What You Should Know About Your Pup's Paws
The paws of a dog are an often-overlooked part of their anatomy, though they are essential for mobility and keeping our beloved pups healthy. In this post we’ll discuss some facts about canine paws and provide advice on the best way to care for them, with particular attention to breeds like English Bulldogs and Pugs that have unique needs. With the right information and guidance, you can keep your pup’s paws in tip-top shape!
The Anatomy of the Paw:
At the most basic level, all canine paws consist of four main parts:
- Nails are located at the end of each toe and help protect the sensitive area of the pad below it.
- Pads are the thickened areas of skin found on either side of each toe that act as shock absorbers—especially on rougher terrain—cushioning your pup's bones and joints from too much impact.
- Paw webs are the thin pieces of skin between each toe that aid in keeping the paw moist and cushioning it from impacts.
- Digital tufts are the small patches of fur located between the toes which trap dirt particles to keep the paw clean.
But aside from being essential parts of your pup's anatomy, they also serve unique purposes based on the breed. Breeds like English Bulldogs and Pugs have more webbed paws, which help them swim and keep them from slipping on slippery surfaces.
And, did you know that dogs sweat through their paw pads? This helps them regulate body temperature when out walking in hot weather. Amazingly, a dog's paw prints can also be used to identify them, much like a human fingerprint!
Caring for Your Doggo’s Paws:
Paw care doesn’t begin and end with knowledge about facts - it’s also important to know how best to take care of your pup's feet. Generally speaking, daily inspection is key in order to spot any signs of wear and tear or injury that need addressing. For example, dogs can often suffer from soreness due to the strain of walking on hard surfaces such as concrete for long periods of time. Trimming their nails regularly and investing in booties for protection against the elements are two other ways of caring for your pup’s paws.
Is Paw Care the Same for Every Breed?
While the basic principles of paw care remain the same across all breeds, there are some unique considerations to take when it comes to dogs like English Bulldogs and Pugs. For example, due to their short muzzles they can be prone to respiratory problems while out walking so it's important that you make sure they don't over-exert themselves in the heat.
Both of these breeds also have short legs and bowed hind limbs, meaning they need extra support when walking on rough or sloped terrain. Additionally, the wrinkles commonly found on their faces can create a damp environment along with hot weather which leads to paw infections if not monitored closely. To help minimize this risk, we recommend cleaning your dog’s wrinkles daily to remove any dirt and moisture from their fur. Squishface products are a great choice for your dog care routine. Use Squishface Wrinkle Wipes on your pup's paws, as they are perfect for those hard-to-clean places. And you don't need to worry about you don’t need to worry about stinging or irritation since there’s no harsh chemicals!
For an added bonus, apply Squishface Wrinkle Paste to your pup's paws. This paste contains soothing and limited ingredients such as coconut oil and avocado oil, which relieve skin irritation between the toes and heal interdigital cysts. To avoid white paws prints throughout your house, cover their paws with baby socks.
The Bottom Line:
Paws are an integral part of your pup’s anatomy, playing a key role in both mobility and regulating body temperature. It’s essential that dog owners pay particular attention to this often-overlooked area, especially when it comes to breeds like English Bulldogs, Frenchies, and Pugs. With the right care and treatment, your pup’s paws can stay healthy and happy for a lifetime!
That being said, if you suspect any issues or simply need more advice on paw care, be sure to consult your vet. They will be able to provide you with personalized guidance tailored to your pup's individual needs.
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