Looking after your dog’s paws in the summer heat

I RECENTLY invited Joanna from Joanna Grooming Parlour in Alhaurin (Malaga) on my Radio Show, she has 20 years of vast hands on knowledge on grooming. I asked Joanna to assist me with this article and she immediately said that she (and I) feel the most important advice is to warn pet owners that dogs’ paws on most kinds of floors that have been in direct sunlight can quickly burn the pads – this includes pavements and the beach. Dogs with burned paws will lick their paws often causing a secondary infection, she recommends pure cocoa butter rubbed into the pads, this helps to keep the pad in good condition and prevent cracking.
Pet owners should be aware that a dog’s feet, like humans,’ are to be well looked after as like us, sore feet can affect walking, causing joint problems in the long term.
Only a small amount of cocoa butter should be used, making sure not too much goes on to the paws. Cocoa butter is totally safe for your dog to lick. At this time of year Joanna sees many dogs with fungal infections in between the pads, the main signs to look out for is constant licking of the paws with the feet getting quite smelly. Fungal infections are very common in Spain and they love dark damp places, your dog’s paws being the perfect breeding ground. Check your dog’s fur in between the pads.
They must be kept clean and dry. With long haired dogs it is best to ask your groomer to remove as much fur as possible from in between the pads. It is common that there will be smelly matts in the paw fur which is often caused by small pebbles, grass seeds, chewing gum etc, all of which can affect your dog’s walking. So now you have this from an expert if you need further information free of charge then call Joanna on 661 152 451.