Healthy paw pads are essential in cushioning and protecting your dog’s feet but are often overlooked unless a problem arises. In order to keep your companion comfortable and mobile, you need to be taking care of their paws and checking them often so you can catch any issues quickly. Not only do healthy pads provide insulation, but they also allow your canine to maintain balance and engage in physical activities without discomfort.
Paw pads in good condition act as shock absorbers, protecting bones and joints during activities, allowing your canine to perform at their best without pain or injury. They also provide traction and stability, helping prevent slips and falls your canine could encounter.
Neglected paw pads can lead to problems such as dryness, cracking, infections, and injuries. These issues can cause significant discomfort and limit your dog’s ability to perform.
Proper Paw Care and Maintenance
Paw pad thickness and health is vital to the overall performance of a canine athlete, but other maintenance routines you should be practicing include cleaning, moisturizing, and trimming.
- Regularly clean their pads with a gentle, dog-safe cleanser to remove any dirt or debris.
- Use a paw pad moisturizer (no human lotions) to keep pads soft so they don’t become dry and crack. Ensure your dog doesn’t lick off the moisturizer by distracting them with toys or treats.
- Trim nails and hair around the paw pads for hygiene and comfort, which will also reduce the risk of injuries and infections.
Implementing a routine of regular care is a great way to keep paws in good condition, but proper nutrition is the best way to make a direct impact.
Nutrition for Paw Pad Health
When optimal levels of the specially complexed bio-available zinc, copper, and manganese are in a canine’s diet, it has been shown that this enhances both paw pad thickness and integrity. As thicker pads are the key to healthier paws, all Native dog food levels are specially formulated with this, helping protect paw pads from any rough activities or terrain.
Native’s canine nutrition team has developed the exclusive EnergyFIT™ system which is formulated in six energy levels. Whether your canine walks, runs, or hunts, there will be a level that has the right formula to support them which in return, helps protect their paw pad health.
Paw Pad Injury Prevention
Dogs in general, but especially canine athletes, are naturally very active and energetic, so you will want to prevent and avoid paw pad injuries completely, or at the very least, catch them as early as possible. Although proper paw care and maintenance routines are a great place to start, different seasons bring different challenges. Always choose the appropriate surface for walking and exercise depending on the weather and season. Opt in for grassy areas or soft dirt paths when possible and avoid rough terrain or sharp gravel than can cause cuts or burns.
- During extreme heat, avoid hot pavements and exercise your dog during the cooler times of the day.
- During winter, protect paws from frostbite completely and utilize paw pad moisturizer more often as the cold weather will dry them out more frequently.
- During wet conditions, ensure the dog’s paw pads are dry to prevent any fungal infections.
Despite your best efforts, your canine could still encounter paw pad problems so you should be inspecting their pads and between their toes frequently for any cuts or other signs of injuries. Consult your veterinarian if you recognize any of these signs: limping, licking paws excessively, visible wounds, swelling, or redness.