Summer is the best time to go outdoors with your pet, right? But how can it be a fun experience for your dog if his/her paws are in pain? Not all dog owners may realize this but your pet’s paws is one of the most important parts of his/her body. But apparently, your pet’s paws are actually the most neglected part of your dog’s body. Oftentimes, these paws rarely get the attention and care that they deserve. This summer, before you decide to enjoy the season with your furry pal, try to check if his/her paws are in good shape. If you find that the nails of your pet is him/her giving some discomfort, trim it. Make sure that when you trim your pet dog’s nail, you do not go to the edge of the nail because this can create a great pain on your dog. Leave at least a quarter inch from the edge to avoid cutting the skin. If you want to make sure call your vet for specific instructions or take your dog to the vet so that you can be taught on how to properly trim your pet’s nails.

Furthermore, be aware that your dog’s paws are prone to a lot of possible hazards. Unwanted elements can stick in between their toes. The most common ones are spikelets and foxtails that they can get from roaming around grassy areas. Ticks also love these nooks and crannies. So always check this area to see if your pet might be infested. If you plan to remove these things, take note that the area between their toes is highly sensitive so be gentle and use a handy pair of tweezers to extract those pests.

Since summer entails a lot of outdoor activities for you and your pet, it is possible that your dog’s paws may acquire cuts so always check those areas to be sure. Small cuts can be easily dealt with by washing with warm water and soap and applying some topical anti-bacterial ointment. If the paw pads bleed heavily, take your pet to the vet as soon as you can to give proper remedy. The best thing to make sure that your dog’s paws are protected is by buying him/her a set of heavy duty dog shoes. These shoes will be most helpful when you plan to take your dog on hiking or beach outing. Summer can really be a great time for you and your dog provided that you know how to take extra measures to secure your dog’s safety and comfort.