It’s quite common for dogs to dislike grooming and handling, or anything that feels unnatural, in general. For many of our pets, having their paws (or face) handled is quite nerve-racking. Using force or restraint to apply something such as a balm only makes things worse, exhausting you and reinforcing to your pup that it is, in fact, something to fear.
Dog paws can act both as shock absorbers and brakes for our furry friends. They help protect the bones and joints in and around the foot, while also aiding in stability when on slippery surfaces or steep slopes. Though paw pads are made up of a layer of fatty tissue, they can still be susceptible to injury, cracking, and discomfort.
Walking on different types of textures, surfaces and terrains can pose a threat to those delicate digits. Long nails may get caught in grating, causing paws to get cut on sharp material, or even suffer wounds from the elements.
You’ll know your fur baby has a paw issue if they indicate discomfort. If they are limping and licking at the paw incessantly, or favoring a paw when walking around, you can safely assume there is something wrong. It is usually due to a scratch, cut, foreign item (such as a thorn or glass), puncture, or laceration. A paw balm would be a great solution for these problems, that is, if you can actually apply it to your dog!
It can be tricky, but with a little knowledge and some tricks, you can change your dog’s mind about grooming time and having their paws handled. We’ve got a few helpful tips that will make applying paw balm a breeze for both you and your dog.
