How to properly wash your dog’s paws after a walk: useful tips

Everyone knows that a dog needs regular grooming. But an especially important part of such care is washing the dog’s paws. During daily walks and games in the yard, the paws of the pet come into contact with rough surfaces, wet ground, dirt and debris.

Dog paw pads serve an important purpose. As the ASPCA explains, they “provide extra cushioning to help protect your dog’s bones and joints from impact, provide insulation from extreme weather, help with walking on uneven ground, and protect tissues deep inside the paw.”

How to teach a dog to wash its paws

How often should you wash your dog’s paws?

Unlike bathing, which the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months, there are no specific guidelines for how often to wash a dog’s paws. In any case, they should be checked regularly. Depending on the time of year and conditions of detention, you can adjust the paw washing schedule in accordance with the needs of the dog. For example, cold summers and harsh winters can be a severe test for paws, and after long walks they should definitely be examined and washed. On the other hand, washing the paws of a dog that spends most of its time indoors and takes only short walks around the area is likely to be necessary only in bad weather, when they become dirty or wet.

My dog’s paws after a walk: preparation

Before you lather your dog’s paws, it’s important to inspect them carefully. Often debris gets stuck between the pads of the paws or under the claws.

You need to look for any foreign objects, such as tiny pebbles, glass shards, shells, and other foreign materials. You should also check if there are any fragments or other sharp objects stuck in the claws or the pads themselves. If any such foreign bodies are found, they should be carefully removed.

Also, if the dog has a medium or long coat, it is best to trim the area at the bottom of the paws so that the coat does not tangle. This will help keep the paws clean and prevent excess dirt from sticking. The coat should not go below the paw pads.

Dog paw washing

After examining the paws and trimming the coat, wet the paws, lather them with a mild dog shampoo and rinse with water. It’s best to keep a towel nearby and wipe your pet’s paws right away so they don’t slip and leave wet footprints all over the house.

To quickly clean your dog’s paws after a short walk, simply wipe them with a damp cloth. For an even more convenient option, the American Kennel Club recommends using dog-safe wet wipes.

It is important to trim the dog’s nails in a timely manner, including those on the dewclaws. The claws should be of such length that they do not reach the ground a little. If you hear a click when the dog walks, then this is the first sign that he has too long claws. For this procedure, you can involve a professional groomer or veterinarian.

Washing a pet’s paws is only a small aspect of grooming, but it provides a great opportunity to strengthen the bond with the dog and remind him that the owner is always there to take care of him.