Training hard in active pursuits, like participating in dog sports, requires a balance of enthusiasm, discipline, and of course, grooming attention. It’s not all about the moves and strategies, but also about securing your dog’s health and comfort. This brings us to a significant but often overlooked aspect of dog care – paw and nail maintenance, particularly for athletic pups.
Sporty dogs might be conditioned to run around tracks, hop over hurdles, or do powerful agility stunts, yet they are not exempted from the risks of worn down, cracked, or painful paws and nails. Their dynamic activities actually make them more susceptible to such conditions. After all, their paws are the primary tools they use to interact with their environment – protection, interaction and proper care are crucial.
The starting point of course is regular checking. We should monitor for any signs of injury or infection, including swelling, changes in color, and unusual smell. Walking irregularities can also be a telltale sign that something’s wrong. Dogs are experts at hiding their pain so if they are limping, that’s likely a sign of significant discomfort.
The second step is regular trimming. Just like in humans, a dog’s nails should be kept at a healthy length. Too short, and they might feel discomfort; too long, and they are at risk of injury. The general rule of thumb is that their nails shouldn’t touch the ground when they’re standing still.
Lastly, remember to moisturize. Dry and cracked paws can be painful. Use paw balms or conditioners designed for dogs to keep their paws hydrated.
Sporty or not, all dogs deserve top-notch paw and nail care. But for our athletic dogs, a bit of extra care could go a long way in ensuring their comfort and peak performance. Remember, a healthy dog is a happy dog, and happiness is what we ultimately want for our furry friends.
