Whether you keep them indoors or outdoors, dogs will, sooner rather than later, get their paw pads dirty. Pets spend most of their time on germ-ridden floors and are constantly exposed to bacteria found in dirt, puddles, snow, and other outdoor elements. As owners, we can tell when our dogs need a bath by looking at tell-tale signs like dirty fur or foul smells; however, there is one “sign” we often pay little attention to, but it is perhaps one of the most important indicators of our dog’s hygiene and overall health–their paws!
While dog’s paw can endure most indoor and outdoor conditions, they can be sensitive to germs and bacteria in the environment. Dogs paws, especially if dry or cracked, are highly susceptible to retaining bacteria and germs that can lead to discomfort, infection, and even diseases.
Even if your dog spends most of their time indoors, they can still contract bacteria during their walks, especially in the cold winter months. Cold climates utilize ice melters like unpurified rock salts and ferrocyanide in most municipalities in North America. Rock salts may include traces of toxic metals such as mercury and lead while ice melters contain poisonous chemicals that may be ingested if your dog licks their paws.
Keeping Dog Paws Clean
A weekly paw-cleaning routine can help improve your dog’s hygiene and most importantly, improve their overall health and happiness. Luckily, keeping your dog’s paws clean and healthy is not a difficult task. Here are some easy-to-follow steps for a complete paw treatment guaranteed to make your dog wag its tails with joy:
