During the rest of the year, cleaning up paws will not only protect your floors but also will allow you to see any paw problems that might need attention and prevent others from developing. Caked on dirt may hide wounds and chronically dirty feet can cause inflammation and abrasions.
“Make sure you get the pad area of the foot dry,” she says. “Just squeeze each foot a couple of times with a clean towel to get most of the water off if your pet comes in wet from the winter weather.”
Use a towel to dry off the feet after a rainy walk or after bathing as well, so Fido doesnt track water all over the house. Keep Foot Hair Trimmed
After a walk, always check your dogs paws for cuts, abrasions, and blisters, says Pamela Payne, a certified veterinary assistant and veterinary assisting program director at Carrington College in Phoenix. “Although they may start out as minor wounds, they can rapidly develop an infection if untreated,” Payne says.
For especially dirty paws or paws that may have been exposed to tar or other sticky substances, you need to do a thorough washing, Adler says.
Use a portable paw washer
Paw washer is an alternative solution for a quick paw clean-up. The best thing about paw washer is that they are portable, so you can bring it anywhere. Say you’re finish jogging with your dog and you need to bring them in the car. Get the paw washer, add some water in, twist the washer and it’ll brush the dirt right away. Now, you’re dog is ready to hop in the car! We recommend using an automatic paw washer with extra soft silicone like the SMARTPAWLite – Dog Automatic Paw Washer. The extra soft silicone bristles swirl gently on your dog’s paws to scrub away any dirt, sand, mud or debris accumulated from outdoor activities. It simultaneously cleans and massages your dog’s paw for a comfortable and relaxing experience. SMARTPAWLite Pet Automatic Paw Washer is suitable for small, medium and even large breeds as long as they weigh 25kg and below (paw width measures 7cm and below).
For muddy paws and thorough dirt, wipes or paw washer is not enough. You may need to bring your dog to a sink with sprayer or a tray of water. If you have larger dogs, bring them in a tub with a sprayer and start cleaning the knees and paws. After a muddy play, a lot of debris and dirt have accumulated between their toes. Turn their paws toward you and carefully scrub the paw pads. Don’t forget to separate the toes and scrub in between for thorough cleaning. This is your chance to touch and feel if there’s any blisters, wound or cuts. If you found minuscule pebbles, broken pieces of glass, shells or other materials, remove it carefully. Use a friendly tone when speaking to your dog so that they remain calm and comfortable. Rinse with warm water and wash up with a dry towel. Let their paws dry first to avoid slipping on the floor.
For serious wounds and inflammation, bring your dog to a vet for a check-up and professional treatment. Don’t ignore your dog’s paw because it may cause bacterial infection if left untreated.
If your dog’s paw is mostly dry, has little to no dirt, just use a dry towel to remove the excess dirt. Scrub in between toes to further check and remove hidden debris and sand. Squeeze both paws to get most of the water.
Some dogs have longer fur than others. Long-haired dogs have furry toes that dirt and debris can stuck into. Get a high quality grooming set like the SMARTPAWLite Pet Shaver Grooming Clipper For Dogs & Cats, to safely trim fur beneath the paw pads and on the sides as well. Invest in a good pair of grooming set so that you avoid hurting your furry friend. You can use a groomer with low-vibration so that they don’t get anxious with the noise. On the other hand, use the scissors for extra hair sticking out at the sides. Trimming the extra har on their paws not only prevent the dirt from accumulating but it allows you to inspect your dog’s paw for wounds and inflammation. A word of caution: don’t overdo the shaving because shaved paws allows direct exposure to debris and corrosive salt against bare skin and may cause irritation. Make sure that they are comfortable and have a stress-free paw trimming experience. If they’re not compliant, bring them to a professional groomer instead.
Can you make your own wipes that are safe for dogs? Yes, you do! If you’re unsure which brand to get or just wanna save money on the go, you can make DIY wipes that is surely safe for your dogs. Get a paper towel or a clean cloth damped in warm water then use a drop of your dog’s shampoo and wrinkle it to spread the shampoo. Use it to gently wipe off dirt from your dog’s knees, paws or tail. Rinse with warm water and make sure that their paws are completely dry before letting them on the floor.
How to Clean Dog Paws After a Walk
Cleaning your dog’s paws is fairly easy and most debris can be wiped away using a damp washcloth or paper towel while more dirty paws require a quick wash with shampoo.
Before we get into the different paw cleaning methods, make sure that you have thoroughly checked your dog’s paws for any foreign objects, burns, or injuries. Gently spread the toes and look for anything that shouldn’t be there.
Also, make sure to carefully trim the hair around the pad for better cleaning and to prevent matting.
While you’re at it, cut your dog’s nails to a healthy length which is essential to prevent torn or broken nails.
Below you will find several dog paw cleaning solutions to use after a walk in the rain, summer or winter.