Hands are important for humans as these tools enable them to eat, work, and communicate with the world through touch. Paws perform the same function in our canine counterparts, which is why dog owners must take good care of them.
Cracked and dry paw pads, paw infections, blisters, burns, nail issues, allergies, abrasions, and cuts are some common paw problems many pets deal with in their daily lives. While some issues can be addressed through simple home remedies, other problems might require medical intervention.
Pet insurance helps provide your pet pooch with timely diagnosis, treatment and medications without you having to take the entire financial stress that can accompany non-routine vet visits. So, contemplate being prepared with cheap dog insurance as early as possible.
Meanwhile, read this article to learn some common misconceptions about a puppy’s paws.
#1 “A puppy’s paw pads guard it against winter weather.”
Truth: Thick padding indeed protects a canine’s paws. However, it doesn’t make your furry pet immune to cold weather and associated health conditions. The paw pads contain more fat tissues than other body parts, which implies that your puppy might not freeze as quickly; still, there are other risks, like suffering from scrapes, cuts, or wounds from ice while walking outside. Another significant problem is little snowballs can gather between the toes causing much pain and discomfort for your pupper. This is precisely why you should consider investing in durable puppy booties.
#2 “A puppy’s paw pads shield it from potentially harmful chemicals on the ground.
Truth: Paw pads provide an additional layer of protection for your pet. However, toxic chemicals like antifreeze can still be absorbed through delicate padding. Also, there is a high chance of your puppy licking off the chemicals on its paws, which can cause severe internal damage. Consider wiping or washing off your dog’s paws after a winter walk to ensure its safety and wellbeing.
#3 “The puppy paw size hints at its adult body size.”
One of the common myths about doggy paws is that if a puppy’s paw is large, it will grow into a big dog. This statement is true in some cases; however, the puppy paw size largely depends on genetic factors. For instance, some dog breeds, like Great Danes, grow too soon, which is why it may feel like some body parts are growing faster than others.
Just like you pay attention to your puppy’s body and their coat health, you must do certain things to keep its paws healthy too. Trim your puppy’s nails regularly so they don’t drag or claw into objects while walking around. Use puppy-friendly moisturizers, trim the fur between the toes, and apply Vaseline on the pads before taking your fur companion out.
The above tips can help avoid many problems; still, you must be extra vigilant when you head out with an unpredictable animal. Also, consider being prepared with pet insurance, so unforeseen vet bills are manageable. If you can’t afford a comprehensive policy, contemplate purchasing cheap dog insurance in the least, so your furry baby has basic health coverage.
