Bringing a dog into your home can be a great addition to any family. If you do have a dog, it is important that it gets plenty of exercise. One great way to do this is by taking it for regular walks. While a long walk can be a lot of fun for a dog and its owner, it can also put additional stress on the animal’s paws. Fortunately, there are several tips to follow that can help to protect a dog’s paws in a variety of situations.
Protection from Hot Pavement
Hot pavement is an issue for dogs during the warm summer months. Ideally, you should try to avoid taking your dog on a walk during the middle of the day when the sun is the hottest. If you do need to take your dog on a walk during this time, you can give them a pair of dog booties or walking socks. While they can take some getting used to, they do help to provide protection against heat.
Sharp Ground Cover
If the pavement or ground seems sharp, you should take your time moving through it. This will allow your pet to take strategic steps. A pair of dog shoes can also help to reduce the pain and discomfort that can occur.
Infections and Skin Conditions
An infection or skin condition in the paw can be very hard to deal with. If you are concerned, you should first start with your veterinarian to see if your dog would benefit from medication. Both antibiotics and creams could help in this situation. You will then want to prevent your dog from licking their paws, which could require the use of dog socks or a cone.