Caring for a Dog's Paws

1/2/24, 11:47 AM

Protecting Your Dog’s Paws: Essential Tips for Safe and Happy Walks | by Shawn Romer | Jan, 2024 | Medium

Search

Write Get unlimited access to the best of Medium for less than $1/week. Become a member

Protecting Your Dog’s Paws: Essential Tips for Safe and Happy Walks Shawn Romer 3 min read · Just now

When it comes to taking our furry friends on daily walks, we often focus on their physical health and exercise needs. However, one crucial aspect that’s often overlooked is protecting their paws. Just like our feet, a dog’s paws are sensitive and vulnerable to various hazards. To ensure your canine companion stays safe and comfortable during walks, here are some essential tips for protecting their precious paws. https://medium.com/@shawnromer/protecting-your-dogs-paws-essential-tips-for-safe-and-happy-walks-e237d9fe5856

1/9

1/2/24, 11:47 AM

Protecting Your Dog’s Paws: Essential Tips for Safe and Happy Walks | by Shawn Romer | Jan, 2024 | Medium

1. Proper Paw Care: Before heading out for a walk, take a moment to inspect your dog’s paws. Check for any cuts, cracks, or foreign objects stuck between their paw pads. Regularly trimming the hair between the paw pads can also help prevent matting and debris buildup. Keeping their nails trimmed is essential too, as overly long nails can affect their gait and cause discomfort.

2. Choose the Right Time and Terrain: Be mindful of the weather and the walking surface. Extreme temperatures can be harsh on your dog’s paws.

On hot days, pavement and asphalt can become scorching, causing burns or blisters. In contrast, icy or snowy conditions can lead to frostbite and cracked pads. Opt for walking during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening, and consider softer surfaces like grass or dirt trails.

3. Paw Protection Products: Invest in high-quality paw protection products to shield your dog’s paws from the elements. Booties are an excellent choice, as they provide insulation from hot and cold surfaces and protect against sharp objects. Ensure the booties fit properly and stay securely in place during the walk. Some dogs may need time to get used to wearing booties, so start with short walks and gradually increase the duration.

4. Paw Wax and Balms: Paw waxes and balms are great alternatives to booties, especially for dogs who resist wearing them. These products https://medium.com/@shawnromer/protecting-your-dogs-paws-essential-tips-for-safe-and-happy-walks-e237d9fe5856

2/9

1/2/24, 11:47 AM

Protecting Your Dog’s Paws: Essential Tips for Safe and Happy Walks | by Shawn Romer | Jan, 2024 | Medium

create a protective barrier against harsh conditions. Apply a thin layer before heading out for a walk, and be sure to reapply as needed, especially in extreme weather.

5. Watch for Chemicals and Deicers: During the winter months, many sidewalks and roads are treated with chemicals and deicers. These substances can be toxic to dogs and harmful to their paws. After a walk, thoroughly clean and rinse your dog’s paws to remove any residue. You can also use dog-specific paw wipes or a mixture of warm water and mild soap for this purpose.

6. Conditioning and Toughening: If you plan on taking your dog on long hikes or walks on challenging terrain, consider conditioning their paws.

Gradually increase the distance and intensity of your walks to toughen their paw pads over time. This will help build resilience and reduce the risk of injury.

7. Be Mindful of Allergies: Some dogs may have allergies to certain grasses, plants, or pollen. If you notice your dog constantly licking or chewing their paws after a walk, it could be a sign of allergies. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on managing allergies and protecting your dog’s paws.

8. Regular Veterinary Checkups: Lastly, don’t forget to include paw care in your regular veterinary checkups. Your veterinarian can inspect your https://medium.com/@shawnromer/protecting-your-dogs-paws-essential-tips-for-safe-and-happy-walks-e237d9fe5856

3/9

1/2/24, 11:47 AM

Protecting Your Dog’s Paws: Essential Tips for Safe and Happy Walks | by Shawn Romer | Jan, 2024 | Medium

dog’s paws, nails, and overall foot health, providing guidance on any specific issues or concerns.

In conclusion, protecting your dog’s paws while walking is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. By following these tips and being proactive about paw care, you can ensure your furry friend stays safe, comfortable, and happy during your daily walks. Remember that every dog is unique, so tailor your approach to their individual needs, and always prioritize their well-being on your adventures together.

