How to wash your dog’s paws after a walk

When the autumn slush begins or the March snow melts, the owners face the question of the hygiene of their pets’ paws. After active walks, the dog needs clean pads to move freely around the apartment or house. You can pick up a small dog and wash his paws under the tap. But with a dog of medium and large size, this will not work.

Why wash your paws after a walk

Washing paws after a walk should be as necessary a ritual for a dog as feeding or combing.

• On dirty paws, a dog can bring home ticks and various infections that are dangerous for both it and people.
• Road chemicals that are sprinkled on roads in winter can cause irritation and allergies.
• The dog can injure the paw pads, drive a splinter under the skin. If you wash his paws after each walk, it is necessary to check the integrity of the skin.
• Washing removes chemicals that the animal can pick up from gasoline puddles and prevents poisoning.

How to properly wash paws

Usually, owners use a basin to wash the paws of dogs of medium and large breeds. So that the pet is not nervous and gets used to this procedure, you should follow a few simple rules:

• Before washing, carefully inspect the pads for wounds or foreign bodies.
• Put a basin and a rag near the front door, lay a rubber mat, put a dry towel next to it.
• Check water temperature. It should be cool in winter and warm in summer.
• Use a sponge for washing, which allows you to save shampoo.
• First wash the front paws, wipe the soiled stomach, and then proceed to the hind legs. If the dog is washing in the bathroom, you need to alternately immerse the paws in the water.
• It is best to dry the paws with a microfiber towel.

Some dogs can wear outdoor booties or slippers. This will be the best preventive measure, and you will not have to torment the dog every time by washing the limbs.

A pet should learn to wash its paws from puppyhood. To get used to this process, you will need to be patient. You can teach your dog to be touched by rubbing his paws with a dry towel and rewarding him with treats.

The main mistakes when washing paws

Every owner needs to know what mistakes happen when washing their pet’s paws.

• The water is too hot or cold. It is necessary to choose the optimal temperature so that the dog is pleased and at the same time it is possible to wash off all street pollution.
• You are not using a sponge to wash. It is needed to eliminate pathogenic microbes from sensitive pads and skin folds. Using a sponge, you can wash the smallest cracks on your pet’s paws.
• Washing paws with water without aids. For daily washing, be sure to use a regular or tar shampoo for dogs. However, if the pet is prone to allergies, then you should choose a hypoallergenic shampoo.
• You scold the dog while washing. The animal should be accustomed to this procedure gradually if the dog has a persistent dislike for water. You can not shout at her, use physical violence. It is better to reduce the time of water procedures or, after a walk, wipe her paws with wet wipes or a rag for a while.

After bathing, be sure to praise your dog, pet him, treat him with a treat. In this way, a pleasant association with the paw washing procedure will be fixed in him, which will not cause any problems in the future.