Dogs’ paws are super cute. They are also extremely important for our canine pals’ health and well-being. Without those furry feet, Fido couldn’t run after his favorite toy, jump for joy to see you, or chase that frisky squirrel in the yard. Taking care of your pet’s paws isn’t difficult, but many people unintentionally overlook it. Here, a local Tampa, FL vet discusses caring for your four-legged buddy’s paws.

Heat

If you’ve ever walked barefoot on hot ground, you know how uncomfortable it is. This is also true for dogs! When walking Fido on one of our many hot days, keep him on soft ground as much as you can. You can also use paw balm or wax to protect your pup’s feet.

Water

Does your pooch love swimming? If so, you’ll need to take extra care with Fido after he gets out of the water. Just like human skin, dogs’ paws are very delicate when they are wet, which will make them extra prone to getting blisters and abrasions.

Glass

When walking Fido, keep an eye on the terrain, and steer your pooch around dangerous objects, like broken glass. If you take your canine buddy to the beach, you’ll also want to be careful of sharp rocks and shells.

Fire Ants

There are many reasons to love living in Florida, but the Sunshine State does have its drawbacks. Some of those drawbacks are very tiny, and have extremely painful bites! Keep an eye out for fire ants as you are walking your pup, and steer him around visible hills. If your yard is infested, look into nontoxic ways to evict your uninvited guests.

Nails

Keeping your canine companion’s claws clipped is very important! Overgrown nails are quite uncomfortable for dogs, just as long toenails are for us. Fido may adjust his gait as a result, which will put a lot of stress on his bones and joints. This can contribute to or aggravate painful conditions like arthritis. If you aren’t comfortable clipping your pet’s nails yourself, invest in a clipper that has sensors on it. These are extremely handy, as they show exactly where to cut. Of course, you can also just call us to set up a pawdicue for your furry pal.

Please reach out to us, your Tampa, FL vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!