Should You Wipe Your Dog's Paws or Give Them a Bath After a Walk?
After going out for a walk, do dog owners usually wipe their dogs' paws before entering the house? Or do they prefer to give their dogs a full bath right away?
Most dog owners, in order to keep their homes clean and hygienic, will wipe their dogs' paws after a walk before letting them inside. However, some owners might not mind and simply let their dogs roll around freely indoors.
Regardless of whether owners mind or not, it is the correct and responsible thing to do to wipe your dog's paws after a walk! After all, dogs' paws come into direct contact with the ground outside and can easily pick up dirt. In some cases, the rough surfaces outside can even injure the paws, which might lead to bacterial infections if not cared for properly.
Since dogs shouldn't be bathed too often, cleaning their paws after going outside is very important. After a walk, you should always wash your dog's paws before entering the house. Besides maintaining cleanliness, this is also a great opportunity for owners to check their dog's paws for any wounds or foreign objects stuck in between the pads. This way, you can provide timely treatment or even give some paw care while you're at it.
However, some dogs can be quite resistant to having their paws washed. Below, we will share the correct way to wash your dog's paws to make this process easier.
Remember, after taking your dog for a walk and returning home, always wash their paws—not only to keep them clean but also to check for any debris or issues.
Do Dogs' Paw Pads Need Care?
Dogs' paw pads are actually quite sensitive. Many dogs dislike having their paws touched, which is why you might notice them resisting things like washing their feet or having their nails trimmed. This reluctance usually comes from the fact that dogs don't like others handling their paws.
For dogs, their paws are essential tools. They use them to chase prey, scratch themselves, dig in the ground, and perform many other important functions. Naturally, they don't want just anyone to touch such a crucial part of their body.
Despite feeling rough to the touch, a dog's paw pads are extremely sensitive. They are filled with nerve endings. The paw pads are packed with many sensitive receptors, allowing dogs to feel even the slightest vibrations through their paws. Because of this, if an owner or another dog handles their paws roughly or forcefully, the dogs are likely to strongly dislike that sensation.
Additionally, some dogs might have had unpleasant experiences during puppyhood. For example, if their nails were accidentally trimmed too short causing bleeding and pain, they might develop a lasting aversion to having their paws handled. As they grow, this can translate into resistance when it comes to foot washing or any situation that requires holding their paws.
In summary, those cute paw pads are actually very delicate and filled with nerve endings. It is very important not to handle them roughly or carelessly. Understanding this sensitivity can help pet owners be more gentle and patient with their dogs during grooming or foot care.
How to Help Your Dog Wash Their Paws: Tips for Pet Owners
Getting Your Puppy Used to Paw Touching Early On
If you have a young dog, it's a good idea to start getting them accustomed to having their paws touched from an early age. Gently try to touch your dog's paws at home, helping them get used to this sensation. This early habituation makes them less likely to resist having their feet cleaned as they grow older.
However, it's important to remember to be gentle. Never grab or handle their paws roughly, as this could cause fear and create negative associations, ultimately having the opposite effect. Puppies who are familiar with gentle paw handling early on tend to be much more cooperative as adults when it comes to foot care.
Using Treats to Encourage Dogs to Enjoy Paw Cleaning
Using treats as a lure is effective for most food-loving dogs — after all, who doesn't love snacks? You can take advantage of the moments when your dog is focused on enjoying a treat to quickly wipe their paws. Alternatively, you can build your dog's understanding so that they associate paw cleaning with a positive experience.
After returning from a walk, bring out the paw-cleaning towel to signal to your dog that it's time to get their paws cleaned. Then, offer a treat. Once the paws are wiped, give them another treat. This teaches your dog that the towel is linked to receiving treats, and over time, they will be more willing to let you clean their paws.
A dog's favorite treats are the best helpers for owners in training and reinforcing good habits. Using treats not only makes paw cleaning easier but also turns it into a pleasant bonding experience.
