It seems only natural that we begin with the first thing that inspired us on our journey: paw care.
Like people, dogs are complex beings. The skin is the largest organ in the body, protecting all the fluids, muscles, bones, and other bodily functions. Skin is alive and has its own ecosystem. It can be thick or thin, strong or delicate. It needs a balance between strength and elasticity. It also requires moisture and amino acids.
Like us, dogs also need to pay attention to their skin in order to maintain it and let it do its job, “Wu Wei”, which is without thinking or effort. Your dog’s paws can begin to show signs of wear and stress at a young age, whether you live in an arid climate or if you have to trudge through snowy winters. Domestic dogs are used to the environments we’ve created for them. This includes chemically treated carpets, tiled floors, walking paths, and cement yards. These surfaces are far from the grass and dirt their pads were intended for. Dogs have unique ways of alerting their caregivers of an issue. They may not show the obvious signs like cracking and dryness, but they will let you know if there is a problem. Are you aware of your dog’s paw health and how to maintain it?
But let’s go back a little. The pads are designed for walking, running, and jumping. They can even be used to hunt. Some of their cool features are not well known, such as the fact that they protect the joints and sockets by acting as shock absorbers. They’re built for action, you could say!
The paws are also a great way for the body’s toxins to escape. We must remember this when selecting aides for healing or protecting them so that we don’t inhibit this vital function! What does this mean? We should not only avoid putting toxic products on this vital organ but also any products which could clog the pores. It is important to avoid products that contain petroleums, parabens, or butters. Also, those which have not been tested for canine use, especially if your dog is a “licker”, can be a concern. When using a wax product to protect your dog while hiking, be sure to clean up any residue left behind.
You may now be curious about what the dog’s caregiver should know to maintain paw and skin care. Keep in mind these additional tips on a regular schedule:
Keep your dog clean: Trailblazers can easily miss dirt caked onto their coat. What’s the point? If there is a cactus, or other sharp plant parts, or even a broken piece of glass, regularly cleaning your paws will help you to find it quickly and treat the problem before it gets worse. You can easily find broken skin on clean paws. If there is an infection or a cut on the dog’s paw, it’s important to treat the wound immediately to prevent the infection from spreading to the internal organs. Select a product with natural anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that is easy to use, safe, and has a quick application. Avoid alcohol-containing products, which will sting if you lick them.
Moisturize & Massage: Who does not love a good foot massage? Dogs can also enjoy the benefits of essential oils when they are rubbed on their skin. Allow your dog to sniff any new products that you are using. This way, your dog will feel like he’s part of the process and know what to expect. Consider the aromatherapy and benefits of each essential oil type when choosing the blend. You should choose an aroma that you like, as your dog will enjoy cuddling with you if the scent is pleasant. Always use a dog-safe product when choosing a mixture. Dogs can be at risk from many natural paws holistic pet care products that are safe for humans.
Watch for Behavioral Cues. Dogs can tell their owners when something is wrong. Unfortunately, humans prefer to hear things in words. Dogs, on the other hand, tend to give subtler signs of distress. It’s our job to listen to them and look for any behavior that seems out of the ordinary, unusual, or special. Here are some examples.
- “He is a habitual lacker.” Cats are more likely to lick their paws than dogs. Look closely if your dog is licking the pads of his paws, between them, or in one particular spot. There are cracks and lick granulomas. Are there any thorns or burrs left from yesterday’s fun run? Dryness or allergies can be the cause of a dog’s licking behavior.
- She stopped walking on our walk. Must have been tired. Dogs will always follow their owners to the end of the world. Sometimes it’s too painful to continue. Is it too hot on the ground? Is she injured? Did she step on something prickly or abrasive? Check her body language to see if she is tired, even though she usually can go another mile. Maybe she has burned her feet. Perhaps the de-icing agent used in your area stings her pads if there is a lot of snow in the area. You might want to consult your vet if you’re unable to determine the cause of the problem.
The paws act as a connection between the dog and its world. Maintaining them can have a positive impact on your dog’s health and reduce the cost of your vet bills. Proper paw care and skin maintenance can make your dog happier and healthier. It can also extend his active life.
