You know your dog needs to be groomed regularly, but did you know that cleaning your dog's paws are an important part of their grooming routine? On daily walks and romps in the yard, your pup's feet are exposed to rough surfaces, wet ground, dirt and debris.
And the pads on the bottom of your pup's paws serve an important purpose. As the ASPCA explains, they "provide extra cushioning to help protect bones and joints from shock, provide insulation against extreme weather, aid walking on rough ground and protect tissue deep within the paw."
If paw cleaning isn't already part of your dog care regimen, here's how to get started.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dog's Paws?
Unlike bathing your dog, which the ASPCA recommends you do at least every three months, there aren't specific guidelines for how often dog paw cleaning should occur. However, consider checking your dog's paws weekly. Depending on their level of exercise and the season (harsh summers and winters can be tough on your pet's paws), you can adjust the schedule to fit your pup's needs. If you frequently take your dog hiking, for example, you may need to check and wash their paws after every trip to the trails. On the other hand, a pooch who spends most of their time indoors and just goes on light neighborhood walks might only need a dog paw cleaning every other week.
Tasty Tips
Preparing for a Dog Paw Cleaning
It's important to check your dog's paws before lathering them up. Often, debris gets stuck between the paw pads or in toenails.
Look for anything that doesn't belong on your dog's paw, such as minuscule pebbles or broken pieces of glass, shells or other material. You'll also want to look for splinters or anything embedded into your dog's nails or paw pads. If you find anything, remove it carefully.
Next, take a moment to trim the hair on the bottoms of your dog's paws so it doesn't get matted; this can prevent their feet from smelling stinky and getting infected. The hair should be approximately as long as the pads.
Cleaning Your Dog's Feet
If you've bathed your dog before, you'll find it simple to do a dog paw cleaning. After checking your pup's paws and trimming their hair, wet their feet, lather with mild dog shampoo and rinse. Don't forget to keep a towel nearby to dry your pet's paws, so they don't slip or leave wet footprints around your house.
If you want to do a routine dog paw cleaning after a quick walk, just gently wipe the paws with a washcloth and water. As an even more convenient option, the American Kennel Club recommends using moist wipes that are safe for dogs.
Don't forget to trim your dog's nails and dewclaws (the extra nails on the sides of their paws) if they need trimming; nails should end just before touching the ground. If you hear any clicking when your dog walks, that's a key sign their nails are too long. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, be sure to ask a professional groomer or your vet to do this at their next appointment.
Cleaning your dog's feet is just one small aspect of being a dog parent, but it's also a great opportunity to build your bond with your dog and remind them you'll always be there to take care of them.
Related products
Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious large bite size for large breed dogs.
Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition shown to support joint health and improve mobility
Related articles
What to Look For in Food for a Mature Dog
Learn about choosing the right dog food to help ensure your mature older dog will receive the correct balance of nutrition.
What to Feed Your Pregnant or Nursing Dog
Learn what you can feed your pregnant or nursing dog to keep her and her new pups healthy.
The Advantages of Wet Dog Food
Learn how today's wet dog food blends have gotten a face lift, and how you'll provide your dog the nutrition he needs in the form he loves.
Special Diet Needs for Large & Giant-Breed Puppies
Large breeds of dogs have different nutritional needs than smaller breeds. Learn more about the specific needs of large and giant breeds.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.