Have you ever wondered what’s coming in on your dog’s feet or whether you should clean them after your daily walk? Here’s what you should know about cleaning your dog’s paws.
DO I NEED TO WASH MY DOG’S PAWS AFTER A WALK?
Dirty dog paws don’t just leave prints on your floor and furniture, they also pose a health risk to your pup. When your dog licks its feet to clean them, they ingest whatever’s on there. While regular dirt probably isn’t a problem, chemicals used to melt ice in the winter and to treat lawns in the summer can be toxic.
THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN YOUR DOG’S PAWS
There are many ways to clean your dog’s paws after a walk. The right method depends on the weather and how dirty they’ve gotten. Here are a few ideas:
Use a towel and a spray bottle. A convenient way to clean paws after a walk is to use a towel and spray bottle filled with water. Keep these items handy by the door. This is great for removing dust and dirt on dry days or drying wet paws after a rainy walk if they didn’t get too muddy.
Try baby wipes. Disposable wipes are a great way to get mud and dirt off your dog’s paws after a walk in the woods. Consider keeping a pack in the car if you regularly go hiking with your dog.
Wash with soap and water. If your dog has gotten very muddy, the only way to get those paws clean is with soap and water. If the weather is warm, you can consider hosing Fido. On colder days, you may want to use a bucket of warm water on a floor that’s easy to clean or carrying your dog to the tub for a shower.
Your dog’s paws may not be the only thing you need to clean, especially if you have a small dog or one with short legs. Don’t forget to give the belly and other dirty parts a wipe.
VETERINARY CARE YOU CAN TRUST
For more information about how you can care for your dog, talk to the vets at Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital. The experts at our vet clinic can answer any questions you have. Call us today to make an appointment or request a house call anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area.