Cleaning also helps stop germs and parasites from being carried throughout the house and onto furniture,
A veterinarian is urging dog owners to never skip an important step after taking their pet out for a walk. She says: “Cleaning your dog’s paws after every walk is more important than you might think”.
Veterinarian Victoria Margni says this is because dog paw pads can be a major source of bacteria. Just like the bottom of our shoes, anything that touches the ground can become covered in all kinds of germs – and bringing those germs inside your home can cause issues.
Proper daily hygiene is essential for dogs’ well-being and their owners’ responsibility. Brushing their fur, cleaning their ears, checking their paws, and maintaining good oral health are not merely aesthetic gestures but measures that prevent disease and enhance their overall quality of life.
In one of the most recent videos on her TikTok channel, the veterinarian warns about a practice that many people forget: properly cleaning dogs’ paws and pads. “After walking your dog, it’s important to take a minute to care for their paws,” she said.
The expert affirms that dogs’ pads are very resilient, but they step on absolutely everything while we’re out of the house. “Cement, puddles with bacteria, microorganisms, food scraps, toxic substances,” she tells viewers. It’s important to be aware that all of this will come through the front door when you return from the walk.
Not cleaning your dog’s paws can be dangerous for the animal itself. “They lick themselves, and all these substances can end up in their body and cause digestive problems and even poisoning,” she added.
“Cleaning their paws allows you to see if they have any thorns, wounds, bruises, injuries, glass, or a thorn stuck in them… It’s not just about hygiene; it’s about keeping in mind that by checking them, we can discover and prevent many problems.”
A brief inspection during grooming helps you identify possible issues such as cuts, cracks, redness, or foreign objects stuck in the paw or between the toes. Dogs can acquire parasites like hookworms and roundworms on their paws, which they may ingest when licking them.
A well-groomed dog is less prone to transmitting germs to other family members, including other pets and young children who might be playing on the floor. This act of care can be vital on rainy, humid, or extremely hot days.
The vet explained: “On rainy and humid days, checking them also helps keep their skin healthy. Prolonged humidity and mud can predispose them to fungal infections or irritation, and extreme heat dries out the pads a lot. That’s why, after a walk, it’s important to take a minute to care for their paws.”
The veterinarian recommends cleaning your pet with a damp towel, specific wipes for paws, or a little warm water. “Remember to also dry thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup,” she concludes. “It is a very easy routine to protect their health and care for your home at the same time.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.dailyrecord.co.uk
