws

The following symptoms should alert you:

• Cracks.
• Extremely rough skin.
• Swelling.
• Redness. 

If a dog frequently licks its paws, this is also a cause for concern.

  If the dog has walked on tar, fuel oil or other chemicals, moisten its paws with plenty of fat (any animal or vegetable), and then rinse with a special liquid or preparation to wash off these substances. Be careful in winter – the salt on the streets irritates the skin of the paws. After each walk, wash your dog’s paws and lubricate the pads with fat (any).Every owner needs to know how to care for dog paws. Inspect your dog’s paw pads, interdigital spaces, and claws daily. After all, a dog can cut the pads with glass, step on chewing gum, plant seeds can get between the fingers, etc. All this is fraught with discomfort and lameness.  If it’s too dry outside, rub some oily skin cream (any kind) on your paw pads to prevent cracking. If a crack appears, treat it with an antiseptic (for example, chlorhexidine) and lubricate with levomekol. Avoid walking in mud, sand and mowed grass. Rinse paws with running water after each walk. In winter, either use safety shoes or apply wax to the paw pads just before walking. For excessive dryness, use a moisturizer or olive oil. If you find swelling or redness of the dog’s paws, it is better to consult a veterinarian – this may be a symptom of joint disease or fungal diseases. If the dog is long-haired, you can cut the hair around the paw to make it easier to care for the paws.