The most common problem for dog owners is how to wash their pet’s paws after a walk. If the dog is small, it can be carried into the bath on its hands. Some dogs are pathologically afraid of water, others cause a flood by washing their paws in a bowl. Let’s explain this situation in a few words: with what and how to wash a dog’s paws, how to accustom it to a cultured hygiene procedure.
Why wash your dog’s paws after every walk?
Many dog owners only wash their dog’s paws from autumn to spring to prevent the pet from leaving dirty footprints all over the apartment. But it’s not just for cleanliness. Washing a dog’s paws is necessary at any time of the year for the following reasons:
1. the dog may step in a puddle of petrol or a toxic substance stain – timely paw washing will remove the chemical and prevent the pet from being poisoned.
2. a dog may cut its paw pads or dig a claw – a hygienic procedure will help to check the integrity of the skin surface.
3. spreading reagents on roads in wint they can cause irritation and allergies.
4. Mites and infections, some of which are dangerous not only to the pet itself but also to the people living with it.
These facts are enough to understand the necessity of washing your pet’s paws after every walk.
Lettuce Wash
Pet shops offer a huge range of products suitable for washing a dog’s paws. Let’s take a look at the main ones:
1. Any shampoo for washing your dog – you can wash your pet’s paws with this product.
2. A budget hygiene option with antiseptic and anti-parasitic properties. Promotes rapid wound healing. However, prolonged use may dry the skin and provoke cracking. The optimal option is to use a shampoo with tar soap. Such products have a balanced pH and are not harmful with constant use.
3. shampoo with chlorhexidine – the antibacterial component prevents micro-cracks and inflammation of wounds on the paw pads.
4. Anti-parasitic shampoo – the range includes products based on plant extracts that repel fleas and ticks. At the same time, it soothes irritation and has a bacterial action.
5. shampoo for very dirty paws – effectively rinses away fuel oil, car oil and salt, while the plant components are gentle on the paws. If you don’t have such a product at home, you can use a car gel hand cleaner to remove dirt from your dog’s paws.
6. Panthenol shampoos are suitable for pets that do not choose a place to play and frequently cut and claw.
7. Hypoallergenic shampoos – recommended for dogs prone to allergies.
8. Wet wipes – suitable for paw hygiene in dry weather. Products from well-known manufacturers are soaked in antiseptic, antiparasitic and moisturising agents.
How to wash a dog’s paws correctly?
Owners of small dogs wash their paws after a walk under the tap or in the bath. Large onesems pets have to use a bowl. In order to avoid frightening the dog and to make the procedure go smoothly, the following rules must be observed:
1. Check the temperature of the water, it must not be high. In winter, you should not wash your dog’s paws with warm water after a walk (only cool water). A sudden change in temperature has a negative effect on the animal’s condition.
2. Use a sponge for washing. It foams shampoo well and is an economical cleaning agent.
3. The front paws are washed first (then placed on a towel on the floor). It is better to wash pets in the bath after shampooing the fur on their belly to better rinse off the shampoo. At the very least, wipe the abdomen with a damp cloth.
4. After each walk, the paws should be examined for injury. Have tweezers available to remove the splinter.
5. Microfibre towels are suitable for drying the paws. They absorb water well, so your pet will not leave wet feet at home. The towels must be washed regularly.
How to get your dog used to washing his pawsethylene after a walk?
Cleanliness will be futile if the dog is not used to washing his paws and actively resists. It is common for a dog to refuse to go home knowing that a frightening procedure is about to take place.Getting a dog used to paw-washing depends on the owner’s patience and skill. Simple guidelines should be followed to ensure an orderly and stress-free hygiene procedure for the pet:
1. Train your pet to wash its paws from an early age.
2. To prevent your puppy from developing a fear of water, do not immediately throw him into the bath and cover him with water. Getting used to it is a gradual process and requires patience on the part of the owner.
3. Take your pet by the paws often. Gradually start wiping your dog’s paws with a dry towel, encouraging him with treats. This will help your puppy get used to the touch and will make the washing less stressful.
4. Use a non-slip mat in the bath from the very first wash. This will help the dog not to be afraid and avoid injuries.