Did you know that the care of our dogs' paws is just as important for their health and longevity as quality food, bathing, and activity?
Pads on the paws have a protective role, i.e. protect dogs from injuries, cold and heat, and also help them when moving, establishing stability and flexibility. In addition, they help them move on rough and slippery surfaces.
The skin in the area of the paws is quite sensitive, which is why it easily dries out, cracks and becomes rough. This often results in the dog licking excessively which can further worsen the condition of the paws themselves.
It is important to know which factors can damage paws and how we can help our beloved dogs to preserve their paws.
What causes dogs' paws to dry out?
- HOT AND COLD WEATHER - Running on sand and hot asphalt during summer days can damage the paws of our faithful friends, and also during winter days and staying in heated rooms, dogs' skin dries out very easily, especially in the area of paws and muzzle.
- ALLERGIES - allergic reactions can especially affect the area of the paws, which is why our dogs are able to lick them excessively and thereby further damage them
- EXPOSURE TO IRRITANT CHEMICALS - Whether they move outside or inside, it often happens that our dogs' paws come into contact with chemicals that damage the skin of the paws. In addition, by licking them, the dog can easily introduce them into his body.
- HEALTH ISSUES - very dry and cracked pads can be a symptom of a disease called hyperkeratosis, which is a skin problem when it produces too much keratin. If you notice that your dog has pronounced cracked paws, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
How to adequately care for your dog's paws and make his steps easier and more joyful?
- Nurture SKIN paw
Regular care of the skin of the paws is essential for their joyful steps. Therefore, after every walk or play, gently wipe his paws with a tissue to prevent dirt from accumulating.
- Nurture FUR on the paws
The fur on the paws varies from breed to breed. During the winter days in long-haired breeds, it is important to trim the fur on the paws and between the toes. In this way, the accumulation of water and snow is prevented, which can later contribute to the freezing of the hair and the occurrence of more serious injuries. Trimming the hair of long-haired dogs is also necessary during summer days so that the grass does not get tangled.
- Nurture NAILS
If you can hear the nails when your dog is walking on firm ground, it is a sign that it is time to trim them. Regular and proper nail trimming is necessary to prevent nail breakage, ingrown hairs and other complications that may occur.
We spoke with Anna, a representative of Meggy cosmetics, which is dedicated to the care and hygiene of our four-legged friends. Anna emphasizes that during the summer days, paw care is especially important.
"We humans don't like walking on hot sand or asphalt either, and you can imagine what it's like for pets with their sensitive paws."
Therefore, avoid walks during the hottest periods of the day and always check how warm the surface your dog is walking on is. In addition, during winter days, it is important to keep in mind that walking on snow and ice can easily injure your paws.''
What can definitely help your dog to protect and recover its paws is a paw balm whose role is precisely to nourish the skin on the paws, renew it and provide the necessary care and protection.
On our market, Meggy cosmetics offers you a completely natural paw care balm made from medicinal ingredients such as calendula, St. John's wort and coconut oil that provide intensive care and protection for paws in a completely safe and secure way. After applying this type of product, it happens that dogs start licking their paws. For this reason, it is very important that the ingredients are completely natural and safe for them, which Meggy cosmetics has taken care of.
Find more information about paw balm here.
