Our tips
Road salt, sharp stones, dry air from heating – our dogs' paws are exposed to a completely different level of environmental stimuli than our feet. Of course, the comparison isn't perfect, as our dogs' paws are structured quite differently. Nevertheless, this is an area of our four-legged friends that we should pay particular attention to. Cracks, splinters, and foreign objects can cause real problems! In our blog post, we explain what you should look out for and how best to care for your dog's paws!
Paw check – what you should pay attention to:
Check your dog's paws regularly. Sometimes small injuries go unnoticed while running. Pay attention to:
- Foreign body
- dry or cracked paw pads
- Redness or swelling
- dried blood or crusts
- Pustules
The sooner a sharp stone or thorn, for example, is removed, the better. If you notice anything unusual, contact your trusted veterinarian. Contact allergies can also cause reddened skin or swelling. Likewise, skin fungal infections or inflammation due to pressure sores from stones, ingrown hairs, or other foreign objects.
More than just bales:
When we think about paw care, we always think of the pads first. But there's so much more to it than that!
- Claws: Especially in older animals or those with illnesses that restrict their movement, the claws don't wear down properly. As a result, they grow quickly and become far too long, dragging on the ground. How often you should trim claws varies greatly from dog to dog. Regular visual inspection is therefore essential. Overgrown claws cause pain when walking, toe deformities, and an abnormal gait, which in turn can lead to muscle tension. A vicious cycle begins. Pet stores offer both claw clippers and special claw grinders.
- Coat: Yes, you heard right. Coat is also part of the important topic of "paw care." Especially in dogs with thick coats, such as Bernese Mountain Dogs, fur also grows between the paw pads. The result: dirt, and especially ice and snow, get stuck and form painful clumps. Furthermore, your dog loses traction when walking if the fur is too long and covers the pads and claws.
- Paw pads: Of course, these also need to be checked regularly. Especially in winter, it's important to clean your dog's paws with water and, if necessary, a mild dog shampoo after walks, as salt and grit can severely irritate and dry out the paw pads. Our tip: use our EMMY & PEPE wash mitt to gently clean their paws. Our matching dog towels made from sustainable bamboo fiber will help you dry them afterward. If the paws are particularly sore, a massage with a suitable paw balm can be very soothing. If there are any major injuries or deep cracks, please contact your veterinarian.
Tip for when you're on the go:
Especially on longer hikes, excursions, or in winter, you should always have a pair of Wau-Booties paw protectors with you. Why? They can be used preventively to protect paws, for example, on uneven terrain with sharp-edged stones. At the same time, they provide protection for existing problems, or, if the worst happens and your dog gets injured, they can be pulled over a bandage to protect the wound until you can get to the vet.
Our dog booties are super lightweight and fit in any luggage!
