How to care for your dog's pads
Tips for keeping them in good condition
THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT YOUR PET'S PADS
Approximate reading time: 5 minutes
The pads that dogs have on their limbs are their protection against external aggressions, such as blows, wounds or very high or very low temperatures. In a way, we could say that they are like shoes for us, however, this ‘footwear’ is part of their organism and, although it is a very resistant area, it has many nerve endings that make it, at the same time, very sensitive.
These curious protections for your furry friend's paws are nothing more than small deposits of fat, which provide elasticity, with a thin covering of keratin, which provides resistance. Their purpose is to cushion the impact of footsteps and possible trauma to bones and joints. When puppies are born, their pads are quite soft and squishy, but over time the skin hardens and becomes leathery. By adulthood, the pads are thick-skinned and dark in colour. This area of your pet's body also serves to protect it from wounds and burns and to regulate its temperature through the sweat glands it contains. This sweating, in turn, helps to keep the pads moisturised.
Table of contents
1 - Dog pad problems and how to avoid them
2 - Tips for keeping your dog's pads in good condition
3 - How do I know if my dog has injured his pads?
Problems with dogs' pads and how to avoid them
It is true that dogs' pads are very resistant, as they are always in contact with the ground and harden over time. However, although we have made the analogy with our shoes, they are still a part of their body with nerve endings that cause them to feel a lot of pain if they suffer cuts, wounds, blows or burns. Therefore, it is important that you know the main problems that usually arise in the pads, tips to prevent them and how to act in the event that your dog suffers a problem in this area.
1. Burns
When walking your dog, be aware of the temperature of the ground. In summer, asphalt can reach up to 70°C, which can cause burns to your pet's paw pads. Similarly, it's not advisable for your furry friend's paws to touch the ground directly when it's very, very cold, such as when it's snowing, as this can also lead to irritation and abrasions. The best thing to do in these cases is to avoid times when the temperature is too high or too low and always check the condition of the ground by touching it with the back of your hand. If you can't stand it for 5 seconds without burning yourself, neither can your dog. In winter, you can use special protectors if you live in a very cold climate. So if your dog's injury is severe, consult your vet for the most appropriate treatment.
2. Objects nailed down
Imagine going barefoot all day. No matter how tough and resistant the skin on your feet is, you'd probably end up with a thousand things stuck in it. It's the same for dogs, who are constantly in contact with the surface and can get small wounds and cuts from things in their path, and there may even be glass, stones or spikes that pierce the skin of their pads. This problem is, to some extent, unavoidable, although we can always be careful where we take our pet for walks. Try to avoid areas with spikes, as their arrow-shaped design means they dig into the animal's skin and create many problems of inflammation and even abscesses if they are not removed. We also recommend that you watch the ground to guide your dog with the lead in case you pass a place with small gravel, glass or other dangerous objects.
If your dog has got something stuck in its pad and you are not sure if you can remove it at home, see your vet to do it safely. In milder cases, you can do it yourself by disinfecting the area with chlorhexidine and carefully removing the foreign object.
3. Dehydration
If you don't properly moisturise your dog's pads, you're likely to notice that the area is starting to crack. Keeping this exposed area moisturised is key, and you can do this by using petroleum jelly or specific products for this purpose, which often contain moisturising ingredients such as aloe vera. Of course, make sure your dog is drinking enough water, especially in summer. If the problem persists, consult your vet to rule out other problems.
4. Erosion
Problems with erosion or scuffing on a dog's paw pads are often related to excessive exercise or surfaces that are too hard. If your pet has this problem on his paw pads, think about what type of ground you walk on and try combining it with softer surfaces, such as grass. Also, don't forget that while exercise is very healthy for your furry friend, it should be moderate, as too much running can erode the skin on his pads. Paradoxically, insufficient physical activity can also cause chafing and wounds, as the skin becomes thinner and more fragile and more vulnerable to injury. In these cases, special creams are available to toughen this area of your dog's body, although it is best not to let this happen and to provide him with an active and balanced life.
5. Deformation
Unlike burns and puncture wounds, this is not as common a problem, but it could happen to your dog if he has a tendency to grow a lot of hair between his toes. In this case, it is best to trim it periodically to avoid knots. To do this, get your dog used to handling his body, including his paws, from puppyhood. This will be a great help in exploring his pads, removing excess hair and trimming his nails. Another reason why your dog's pads may become deformed is because his nails are too long, which will prevent him from walking normally, affecting the physiognomy of this part of his body. If you don't know how to trim your pet's nails, go to a specialised centre to avoid problems.
Tips for keeping your dog's pads in good condition
If you want to keep this tough yet sensitive part of your dog's body in good health, it's best to get into the habit of regular check-ups. Every day, when you come back from a walk, take a close look at his pads to see if there are any objects stuck in them. You can also clean them with a wet wipe, as good hygiene of this area is also very important in order to avoid any problems. Afterwards, dry them well with a dry tissue and reward your pet for holding up so well to inspection with a snack, cuddling or a good play session. Also, moisturise them regularly to prevent them from drying out.
Another thing to be aware of is that when wet, your dog's pads become softer and the skin more delicate. In the summer, if you go to the dog beach with your dog or go swimming in the pool, be careful of the wet ground you walk on. Dry his pads as soon as possible to prevent him from hurting himself. If you can organise it, it is much better to go for a walk after the bath, whether it is a leisure bath or a hygienic bath at home.
How do I know if my dog has injured his pads?
If your dog feels discomfort in his paws, either because he has burns, has been hit or has been nailed, he may walk with a limp, lick the area a lot or avoid getting up. If you spot these signs, it's time to check your dog's pads, but be gentle, as he may feel pain on contact. If you notice that something is indeed wrong with one of your pet's pads and you can't fix it at home, take him to the vet and, in the meantime, use socks or pads so that your dog can still go for walks (as long as he doesn't have a severe injury).
If you want to strengthen your pet's pads, we recommend exposing his paws to different terrain from an early age, first with short walks and then increasing the duration. This will give them all-terrain pads and they will not be as vulnerable to injuries and bumps.