Paying attention to your dog’s paws may not be part of your regular pet care regimen, but it’s an aspect of their health that deserves attention. While they’re durable, their pads are prone to a number of injuries. The staff at Animal Care Center of Fairfield in Ohio advises that it’s important to recognize these, as well as take preventative steps to protect their paws. This will ensure they don’t face any mobility issues or infections.

A Pet Care Guide to Dog Paw Problems

1. Broken Toenails

It’s easy for your dog to snag a toenail. When they break, it can be extremely painful. If the tear is deep enough, it may hit near the blood vessel in their nail, which can lead to bleeding as well as bacterial infections. A veterinarian can fix the issue easily, so keep an eye out for excessive licking. Avoid the issue by trimming their toenails during your weekly pet care regimen.

2. Burns

Dogs hide pain well, and during your summer walks, they may always seem happy. However, hot asphalt poses a significant problem and can burn the pads on their feet. They often don’t show symptoms until later, so be conscious of where you walk your dog on hot days and look for any blistering on their feet.

3. Ticks

The area between your dog’s toes is ideal for a tick. It’s warm, secluded, and they can easily feed there for extended periods. It’s also easy for them to latch onto when going on a walk. Make sure to inspect for ticks after walking in wooded areas and keep them on tick preventative medicine. If you do find a tick, it’s best to let a pet care professional remove it to avoid infections.

For more pet care tips, turn to the professionals at Animal Care Center of Fairfield. They offer a variety of veterinary services ranging from vaccines and daycare to boarding and emergency treatment. Regardless of if your pet is an existing patient, their staff welcomes them for both basic and emergency vet services. Call (513) 829-6621 today to schedule an appointment and visit their website and Facebook page to learn more about their pet care services.