Teddy's Top Training Tips – Always check your dog’s paws after a walk.

 


Always check your dog’s paws after a walk.

Summer walks can be fun as we can explore different environments with our dogs, from country
walks to beach fun and swimming can all have some positive experiences. However, checking your
dog’s paws after a walk is just an important during the summer as it is during the winter.

We all know that pavements can become hot for our dogs to walk on, but did you know that if you
are visiting a beach the sand can be hot and painful to walk too, so remember to carry out the hand
test on the sand before walking your dog on the beach.

Swimming is a great way to cool down, but paws may be more sensitive if your dog has been
paddling, swimming or just having a great time splashing around in the water.
After a visit to the beach, it would be useful to wash any sand or grit out of your dog’s paws to avoid
any discomfort or irritation.

Walking on grass too can be hazardous during the hot dry summers, as grass seeds can be a huge
problem. The area that grass seeds tend to be found is in-between the toe area of the paws, which
makes them extremely difficult to see and locate. Therefore, after a walk check your dog’s paws
thoroughly as a stuck grass seed(s) can be extremely painful and if it is left undetected and not
removed then your dog may require an operation to remove the grass seed.

Here are some useful signs to look out for if your dog has burned paw pads, something stuck
between the toe areas:

    • Limping or refusing to walk.
    • Licking the paws – or chewing the paw area.
    • Blisters or any redness on the pads.
    • Missing areas of the pads.
    • Change in colour of the pads.

If you are unsure then please contact your veterinary surgery immediately to ask them for advice.

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