Tag Archives: dog paw care

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Winter Care for Dogs

Winter is approaching fast! As the weather changes, you may need to make a few adjustments to your dog’s care routine, in order to keep Fido happy and healthy. Winter can be very dangerous for our canine pals! Here, a Georgetown, IN vet discusses winter care for dogs.

Food

Some of our furry friends need to eat a little more in cold weather. If your canine companion is a working dog, puppy, nursing mama, or just spends a lot of time outdoors, he may need bigger portion sizes in winter. Follow your vet’s nutritional recommendations.

Clothing

Fido might need doggy clothes to help him stay warm on frigid days, especially if he has thin fur. When shopping for your pooch, always take his measurements with you. (Tip: text them to yourself, so you always have them.) Avoid anything itchy, tight, or constricting. Also, stay away from items with zippers and/or small pieces that your furry pal may try to eat, such as buttons.

Activity

While you may not relish the thought of going to the doggy park on a freezing-cold day, it is important to keep Fido active. You can play Fetch or Tug-o-War with your pet inside, though you’ll of course want to choose areas without a lot of breakable objects. Stair runs will also give your furry buddy a great workout. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Paw Care

Snow, salt, sand, ice, and chemical de-icing products can all hurt your dog’s sensitive paw pads. If your canine buddy doesn’t like wearing booties, use paw balm or wax to protect his feet. Also, remember to choose pet-friendly de-icing products. Last but not least, keep Fido’s claws trimmed: this will make it easier for him to gain traction on slippery surfaces.

Walking

Since the sun sets so early in winter, you’ll probably be walking your four-legged friend after dark quite a bit. Get Fido a reflective leash and collar, and wear a reflective jacket yourself. Wear shoes with good traction, and bring a phone and flashlight with you. Keep an eye on the ground, as the snow can hide dangerous objects, like broken glass. Also, don’t bring your pooch near frozen bodies of water, riverbanks, or other dangerous areas.

Please do not hesitate to contact us, your Georgetown, IN pet hospital, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are dedicated to providing excellent care!

Dog Care, General Care

4 Ways to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Healthy

Have you looked at your dog’s paws recently? Fido’s furry feet are very important to his overall health. After all, those furry paws let your pooch run, jump, and play! Read on as a Floyds Knob, IN vet lists some easy ways to keep your canine buddy’s paws in good shape.

Nail Trims

Don’t let your furry buddy’s nails get too long. Overgrown nails are very uncomfortable for Fido! They can also change the way your dog walks, as your canine buddy may have to adjust his gait to avoid discomfort. Over time, this can be very detrimental to your dog’s health, as it can contribute to painful conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia. If you’re uneasy about cutting your pup’s nails yourself, consider investing in clippers with sensors. Or, just call us to set up a quick nail-trim appointment.

Choose Soft Surfaces

When you walk your pooch, always be mindful of the surfaces you are walking on. In summer, Fido can burn his paws on hot tar, sand, or cement. In winter, salt, snow, sand, and chemical deicing agents can all wreak havoc on your pet’s paws. Use paw balm or wax to keep your canine pal’s paw pads moist. Many dogs will appreciate booties to wear in cold weather, although not all of our four-legged friends enjoy fancy footwear. Be sure to choose pet-friendly de-icing agents! We also recommend using a damp washcloth to wipe down your furry friend’s paws every day.

Toe Fur

Those little tufts of fur Fido has between his toes may be super cute, but it’s best to keep these trimmed. Otherwise, they can get matted or gunky, which is pretty uncomfortable for Man’s Best Friend. If they get tangled, they’ll also make it harder for your pet to gain traction on slippery surfaces.

Pawsitive Thoughts

Inspect Fido’s furry feet regularly. You’ll want to watch for any injuries, as well as any swelling or hot areas. Look between your dog’s toes, to make sure there is nothing lodged between them. If your canine buddy gets a pebble or another foreign object stuck between his toes, it can become quite painful for him, and could even cause an infection. Contact your vet for anything more than a minor cut.

Does your pet need veterinary care? We can help! Call us, your Floyds Knob, IN animal hospital, anytime!