Paw Care for Your Dog

The cold season is just around the corner, and paw care for your dog is especially important. Unfortunately, we don’t only have the opportunity to spend time with our dogs in freshly snow-covered forests and fields. For shorter walks, we have to take them on sidewalks treated with loose gravel and road salt.

Dog paw health is a year-round concern. In winter, wetness, road salt, grit, ice, and frost take their toll on dog paws. Road salt and grit particularly damage the skin between the toes. In the hot season, dogs are particularly affected by overheated tar, coarse asphalt, thorns, glass splinters, grain awns, and grass seeds.

With the right care for their sensitive paws, your four-legged friend can enjoy every season without worry.

Ideally, your dog has been accustomed to paw care since puppyhood. This should definitely take place in a relaxed atmosphere. Most dogs love having their paws massaged, especially since your pet will quickly notice how good this procedure is for them. Make paw care a shared ritual with your dog; it will strengthen your bond.

If the pads are regularly rubbed with paw ointment, especially in winter, the oil forms a protective film against moisture, unpleasant grit, and heat. This keeps the paws soft and preserves the natural protective film.

For long-haired dogs, it is important to have the fur between the toes trimmed by a professional. This will prevent ice, grit, or grass seeds from accumulating. Comprehensive paw care also includes nail care, which should also only be performed by a professional.

Is your furry friend licking or nibbling their paws noticeably often, protecting one paw, or perhaps limping? These are clear symptoms of problems with your dog’s paws. To prevent this from happening, care should begin before the walk.

After a walk, especially in winter, it’s recommended to wash the paws with warm, clean water. This removes any foreign matter. Then, thoroughly dry the paws and massage Vaseline, lanolin, hish tallow, or a special paw protection ointment into the paws.

Some dogs begin to lick their paws after applying the cream. To keep the dog occupied until the cream is absorbed, you can give him a chew bone.

Homemade nourishing paw balm?
… no problem 😉

You need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons shea butter
• 2 tablespoons beeswax
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons almond oil
• If desired, add a few drops of lavender essential oil.

Preparation

• Combine all ingredients except the shea butter in a tall bowl or glass jar. Melt slowly in a double boiler over medium heat.

• Once all ingredients are melted, remove the bowl from the boiler and add the shea butter.

• Mix everything well and pour the balm into a screw-top jar. The paw balm will harden completely there.