Whether your dog enjoys hiking, engages in agility or flyball competitions, or simply walks a lot, you probably worry about keeping their paw pads from tearing, getting cut, or suffering other harm.
Making your dog’s paw pads more resilient and flexible while still being durable is one of the main keys to preventing them from getting damaged.
I share what I’ve discovered about safeguarding your dog’s paw pads in this article.
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With the exception of a few unique breeds, most domesticated dog breeds today have little to no hair on their paws, which leaves their paw pads significantly less resilient and protected. Your dog, however, still has many of the paw characteristics that their ancestors required many years ago, like fatty and thick pads.
Because of the connective tissue, fat, and extremely tough and thick skin that make up your dog’s paw pads, they can walk on rough, jagged, hot, and cold surfaces with relative ease. Dogs who frequently venture outside and go on hikes are likely to have paw pads that are much more durable, which makes their sense of touch much less sensitive.
Your dog has a dewclaw that extends further up the side of their leg, which is frequently sharp and can snag on objects, and there is an interesting history surrounding the paws and paw pads of dogs. The dewclaw, however, is shrouded in mystery because we are still unsure of its true function. Some theorize that they are the traces of thumbs that didn’t completely disappear as the canine species evolved.
You must properly care for your dog’s paws to prevent injuries because they can feel their paw pads and use them to feel. There are numerous easy methods you can use to safeguard your dog’s paw pads throughout the entire year. It’s crucial to keep in mind that you must safeguard them all year round, not just in the winter and summer.
Your dog still only uses its dewclaw to more easily grasp its bones and toys. It is likely that when dogs were still domesticated thousands of years ago, their paw pads were even more durable than they are today. When compared to your dogs, wolves’ paws are still much more robust. This is due to the fact that their paws are tougher and covered in thick, coarse hair, which keeps their feet warmer and better protected given how frequently they are outdoors in harsh terrain.
Can I use Neosporin on my dog’s paws?
Although technically safe for animals, we don’t advise using Neosporin on any surfaces that your dog is likely to lick, such as paws. Neosporin won’t harm you permanently in small doses, but it can kill good gut bacteria, which can cause vomiting or diarrhea.
Instead, use an all-natural moisturizer which is safe to ingest.
Why Not Just Use Dog Boots?
I’m not a fan of boots for dogs. Not at all.
And it’s not just that finding quality ones that fit Dachshunds is incredibly difficult.
I frequently hear complaints from owners of larger dogs about how their dogs’ boots keep falling off, disappearing, or chafing.
I believe dog boots are unnecessary and may even be harmful to dogs for the following reasons:
However, I do recognize that for some dogs, they are beneficial or necessary.
I’ll never be critical of anyone for choosing that for their dog.
However, I kindly request that you only use them as a last resort.
Accidents can occur even if you think your dog’s paw pads have been sufficiently strengthened and you’ve been careful, or even if you weren’t aware that you needed to because the issue wasn’t present before.
Finding a large tear or cut in your dog’s paw pad out of the blue can be quite shocking.
So what do you do if that happens?
FAQ
Are dogs paws tougher than humans?
“Sidewalks and streets become extremely hot in the summer, and while dog’s paws are tougher than human feet, they still can get burned by hot pavement,” according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). They clarify that the beach’s sand can become extremely hot during the day due to the sun.
How sensitive are a dogs paws?
Dogs’ paws can be just as sensitive as humans’ feet. That means they have the same chance of getting burned as their owner would if they were to walk on a hot surface. A test to determine when it’s safe for dogs to walk on pavement was developed by veterinarians in the US, where paw burns are frequent in many areas due to the hot summer months.
Are dog paws fragile?
Keep an eye out for injuries and ailments. Despite appearing to be tough, a dog’s paws are still a sensitive area. Threats to the general wellbeing of such a delicate area can range from a cut or hot pavement to an overgrowth of keratin, also known as canine hyperkeratosis.
Do dogs feel pain in their feet?
Although their paws are typically strong and resilient, this does not mean they are impervious to damage or that they never experience pain or discomfort. Therefore, it’s critical to recognize the warning signs and symptoms that indicate your dog’s paws are bothering them.