Your dog is always on his feet, especially when he’s romping and playing during the summer months.  It’s warm, so you are more likely to take him to outdoor destinations where he can release his energy.  No matter where he runs around, his paws are taking him there.  You should put paw care at the top of your list, and there are also safety precautions you can take throughout the summer.

Before any problems arise, you should take a preventative approach to paw care.  Keeping your pet’s nails clipped and paw hair trimmed are two ways to keep him out of feet trouble.  Other than that, always pay attention to how your pup feels.  If he is limping or refusing to use one paw, then you need to have him checked out.

Summer is a great encourager for people and pets alike to start exercising.  If you start a new exercise regime with your pet, then enter into the regime fairly slowly.  If your pooch isn’t used to running on a certain terrain –or even just running for that matter- then his pads will need time to adjust to the routine.  If the pads get dry or start cracking, then purchase a tube of paw cream from your local pet store.  The cream will help soften your pet’s paws, and make his new routine a bit more bearable.

A good rule of thumb is to not take your pooch through an area where you would not be able to walk barefoot through.  Obviously, you would not let your pet walk through a pile of broken glass.  However, some things are not so obvious.  For instance, the dangers of the heat of the pavement may not even cross your mind, especially since you are wearing shoes.  In reality, hot pavement can be a big problem for dogs, because it can cause the pads to blister.  If you take your dog out for a walk or run, then try to avoid the pavement, especially if it’s the hottest part of the day.  Morning and evening pavement is a bit cooler, but you can still feel of the pavement with your hand to more accurately judge the temperature.  If you are walking on a road, then try to walk on the shoulder or the edge of the neighbor’s lawns.  If that is not possible, then take frequent “breaks” where you move off the pavement.

If you take your pooch to the beach, then the hot sand should be treated just like hot pavement.  Keep your pet moving, and try to find a shady place for him to rest.  Not only can the heat blister his paws, it can also warm up his body temperature, making him more susceptible to a heat stroke.  Encourage him to cool off in the ocean throughout the day!

Walking through lawns can actually pose problems, too.  No, the heat of the lawn probably won’t burn your pet’s paws, but he can pick up insecticides and similar chemicals.  Since gardens and lawn care are big priorities during the summer, your pet may walk through a number of hazardous chemicals.  The problems occur when he returns home and licks his paws, ingesting harmful substances.  If you can not avoid treated areas or do not know what areas have been treated, then run some water over your pet’s paws when you get home.  You can help him wipe them off and hopefully remove any toxic substances.

If you take your pet on a mountain getaway, then be extra careful on the hiking trails.  He will love to sniff out and make his way through the cool, wooded paths, but he probably won’t pay attention to where he steps.  Thorns and spurs can be very painful if they get lodged between his toes or in the pads of his feet.  No, you can not prevent him from stepping on a thorn, but you can watch his behavior to make sure that he is not in pain from stepping on one.

Oh, the hazards of summer.  It seems that there are so many things you have to watch out for with your dog; keeping an eye on his paws is no exception.  Whether you are at the beach or jogging around your neighborhood, you need to make sure that your pet’s feet are in good condition.  You may not be able to prevent him from stepping on a painful object, but you can make sure he’s not suffering.

This article was written and provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring dog carriers & dog doors