Over 48 million households in the United States include dogs according to the latest figures from the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dogs bring us endless joy and love. They can also provide comfort and protection. Some dogs are far more intuitive than people, so they know when their humans need an extra snuggle or a shoulder to cry on. Because of all that and many other characteristics that make canines so special, pet parents want to keep their dogs as happy and healthy as possible.

Paying Attention to Dogs’ Paws

One aspect of pet health that often gets overlooked is keeping dogs’ paw pads in optimal condition. Paw pads are particularly sensitive, so they tend to need a little extra care. When they’re injured or irritated, they can make dogs extremely uncomfortable. Think about how painful walking can be when your feet or sore or you have a cramp in the arch of your foot.

Dogs experience paw pain in much the same way, but they can’t actually tell us when they’re hurting. As such, it’s important to pay close attention to your dog’s body language. At the same time, using a soothing and protective balm, like this top rated product of 2022, can further foster the condition of the tender skin on the bottoms of dogs’ paws.

Looking at Possible Paw Pad Dangers

Though dogs can’t speak and explain that their paws or hurting or why, certain symptoms can be warning signs of pad problems. Dogs may limp or try to keep weight off of the paw that’s causing them pain. They may also whimper when taking steps if a paw is injured or irritated. Sometimes, they lick or chew their paw pads to try to soothe the discomfort, which can actually make the problem worse. Paw pad discomfort can come from numerous sources.

Burns

Burned paw pads are common problems for dogs. Going for walks on scorching sidewalks or asphalt can easily burn the tender skin of their paw pads. Keep in mind, asphalt soaks up heat from the sun like a sponge. It can be much hotter than the air outside. In fact, if it’s 75 degrees outside, asphalt can reach up to 135 degrees. That’s more than enough to make for a painful walk for a dog. If asphalt or concrete is too hot for your feet to handle, it’s too hot for your dog as well.

Frostbite

Frostbite is yet another problem dogs face. Their paws can succumb to frostbite after being exposed to below-freezing temperatures for prolonged periods of time. They can also develop frostbite when walking on snow and ice. When walking a dog in the wintertime or allowing one to play outdoors in cold, be sure to keep his or her paws protected. Dogs can begin to develop frostbite on their paws in as little as half an hour.

Protecting Dogs’ Paws from Potential Hazards

Those are only a couple of the common threats to dogs’ paw pad health. Chemicals can likewise cause burns and leach through the skin, potentially leading to serious illnesses. Additionally, allergies can bring about tenderness and inflammation. Insect bites, cuts, and scrapes may cause discomfort as well. Keeping dogs’ paw pads protected is an important aspect of maintaining their overall health. It’s also a great way to show them how much we love and appreciate them.

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