As an owner, you are probably concerned with your dog’s health.  You keep him on a regular veterinary schedule and might have him groomed occasionally; you look out for your pet inside and out.  Sometimes, there are aspects of dog care that slip right passed even the most caring owner.  For instance, many owners are unaware that a weekly teeth brushing is great for a dog.  Paw care is another important health issue that can slip through unnoticed.  Here are easy ways to look out for your pet’s paws without paying a penny.

You may wonder why keeping a dog’s paws in good health is important or even relevant.  Aren’t they accustomed to walking around barefoot all day?  Even though your pet does spend most of his time of his paws does not mean that his paws are indestructible.  And, since he does spend most of his time on his paws, his paws should be near the top of your healthy pet checklist.

If you have never taken the time to examine your dog’s paws, then it may take awhile before he accepts what you are trying to do.  You need to get him comfortable with the process.  Take him into a quiet area free of distractions.  Start by gently touching or rubbing his paws.  Work your ways up to a “paw massage.”  As your pet gets accustomed to you touching his paws, then it will be easier for you to examine them when needed.  Be careful if your pooch seems to be experiencing paw pain; he may snap or bite if he feels that you are going to hurt, or are hurting, his injury.

Start with your pooch’s nails.  Long nails can curl under the paw and cause pain.  A broken nail can also be agonizing to a dog.  If you go to a groomer, then his nails are probably trimmed upon each visit.  If not, then you need to trim your dog’s nails at least once a month.  If the nails grow fast, then you may have to do this more often.  If your dog’s paws “click” as he walks on a hard surface, then it’s definitely time to trim the nails.  Another way to look at this is that his nails should not exceed the paw pad. 

In addition to the nails being trimmed, the hair between the paw pads should also be trimmed.  Long paw hair can mat and tangle.  It can also attract unwanted foreign objects such as spurs and thorns.  Your groomer will also perform the hair trimming.  If you do your own grooming, then just grab a small pair of scissors.  Clip the hair around and between the paw pads, but be careful not to cut your dog.

If you feel of your pet’s paw pads, then you will notice how rough and tough they are.  Even though they provide protection for your pet, they can still suffer injury.  Often, the pads become dry and start cracking.  The cracks can be painful for your pet, so the dryness should not be left untreated.  Visit your local pet store and pick up a paw cream.  The cream will soften the pads and heal the cracks.  It’s not a good idea to use human lotion; you don’t want your pet’s paws too soft!

If you take your pooch out for a hike or jog, then it’s a good idea to examine his paws when you return home.  Just have a seat and hold him in your lap (if possible), or do whatever you need to do to keep him comfortable.  Look between the paw pads and under the nails for anything that could be lodged in his paw.  Check and make sure there are no cuts or cracks.  If your pet is in pain, then try to find the cause.  Many items can be easily removed with a pair of tweezers.  However, if your pet is hurting and tweezers won’t do the trick, then you need to take him to see your veterinarian.

Your pooch uses his paws day in and day out.  To protect your pet, his paws are tough, but they are still susceptible to injury.  By keeping his nails and hair trimmed, some injuries can be prevented.  You should place paw care on your healthy pet list, and check his paws frequently!

This article was provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring aluminum dog crates, dog beds and dog doors.