Not all dogs need the fur around their paws trimmed, however if you have a medium to long coated breed of dog you may find that their fur will need trimming underneath the paws from time to time. Such breeds like Golden Retrievers, Border Collies and Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (although if you show your Cavalier in dog shows for competition the paws should not be trimmed), are all breeds that are better off having their paws trimmed. Any dog that has fur which grows longer between the pads on the paws will benefit from having it trimmed back. Not only does trimming the paws keep the dog looking neat and tidy but it also minimizes the risk of grass seeds, twigs and other such things getting caught up in the fur and causing some considerable discomfort or potential irritations and infections from happening.
This is not a difficult job to do, generally, and doesn’t take a lot of time, however if you have a dog that doesn’t lie still or like the paws being touched then it won’t be so easy. You may need to do some training first before you get the scissors out. Read on and we will cover this further down… It also may be necessary to clip the dog’s nails back at the same time which makes it easier to scissor the fur just behind the nail.
. Why Should I Trim the Fur Underneath My Dog’s Paws?
There are several reasons for trimming a dog’s paws:-
- The dog will not pick up so much dirt or sand and walk it through the house;
- Prevention of far more serious objects getting caught up in the extra long fur – such as grass seeds and burrs, bits of glass, or anything else which may cause irritation or enter the dog’s skin;
- If you live in cold climates it prevents the dog from picking up snow and sludge which can harden quite quickly and do damage to the dog’s paws;
- It just makes the dog’s paws look a lot neater and tidier.
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TropiClean SPA Lavish Paw and Pad Treatment 8oz………….
from: CherryBrook
TropiClean SPA Lavish Paw and Pad Treatment revitalizes and conditions your pet’s sensitive paws and pads. Featuring warm vanilla and oatmeal, this restoring treatment will replenish and renew dry, cracked and damaged pads.
Soothing oatmeal adds moisture
Natural ingredients, including milk thistle and warm vanilla, calm irritation
Safe for cats and dogs of all breeds
Soap-free
Simple to use–just soak and rinse
Safe to use daily
Made in the USA
Protecting Your Dog’s Paws From the Winter Snow and Toxic Chemicals
Some dogs love to romp and play in the snow. Wet, melting snow or slush can cling to the fur underneath the dogs paws. Accompany this with gravel, dirt or rock salt this can make for sore paws for the dog if not removed.
Musher’s Secret from Chewy.com
Musher’s Secret Paw Protection Natural Dog Wax provides the ultimate paw protection in any season without the need for uncomfortable dog boots. Your pup will be able to walk without hurting his paws on icy or hot sidewalks, sandy beaches, hard pavement or snow-filled walkways. Musher’s Secret forms a breathable, dense barrier to protect your dog’s paws from the elements in even the most extreme weather conditions. That means no more irritating sand, ice or snow between the paws or stuck to the furry paw pads. This moisturizing formula is a blend of 100% pure natural waxes, including white and yellow beeswax and vitamin E that not only protects but also soothes cracked pads and paws.
Rock salt and de-icers which are used for clearing the ground of ice and snow contain potentially harmful chemicals which are toxic if ingested. If your dog has ice and snow stuck to the paws or even if there is no ice, snow or gravel stuck to the paws still don’t allow the dog to lick until after they are washed in warm water and thoroughly cleaned. This means if the dog licks a paw later no toxic chemicals will be ingested into the body.
By giving the dog’s paws a trim you are protecting him/her from snow/ice which will stick.
How Do I Trim the Fur Around My Dog’s Paws?
Firstly, it is beneficial to train your dog to be still and quiet while having the paws and nails trimmed – please refer to our Dog Grooming Training page.
You will need a pair of straight round or ball tip scissors for this. It is easier to have the dog lying down and if you are having trouble keeping him or her still then you might find a bone or a chew toy filled with treats might help.
Gently bend the dog’s leg and paw so you can comfortably use the scissors to trim the underneath. Carefully trim the fur on the dog’s paw back to being level with the pads. Dogs can sometimes get matted in between the main back pad and the front ones. This forms the shape of a ‘v’. To remove any matted bits it will be necessary to trim this portion of fur as close to the skin as possible without cutting the dog. It is best to keep this area as short as possible to prevent matting and also to minimize any grass seeds, dirt or other matter which could be potentially do some damage to your dog from getting caught up. Then trim neatly around the edge of the paws so they look neat and tidy – generally in line with the pads.
This might be a good time to trim the nails also. For this, refer to our page on Clipping Your Dogs Nails.
By keeping your dog’s paw trim and neat, not only will the dog feel better and be less susceptible to irritations but he/she will look neat and have better movement as well as not bringing so much dirt into the house.
SOFT & ABSORBENT TOP: designed with high quality microfiber to absorb more water while also drying faster than the average doormat. Can also provide a soft and comfy spot for your dog to rest.
NON-SKID BOTTOM: helps keep the doormat in place keeping you from having to straighten after each use (Clean floor before placing for best result).
CLEAN FLOORS/CAR FLOORS: microfiber bristles help trap dirt and mud from your pup’s paws keeping your floors cleaner. Place dog doormat near the front door, back door, laundry room, car back, car seat or dog water bowl.
EASY CARE: dog doormat is machine washable.
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