What can I use on dog paws? Essential Tips

HOW TO IDENTIFY DRY DOG PAWS?

You can identify if your dogs paws are dry by touching them. Its natural for your dogs paw to be a little rough to the touch, but they should not feel overly rough. Also, check for any cracked, cut, or bleeding on the paws; this can indicate that they are severely dry. In some cases, you might notice that your dog will avoid walking or favors one paw; this can be signs that your dogs paws are dry or even injured. Your dog might constantly lick and chew on their paw pads, and express pain by whining or even showing aggression when you go near. When dry and cracked dog paws are left untreated, it can be very painful for your dog and potentially cause infections. If you notice what appears to be hair on your dogs paw pads, it could be a condition called hairy dog paw hyperkeratosis.

There are many home remedies you can try to help heal your dogs dry paws. Here are some of the most popular:

Wear booties – When you see dogs wearing booties, it can be adorable, but dog booties serve a much greater purpose. Assuming that your dog will cooperate and let you put them on, dog booties can protect their paws from the extreme hot or cold surfaces when they are outdoors.

Exercise precautions during extreme weather – During the hot summer months, walk your dog early in the morning or late evening when the ground is not as hot. It can also prevent other heat-related issues that can affect your dog. In the winter, when snow, salt, sleet, or other harsh elements are present, avoid going outside for extended periods. Once you get home, gently wipe your dogs paws with a washcloth and water, then thoroughly dry their paws.

Shea Butter – Applying shea butter can soothe and hydrate their dry paws, it can also be useful for hot spots on dogs. Shea Butter is the fat from the nuts that grow on the African shea tree. Its natural ingredient is popularly known for the moisturizing properties. Most importantly, it is non-toxic to dogs, so if they try to lick it off before it absorbs, it is not harmful. However, your dog may have mild gastrointestinal upset if they lick too much off.

Coconut Oil – Similar to shea butter, coconut oil is also all-natural and non-toxic to dogs. In addition to its moisturizing properties, coconut oil is also antibacterial and antiviral. It is important to let the coconut oil sit on the paws for as long as possible to get the full benefit, but It may not be easy to keep your dog from licking the coconut oil off.

When should dog owners consider a vet visit?

Dog owners should take their canine companion to the vet if they notice signs of pain or discomfort. Veterinarians can determine the severity of your dog’s condition and make a diagnosis. Vets will determine if dogs need medical treatment and how to treat your dog’s feet and paw pads.

If your dog’s paws are bleeding, it’s time for a trip to the veterinarian.

7 Ways to Naturally Moisturize Dry Dog Paws

I’ve never been one to neglect my dogs. I love them with all of my heart, and I want to make sure they’re always happy and healthy. That means taking care of their needs, including their paws.

Dogs’ paws are often neglected, but they need just as much attention as the rest of our furry friends! Here are my favorite natural remedies to restore the moisture and softness of your dog’s paws.

Coconut oil is a safe and natural remedy loaded with many health and wellness benefits. It efficiently moisturizes the paws and has antiviral and antibacterial properties that prevent the cracks from infecting.

Massage a small portion of coconut oil to soothe dry and cracked paws. We recommend applying when the dog is sleeping or putting on doggy boots after applying because your dog will lick their feet, and excessive licking can cause dryness. Moreover, it allows the coconut oil to work effectively.

Shea butter is one of the best natural moisturizers; it hydrates, heals, and softens the skin. The butter came from the extracts of the Shea tree. It’s completely non-toxic and can be applied the same way as coconut oil.

Along with moisturizing properties, it is enriched with beneficial vitamins and fatty acids that seep deeply into the skin, making a protective layer to stop itching and heal cracks. Moreover, the butter is also a sun protectant and can be used on dogs’ hair.

Beeswax is another exceptional natural moisturizer. Getting the pure one can be slightly tricky, but it locks in the moisture for a long time and deliver the best results. Beeswax has all the vital antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties of honey, making it an excellent choice for dog paws. Further, beeswax is also waterproof; it creates a protective layer to lock the moisture and prevent the growth of yeast infection.

To get the pure unprocessed beeswax, try to contact your local beekeeper. I’m sure they’d be happy to sell you some.

Calendula extract is an organic substance derived from the marigold flower. It has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that soothe and speed up the healing of dry, cracked dog paws.

You can easily find calendula extract at your local health food store or online. Dilute it with water before applying to your dog’s paws.

Petroleum jelly is a tried and true method for keeping the skin moisturized. It creates a barrier on the skin that locks in the moisture and prevents evaporation. It also has a small amount of antibacterial properties.

Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to each paw and massage gently into the pads and skin. Cover with socks overnight, and your dog will wake up with softer paws.

Dog Excessive Paw Licking: Stop It With Natural Recipe

Key Takeaway: Dog booties are an effective measure to prevent dry dog paws in hot or cold seasons. Choosing the right time to take your dog out will also help—in the early morning or after the sun has gone down and the pavement cools down. Shea butter and coconut oil are also effective moisturizers for dog paws.

A dogs paws are like our best, most supportive pair of walking, running, and hiking shoes all in one. They provide traction and serve as shock absorbers. Just like our shoes, paws protect our dogs bones, tendons, and ligaments from the impact of daily activities such as walking, running, hiking, and climbing. A dogs paws contain skin, bone, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissue. The more our dogs walk or run, their paws become more tolerant of cold, heat, and rough surfaces. But that does not mean that they are indestructible. After adding mileage, coming into contact with different surfaces, and other factors the outdoor and indoor elements can bring, their paws can be subject to wear and tear, most commonly dry and cracked paws. So what can we do to keep their paws in tip-top shape? Let us begin by figuring out the causes of dry dog paws, and then we will explore some natural treatment options and home remedies.