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The paws are one of the remarkable assets of a dog. The tough leathery skin that covers the paws enables the feet of the dog not only to absorb the weight of the body but also to admirably weather all the abuses when the dog walks, runs or leaps in rough terrain.

Dogs are very energetic animals and as the feet are in constant use, the paws are always subjected to wear and tear. Human will not dare walk on hot pavement, on rocky road or on sheets of ice without being adequately protected by foot gear. Dogs would not mind these kinds of hazards to their paws. Foot gears or doggie booties can protect the dog’s paws and ease occurrence of normal wear and tear but dogs being dogs, they would not know that booties are for the protection of their paws thus the footwear will be bitten, licked and gnawed until they are discarded.

Nature has designed a dog’s paws to take the pressure of the dog’s body by covering the paw pads with the toughest skin of the dog but the skin between the pads are less tough and can easily get injured. Regular paw care is therefore necessary because due to their functions, a dog’s paws are prone to various injuries. Burns and blisters, abrasions, lacerations, puncture wounds and foreign objects that get lodged between the toes are common paw injuries.

Unlike kids that would hold up a wounded foot to you, an injured dog’s common reaction is to hide in a corner to lick the injured paw. A dog owner should not ignore a pet that is showing an unusual behavior. Bleeding is an obvious sign that the paws are injured. Limping and favoring one foot are signs of paw injuries. The injured paw will be licked excessively by the dog. Some signs of injuries though are not so obvious. Regular grooming of the paw is therefore necessary.

Even if there are no signs of injuries, the dog’s paws must be inspected daily. Most dogs would not want to have their feet touched but the dog would not put up a struggle it is was introduced to the grooming routine at a young age. A belly rub while the dog is lying on the floor would make the task easier. Talk to the pet in an upbeat voice while examining the paws for any injuries. Dogs that had been playing outdoors or had gone swimming must be groomed. Thoroughly dry the paws to prevent the development of infection. A few minutes grooming session will ensure the health of the pet and enhance pet and owner relationship.

More about dog grooming and dog paw care at Sarah’s Dogs.

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