Setting off on a journey with your furry friend is an exciting ordeal that can be loads of fun. Whether it’s a camping trip, a beachside vacation, or just visiting family, maintaining your travel companion’s paw and nail health is essential. Hence, simple journey-friendly paw and nail care tips are worth learning.
When travelling, dogs’ paws and nails are exposed to various environments – some potentially harmful. Whether it’s hot pavements, sharp rocks, ice, or road salts, all can pose challenges to our dog’s paw and nail health. So how can you keep your dog’s paws healthy on the go?
Firstly, one should regularly check your dog’s paws and nails. Look for cuts, dryness, thorns or glass particles embedded in the paws. If the nails are long and can cause discomfort or even pain to your pet while walking, they should be trimmed appropriately. Keep a travel-sized pet first aid kit handy, complete with tweezers and dog-friendly antiseptic to treat any minor wounds or foreign bodies stuck in your pet’s paw pads.
Next, consider using dog boots or shoes. Yes, they can look funny, and not all dogs take to them well, but they are excellent protection, especially on challenging terrains. Train your dog to wear them before the journey starts, so they can acclimate to the feel.
Lastly, keep your dog hydrated and well-nourished. Good hydration and nutrition contribute significantly to overall nail health, strengthening your dog’s nail keratin and preventing brittleness that can lead to painful breaks.
In conclusion, our dogs’ feet are often an overlooked area when maintaining healthy pets. Despite this, they are among the most critical aspects of a dog’s physical care, especially when travelling. With these travel-friendly tips, you can confidently care for your dog’s paws and nails and make any journey adventurous yet safe.
