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Hello everyone. Welcome to the second issue of Mighty Mutts! Today ‘s issue is all about keeping paws healthy, conditioned and cool in this hot weather. You’ll read about tips on how to prevent paws from burning, and how to know when the pavement is too hot for walks.
Our curated article from Chewy discusses how to spot dry paws and how to treat them.
As always, feel free to send in a pic of you and your dog and we’ll feature it in an upcoming issue! Feedback is always welcome as well 😊
But first, some messages from Pablo: he has some things to say about what he’s been up to, and he’s got a product pick of the week for his furry friends!
Enjoy!
Pablo’s “Paw”-nderings
Hello again my furry friends!
It's been so hot and humid here, I've been trying to keep cool, how about you? Luckily, mom and dad have ceramic floors that I can lie on to keep cool, and the outside patio is nice and shady. And there is a patch of dirt in the shade that keeps me nice and cool too. Of course, I have fresh water whenever I want it, and dad even gives me the odd freezie. It's so nice and refreshing! Mom says summer will be over before you know it. I think I'm looking forward to the cooler weather.
Brandon and I have to wait until later in the evenings to go for our walks, because he says the pavement is too hot for my paws.
Aaah, a day at the spa!
This is a pic of Brandon rubbing some balm on my paws to keep them moist and healthy! Which brings me to my product pick of the week…
This is what Brandon puts on my paws to keep them nice and moist. It’s called Paw Balm. It feels soooo good! Just like a day at the spa! Mom gets it from Amazon, but said it’s also available at pet stores.
And the best part? It’s made in CANADA! Yay! And there are no weird ingredients to worry about either; it contains all natural ingredients like vitamin E, shea butter and coconut oil.
Tell your hoomans to get some so your paws can feel like mine!
Click here to find out more:
https://tinyurl.com/25tfun4f
How to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Moist and Healthy all Summer Long
Have you ever burned your feet on hot concrete or even hot sand? It doesn’t feel too good does it? The same goes for our dogs! For the most part, we humans don't think much of walking on hot pavement int he summer because we have shoes/sandals, etc. to protect our feet. But, for dogs, that hot pavement can burn paws in mere seconds!
It's important to consider this when taking Fido for his daily walk in the lazy, hazy days of summer.
For example, if the air temperature is at 43 degrees C (about 109 F), the pavement temperature can reach as high as 64 degrees C (147 F). Wow! That's hot! Now, you wouldn't take a thermometer out with you, but you can test the pavement yourself before taking your dog out. Put your foot on the pavement (or your hand). If you feel burning after a few seconds, then it's definitely too hot. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog, it's really that simple.
Part of being a responsible dog owner is knowing how to avoid paw burns and making sure Fido is as comfortable as possible. Consider these options:
· Walk on grass or dirt: Not only are these surfaces cooler, they are softer, which is easier on the paws any time of the year. Also, if you're close to a lake or body of water, consider walking along the shoreline. It's always at least 5 degrees cooler by the water, and your dog will appreciate the refreshing sprays of the waves, as well as the soft sand. Just remember to clean Fido's paws thoroughly before going home (or getting into your car)
· Consider booties or dog shoes: Now, I know what you're thinking - booties for my German Shepherd? How am I doing to put booties on my Great Dane? When most people think of booties, they think of smaller dogs like shitsus or poodles. But booties can be a great way to protect your dog's paws from the searing heat, no matter their size. They are available both online and in pet stores. YOu may want to consult with a pet store associate to find the right size for your dog.
· Balm/paw wax: hand lotion for dogs! This is a great way to keep your dog's paws mosit and healthy, all year long. Put some on before you go for a walk, when you come home and even on days when Fido is relaxing in the backyard sunshine. Just as your hands and feet can get cracked and bleed from dryness, your dog's paws can do the same. Balm is available online and in pet stores. One stick will last a few months, even if applied several times a day.
· Go for walks early in the morning or later in the evening: An early morning walk is a great way to start your day off right, and you'll both get some excercise before the day heats up and the pavement sizzles! Not an early bird? Consider a walk at sunset, or even after the sun goes down (don't forget reflective gear for you and your dog).
· Check your dog's paws regularly: Always check for dry, cracked paws. Even if your dog doesn't seem to be bothered by dry paws, it's not healthy for them. They rely on those pads to get them places, after all! If you find your dog licking their paws excessively, it could be a sign that they are bothersome.
· Always wipe your dog's paws after being outside: Not only does this limit the dirt that gets tracked in your home, it cleans the paw surface and any grit that accumulates. This could be very uncomfortable for them. Just think of when you get sand in between your toes! yuck!
Your dog's paws need to be taken care of all year long, of course, not just in the summer heat. The winter air can also cause dryness, and if you walk them in a public area like a sidewalk or roadway, the salt can get into their paws and cause cuts and abrasions. Always consult your vet for the best products or process to take care of your dog's paws and check them regularly for any signs of damage.
This curated article is from our friends at Chewy.com
Symptoms of Cracked Dog Paws
Dog pads protect your dog’s joints by absorbing shock, and they allow him to enjoy time outdoors with his favorite people, says Dr. Kelly Ryan, DVM, Medical Director at Cityscape Vets on Excelsior in Minnesota.
But sometimes, dog pads succumb to wear and tear or crack due to underlying health problems.
Cracked dog paws occur when cracks or fissures appear on the surface of the paw pads. There might be peeling or crusty skin, too.
In addition to these main signs, other symptoms may include:
· Redness
· Inflammation/swelling
· Discoloration on paw pads
· Bleeding
· Limping or holding a paw up (avoiding pressure)
· Excessive licking or chewing of paws
· Changes in behavior/lethargy
There are many reasons your dog may develop cracked paws. One of the most common causes is wear and tear.
If you have a dog who spends long periods of time playing in the snow, running on concrete or hiking on abrasive terrain, dog paw wear and tear is certainly a possibility.
Exposure to rough surfaces and sharp objects, like rocks, can cause contact irritation, where the paws feel funny or itchy or inflamed, which can lead to further damage by self-mutilating, explains Dr. Tiffany Margolin, DVM, ABVP.
“Usually the contact irritation turns into cracked paws because of the dogs over-chewing or licking at the paws due to the sensations,” she says. “Licking and application of saliva is the only way a dog knows to soothe and accelerate healing of their own body.”
To read the full article, click here:
Did You Know?
Some breeds have what are called "cat feet." These dogs have a short third digital bone, resulting in a compact feline-like foot; this design uses less energy to lift and increases the dog's endurance. You can tell by the dog's paw print: the prints of cat feet are round and compact. Akita, Doberman pinscher, giant schnauzer, Kuvasz, Newfoundland, Airedale terrier, bull terrier, keeshond, Finnish spitz, and Old English sheepdog all have cat feet.
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