Do dogs need to have their paws trimmed?

Standard dog grooming procedures traditionally include a grooming clipper, which involves treating the most sensitive areas. In addition to trimming the hair around the eyes and pubic areas, grooming also includes trimming between the paw pads and toes. Many owners turn to veterinarians or groomers for this, but you can easily learn to do it yourself at home.

Content

1 Why trim between the paw pads?
2 How to cut hair correctly

Why trim between the paw pads?

Some dog owners believe that nature is perfect. If hair grows between the paw pads, it's there to protect the paws. Therefore, they don't trim the fur, so it protects their pets from thorns, sharp stones, and other unexpected obstacles on the ground. But in reality, the opposite is true, and experts disagree on whether it's necessary to trim between the paw pads. All veterinarians and groomers agree that this approach is fundamentally wrong, as it not only doesn't help, but can even harm the pet. Therefore, this procedure should be mandatory.

Important! Owners of all breeds of dogs should regularly check the condition of the interdigital spaces and paw pads. Owners of long-haired breeds should also trim the hair in these areas, as well as around the feet, following the general clipping pattern.

During the examination, check for thorns, splinters, resin, or gum stuck in and between the paw pads. If any foreign objects are found, they should be carefully removed or trimmed along with the fur. Furthermore, mats can form between the toes where hair is left untrimmed, further aggravating the problem and requiring mandatory trimming. Regularly trimming the area between your dog's paw pads can easily prevent these problems.

The difference between trimmed and untrimmed paws is especially noticeable when dogs have to walk in poorly maintained areas. Sun-heated asphalt, fuel oil, and other tarry substances cling to the paws, preventing the animal from walking normally. In winter, roads are salted and treated with chemicals that irritate dogs' feet, especially if left on for long periods of time and soaked into their long fur.

The accumulation of dirt, mats, and especially harmful chemicals between the pads and toes can cause allergic reactions and other illnesses. As a result, the animal becomes nervous, restless, and begins to chew out the fur on its paws to relieve the discomfort.

But even when a dog walks on a smooth surface, trimming the toes and pads is still necessary to prevent slipping and ensure proper paw positioning. On slippery floors, shaggy feet can lead to serious injuries, including hip or kneecap dislocation.

In any case, neglected, matted, and dirty paws can ruin the appearance of even the most beautiful and well-groomed dog. Walking can be painful, which can negatively impact both the pet's well-being and the owner's mood.

How to cut hair correctly

It's best to accustom your dog to having the hair between its paw pads trimmed from puppyhood, starting with the procedure at a salon or veterinary clinic. This will help your pet behave calmly and without panic, and over time, you can transition it to being trimmed at home. However, the owner should know how to properly trim these sensitive areas.

To perform this type of haircut, use well-sharpened regular hairdressing scissors (preferably with rounded tips) or special thinning scissors and a comb. The paws are first thoroughly washed, dried, and the fur combed. Then, the actual haircut begins, creating the so-called "cat's paw." The procedure is as follows:

trim the hair along the edges of the pad and each toe so as not to expose the claws completely;
lift the fur in the finger spaces on the upper surface of the paw with one hand and cut it with scissors;
On the front paws, the fur is combed from the heel to the fifth toe against the growth of the hairs and the inner part is also trimmed against the grain;
On the hind limbs, the hair is trimmed in the same way along the outer edge from the heel to the corner.

Trim the coat as short as possible, working between the pads, toes, and around the nails. Then trim the hair along the edge of the foot just above floor level. It's easiest to trim dogs between the pads, with the pet lying on its back. However, each animal has its own preference for this procedure, so it's best to choose the right position for each individual.

Important! Haircuts should be performed in a calm environment, without violence, shouting, or intimidation. The owner's behavior should be such as to maintain the dog's trust and avoid frightening it with the procedure. Upon completion, praise the pet and treat it with its favorite treat.

Subsequent trims are performed as the coat grows, typically twice a month. If performed correctly, this grooming procedure will quickly become simple and enjoyable.