Paws can really take a beating and are often an area of concern for both puppies and dogs. Let’s look at some of the top problems:
- Paws can become dried out and irritated from elements on the ground such as lawn care treatments, ice melt products, small gravel, and gritty sand.
- Poor paw pad health can lead to issues with traction and mobility. Senior dogs are at the most risk for this.
- Hot pavement in the summertime is a major concern and can cause terrible burns in less than a minute. Some dogs have had the pads burn right off, down to the muscle.
- Snow in the wintertime can become wedged in between the toes. It can then melt, re-freeze into ice, and stretch the delicate skin there.
- Dogs are prone to lick, bite at, and nibble on paws. This may be due to injury, irritation, or itching. It’s common for a dog to focus on just the paws even if there is a full-body issue such as allergies. Excessive licking can lead to open sores and cracking which is then vulnerable to infections.
What to do:
1. In the summer, if the ground is too hot for you to press your hand to it, it is too hot for your Maltipoo to walk on it. Move to the grass or follow a shaded route.
2. Routinely check the paws for cuts, abrasions, burns, slivers, and other paw pad damage.
3. Use a paw wax year-round. This will help repel pollen, sand, lawn chemicals, and all sorts of other contact irritants and allergens.
In the summer, it can help offer a layer of protection from hot surfaces. But, do keep in mind that it cannot make paws invincible and you should still test the ground; if you cannot keep your hand pressed down that means it is too hot for your dog to walk on. In the winter, it will help prevent dry paw skin and will give a dog excellent traction.
A good wax like
Musher's Secret Paw Protection Wax
will also keep paw skin properly moisturized year-round to prevent itching, peeling, and other issues. This should be applied once a week.