Summary
With regular care, you can ensure that your pet's paws stay healthy, comfortable, and ready for all their summer adventures. Here are 7 tips for making sure your pet's paws are in tip-top shape.
As summer weather conditions intensify, it’s important to pay special attention to your furry friend’s paw pads. Just like humans, dogs’ feet are susceptible to various summer-related challenges, such as hot pavement, rough surfaces, and potential injuries. With regular care, you can ensure that your pet’s paws stay healthy, comfortable, and ready for all their summer adventures. Below are some recommended summer paw pad tips.
Essential tips for summer paw pad care
Paw Inspection: Examine your pet’s paws regularly for any signs of injuries, cuts, abrasions, or foreign objects stuck between the pads. Promptly address any issues by cleaning the affected area or seeking veterinary assistance.
Nail Care: Attention to paw pads and nails is essential to good overall health. Long nails can cause discomfort, affect a dog’s gait, and potentially lead to injuries. Other common issues with nails include: jagged or broken nails, swelling or infection of the nail bed, and ingrown nails. Nail maintenance should be part of routine care.
The professional grooming team with Holiday House Pet Resort and The Spa on State takes the stress out of giving your dog a pedicure. They are trained and have the proper tools to provide nail care to all breeds and nail types. Filing the nails is recommended since it offers more comfort and safety than clipping. Filing reduces the chance of clipping the nail quick and avoids the discomfort from the pressure of the clipper squeezing the nail. Filing results in smoother nails with rounded ends—which for anyone wearing shorts will prefer.
Proper Grooming: Routine grooming helps keep your pet’s paws clean and free from debris. Trimming excess fur between the paw pads prevents matting, which can lead to discomfort and other problems.
“Removing overgrown hair on the paw pads is part of the grooming process. Matting of hair between the paw pads can result in an infection. Additionally, the long hair covering the pads can also make walking on surfaces like tile flooring slippery. An injury could occur if a dog slips or changes its gait to overcompensate for slipping,” says Spa on State grooming professional Kelly Burkhamer.
Each spa appointment begins with an overall inspection of the pet’s coat and skin, including ears and paws. Professional bathing products are designed to moisturize the skin—including the paw pads which need the most protection from summer conditions. The resort’s grooming professionals are trained in breed standards or will style to your specific requests.
Paw Pad Care: The hot pavement and sand during summer can result in dry, cracked pads. Pool chlorine can also result in rough, dry pads. Consult with your professional groomer (or veterinarian) about measures to protect their paws, such as using paw balms or wax, applying pet-friendly sunscreen, or putting on protective booties.
The Spa on State grooming salon uses an all-natural balm with beeswax and peppermint essential oil year-round to soothe dry, cracked paw pads and noses.
Walking Time and Surfaces: If the pavement is hot to the touch of your hand, it’s too hot for paw pads. Adjust your walking routine during hot weather. Schedule walks during cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to prevent overheating. Opt for grassy or shaded areas instead of hot pavement whenever possible.
Water Safety: If your pet enjoys swimming, ensure their paw pads are protected from rough surfaces like sharp rocks or shells. Additionally, rinse off their paws after swimming in chlorinated or saltwater to prevent irritation.
Last but certainly not least…
Hydration: Keeping your pet hydrated is crucial during hot summer months. Dehydration can lead to dry and cracked paw pads. Ensure your pet always has access to fresh water, especially during outdoor activities or walks.
Call 215-345-6960 to book a day at the spa for your dog with Holiday House Pet Resort or The Spa on State in Doylestown, PA. Ask about the spa treatments, including Nail Filing to ensure your dog’s paws are in tip-top shape for the summer. The Spa on State also has monthly Cat-Only Mondays for a quiet day at the spa.