Dogs

Dog Training

Dog Behaviour Training

Dogs Care

https://medium.com/@shawnromer/protecting-your-dogs-paws-essential-tips-for-safe-and-happy-walks-e237d9fe5856

Dogslife

4/9

1/2/24, 11:47 AM

Protecting Your Dog’s Paws: Essential Tips for Safe and Happy Walks | by Shawn Romer | Jan, 2024 | Medium

Written by Shawn Romer

Edit profile

0 Followers I am interested in dogs and dog ownership. Thinking and how we perceive things. Politics.

Magic the Gathering. Cincinnati sports.

More from Shawn Romer

Shawn Romer

The Astonishing Speed of the German Shepherd

Shawn Romer

Running with Your German Shepherd: A Comprehensive Guide Introduction

https://medium.com/@shawnromer/protecting-your-dogs-paws-essential-tips-for-safe-and-happy-walks-e237d9fe5856

5/9

1/2/24, 11:47 AM

Protecting Your Dog’s Paws: Essential Tips for Safe and Happy Walks | by Shawn Romer | Jan, 2024 | Medium

3 min read · Nov 21, 2023

2 min read · Nov 11, 2023

Shawn Romer

Shawn Romer

Winter Paw-sibilities: Caring for Your Dog’s Feet in the Cold

Lost Dogs This is taken from…

Winter brings with it a host of challenges, not just for us humans but also for our furry…

3 min read · Dec 21, 2023

3 min read · Nov 8, 2023

See all from Shawn Romer

https://medium.com/@shawnromer/protecting-your-dogs-paws-essential-tips-for-safe-and-happy-walks-e237d9fe5856

6/9

1/2/24, 11:47 AM

Protecting Your Dog’s Paws: Essential Tips for Safe and Happy Walks | by Shawn Romer | Jan, 2024 | Medium

Recommended from Medium

Barack Obama

Allison Wi… in Writers and Editors of Color Magaz…

Here Are My Favorite Books, Movies, and Music of 2023

When White People Try to Hide Their Racism, They Use These…

As I usually do during this time of year, I wanted to share my favorite books, movies,…

To avoid the scarlet letter "R," they're adopting this strategy

3 min read · 4 days ago 4K

60

· 8 min read · 6 days ago 6.2K

120

Lists

https://medium.com/@shawnromer/protecting-your-dogs-paws-essential-tips-for-safe-and-happy-walks-e237d9fe5856

7/9

1/2/24, 11:47 AM

Protecting Your Dog’s Paws: Essential Tips for Safe and Happy Walks | by Shawn Romer | Jan, 2024 | Medium

Visual Storytellers Playlist 55 stories · 164 saves

Jacqueline Dooley

in Age of Empathy

Nikita Singh in ILLUMINATION

Getting Through January is My Only New Year’s Resolution

A Man in His 60s Reveals Secrets to Stop Aging

I can’t fix the bleak feeling that comes with January, so I’m learning to adapt to it.

6 Principles Keeping Him Forever Young

· 5 min read · 2 days ago

· 5 min read · Dec 24, 2023

3.3K

3.2K

42

https://medium.com/@shawnromer/protecting-your-dogs-paws-essential-tips-for-safe-and-happy-walks-e237d9fe5856

81

8/9

1/2/24, 11:47 AM

Protecting Your Dog’s Paws: Essential Tips for Safe and Happy Walks | by Shawn Romer | Jan, 2024 | Medium

Luay Rahil in All Things Work

Bas Wallet in UX Collective

7 Life Lessons You Should Learn As Soon As Possible

The deeper meaning behind Japan’s unique UX design culture

Discover the 7 lessons I learned in 2023 that can inspire you to live a better life.

The sociology of the big difference between Western minds and those of the Far East

· 5 min read · 2 days ago 1.2K

15 min read · 4 days ago

37

1.5K

28

See more recommendations

Help

Status

About

Careers

Blog

Privacy

Terms

Text to speech

https://medium.com/@shawnromer/protecting-your-dogs-paws-essential-tips-for-safe-and-happy-walks-e237d9fe5856

Teams

9/9