{"id":593,"date":"2024-09-09T17:25:26","date_gmt":"2024-09-09T21:25:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.englishtownvet.com\/blog\/?p=593"},"modified":"2025-01-13T20:18:52","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T01:18:52","slug":"caring-for-your-dogs-paw-pads","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.englishtownvet.com\/blog\/caring-for-your-dogs-paw-pads\/","title":{"rendered":"Caring For Your Dog\u2019s Paw Pads"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Owner<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Every year dog owners can almost time when their pup\u2019s paws take on a crusty, cracked appearance and texture. After an entire summer of walking around on hot concrete, rocky trails, or coarse, sandy beaches, the otherwise soft, supple skin that comprises the paw pads can become a bit worn. While some wear and tear on the feet is natural, owners can help their dog\u2019s paw pads look and feel their very best.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Year-Round and Seasonal Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Caring for your dog’s paw pads is necessary throughout the year but is especially crucial during seasons with temperature extremes<\/a>. Summer heat and winter lows can be incredibly drying to the skin. Which is why tending to paw pad care is so important.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s In a Paw?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your dog’s paws consist of four claws\/nails, four digital pads, a metacarpal pad, a dew claw, and a carpal pad. Bones, keratin, muscles, tendons, collagen, tissue, and ligaments add to layers designed to cushion and protect. Sweat glands located on the inner layer of skin help regulate internal body temperature, and enable grip.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paw pads have pretty obvious functions for the feet. Their ability to absorb shock can also protect areas of the body like joints and other bones from injury.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Extra Help Is Needed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The ice, snow, and winter chemicals wreak havoc on the outermost layers of the skin. Summer conditions can be equally drying. Plus, with the potential for burns, scrapes, cuts, and more, seasonal care of the paw pads<\/a> is an essential facet of their regular grooming routine.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n