Training Dogs to Sit and Shake Hands
Teaching your dog to sit and shake hands can make tasks like washing their paws much easier once they have mastered these commands. However, it is important to note that this training method may not be suitable for puppies or certain dog breeds such as Dachshunds, large dogs, and sight hounds like Greyhounds, Whippets, Afghans, and similar breeds.
Due to the body structure of these breeds, some training exercises can place excessive pressure on their joints and muscles. This also applies when the dog is still a puppy, as their body has not fully developed yet. Repetitive training movements during this stage might lead to hip joint problems.
Therefore, it is best not to rush into these types of training when your dog is still young. Additionally, you should avoid allowing puppies to frequently climb stairs, jump, or engage in overly strenuous exercise. Commands like sitting and shaking hands should not be trained until the puppy's body has matured enough to handle these actions safely.
Dog Paw Care: Cleaning and Maintenance After Outdoor Walks
After every outdoor walk, a dog's paws bring back various bacteria and debris. It is reported that the number of bacteria on dog paw pads can reach as high as 18,000. Additionally, dogs with longer fur on their paws are more likely to trap dirt and grime, making proper cleaning even more essential.
Many dog owners simply rinse their dog's paws with water after a walk, while others use wet wipes or towels for wiping them clean. Although these routines are helpful, nowadays there are many specialized cleaning products on the market designed specifically for dog paw care. These include cleansing sprays and pet foot wash mousses that provide a more thorough and gentle cleaning experience tailored to canine needs.
Keeping your dog's paws clean is important not only to remove bacteria and dirt but also to prevent infections and protect the sensitive skin on the paw pads, especially if they walk on rough or heated surfaces. Regular cleaning and moisturizing can help keep the paws healthy and comfortable.
Important Advice on Choosing Wet Wipes for Pets
Remember, wet wipes designed for humans should never be used for pets, even if they claim to be made with pure water. Most of these wipes contain the toxic substance for dogs called xylitol, which is extremely harmful to them. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you purchase wet wipes specifically formulated for pets.
On the market today, there are pet-specific wet wipes and cleaning gloves designed for pet SPA treatments that are highly recommended by veterinarians. These wipes are hypoallergenic and safe for pets to use regularly without causing skin irritation.
Designed with innovative glove-style ergonomics, these pet cleaning gloves provide 360-degree deep cleaning without missing any spot. Their ingredients are natural and free from fragrances, ensuring gentle care for your pet's skin.
Choosing the right wet wipe with safe, natural ingredients is vital for maintaining your pet's hygiene and health.
Effective Pet Cleaning Tips
Actually, besides using pet-specific cleaning products, bathing is the most effective method for cleaning your dog. Although bathing is the best way to keep them clean, dogs cannot be bathed every day like humans. Excessive bathing can negatively affect their skin.
When choosing cleaning products for your dog after outdoor activities, it's important to consider that different dogs have different preferences. You should select the method that your dog is most comfortable with, as long as you can ensure they are cleaned thoroughly.
However, it is crucial to avoid spraying alcohol, hypochlorous acid water, or similar substances directly on your pet's body! After cleaning, always remember to dry your dog's paws thoroughly with a clean towel or a hairdryer. If the paws stay damp for a long time, it can potentially cause interdigital inflammation (also known as pododermatitis).
Additionally, take care to regularly check your dog's paws for any cracks. Applying pet paw balm regularly will help keep their paw pads moisturized and prevent them from becoming too dry or rough.
In summary, proper cleaning combined with careful drying and moisturizing is key to maintaining your dog's skin and paw health.
Proper Paw Care for Your Dog
Taking care of your dog's paw pads can help reduce wear and tear on their pads and maintain their overall health. In short, since dogs go outside for walks every day and it is uncertain what they might have stepped on, thoroughly cleaning their paws after each walk is beneficial for both your dog's health and environmental hygiene.
Finally, by remembering the recommended paw-washing methods shared in this article, your dog will no longer resist having their feet washed at home.
