I recently saw an episode that said dogs need about a 45-minute walk per day. Well, I started walking my miniature dachshund this week, but we have only walked about 20 minutes each day so far. I noticed today after our walk that she was licking her paws a lot, and I was concerned. I just looked at them again, and she now has a couple of blister-looking sores on her pads. What should I do to help her with the pain and make sure her paws heal properly?

Thanks,
Tamara Richardson
Boiling Springs, SC

Dear Tamara,
We see this problem fairly often during the hot summers in Atlanta. Dogs that haven’t been acclimated to hot pavement get blisters on their pads just like a human would walking without shoes. Dogs need to build up calluses just like people do. In the long run, taking it easy and slowly increasing the amount of time your dog walks on the pavement will allow those calluses to form. Once the blisters heal, you can still take the longer walks but on softer surfaces, such as grass, wooded ground, and underbrush, or with “booties” to protect the feet, only allowing cement walking for increasing time to grow the calluses.

For now, keep the blisters clean with water. Do not use peroxide; it will slow the healing. Apply Neosporin twice a day until the sores heal. If you need pain medication, you should call your vet to see if they will send home a non-steroidal pain medication as the sores heal. Only very severe blisters require antibiotics, but you should consult your vet if you are unsure.
-Dr. Weaver

What To Do if You See a Blister On Your Dog's Paw

If you’ve ever taken your dog for a walk and spotted a suspicious-looking blister on its foot, you may have wondered what to do. You can find blisters on any part of your pup’s body, but they’re likely to form near hairless regions, such as the paws. While some are nothing to worry about, others can signify an infection or another problem. In this article, we’ll discuss how blisters occur on dogs’ paws and provide advice on dealing with them

How Do Dogs Get Blisters on Their Paws?

Dogs are susceptible to blisters on their footpads for the same reason humans are—friction. Their paws rub against the ground, creating friction and heat when walking, running, or playing. Over time, this can cause fluid to build up under the skin, resulting in a blister. This is a common issue for dogs because they are barefoot, especially if they walk on rough surfaces such as pavement or gravel. Here are some common reasons a pup will suffer from these awful sores.

Excessive Training

Dogs, just like humans, can develop blisters on their feet if they are running or walking for long periods. If you enjoy hiking with your pup and racking up some miles together, it’s best not to ignore any signs that he may have this condition!

Skin Aggravations

Your dog’s paws are delicate and need special care in the winter. The cold can cause blisters if they walk on salted roads or other chemical irritants, so clean the bottom of their paws as soon as possible after walking outside!

Hot Pavement

Walking your dog on hot pavement can be very dangerous. Not only does it cause blisters and burns to the paw pads, but walking an animal in this condition could also lead them to heatstroke, which is something you don’t want happening! If the ground is too hot for your feet or the back of your hand, then your furry friend should not go for a walk.

Cysts

Blisters and cysts can both look a lot like one another. If you’re not sure which it is, chat with your vet!

Allergic Reactions

How do you know if your pup has allergies? You can tell by the excessive licking of their paws, which leads to blisters developing and sometimes even infection! Consider checking for food or environmental allergies if you see them doing this more than usual.

Injury

The causes of blisters on your dog’s feet can be traumatic or due to an injury. One type, in particular, called a blood blister, will form if their paw pads get pinched by something sharp.

Harsh Grounds

One of the most common causes of blisters on a dog’s paw is walking through rough terrain. This can include hiking trails, rocks, gravel roads, areas with cracks in pavements, and construction sites with asphalt pavement, amongst other things!

How to Treat a Blister On Your Dog's Paw

Usually, you can treat your pup’s blister with an at-home first aid kit. Here are some ways to help alleviate the pain and allow the sore to heal quicker.

Wash

Keeping blisters clean will prevent infection. The first step is to wash with antibacterial soap and warm water, then thoroughly dry so that they don’t get infected.

Protect

To prevent infection and ensure a clean wound, wrap the paw with bandages to keep dirt out. If the blister bursts open, it needs immediate cleaning so bacteria can’t get in.

Avoid

To help your dog heal quickly, avoid rough terrain and hot pavement. If an irritant like chemicals caused the blister, stay away from those areas until it’s healed!

Prevent

It would be best to avoid allowing your dog to lick its paws while healing because it can lead to infection and cause more blisters.

Apply

To soothe an inflamed area, apply a Paw Soother or Nectar product. These contain ingredients designed for pain relief and prevention of infection.

How to Lessen the Risk of a Blister

Blisters on your dog’s paw can be painful and uncomfortable. If you suspect your dog has a blister, it’s essential to take preventative measures and treat it as soon as possible. Here are some tips for treating blisters.

Use Good Hygiene

Dog owners should ensure that their pup’s nails are trim and clean. Also, be sure to wipe them down after walks, especially in wintertime when they may have walked through some dirty snow or rain, which could irritate the skin on the feet! Keeping good hygiene will help reduce the risks of blisters/painful issues with your dog’s paws.

Plan Your Walks

To keep your dog safe and happy, you must be strategic about where he walks. Avoid exposure on hot or cold roads that are heavily salted, so they don’t burn the paws! Try walking in the grass when possible for minimal discomfort. Pay particular attention to the heat the summer sun can cause, and aim to do your long walks earlier in the day or later in the evening.

Check Paws Daily

Paws are a delicate part of their body, but they can also be an irritant if not cared for properly. Look out for signs that the skin is irritated, like redness or bleeding in between toes; a cracked paw pad with debris stuck beneath it (this will cause blisters). If you notice any of these things, take action immediately by removing any debris or irritant before more damage can happen!

Consider Boots

Boots are a great way to keep your dog safe from the elements and uneven terrain. Be sure they fit appropriately, or you might end up causing blisters on their feet!

Protect with Balm

Paw balms that can help protect paws from the elements and friction that can cause blisters is vital, especially when they spend time outside in harsh weather or on rough surfaces like asphalt roads. The balm provides relief by preventing drying out existing wounds and soothing any pain caused after an injury occurs.

When to Go to the Vet

If you have administered treatment at home for your pup’s blisters and notice any following symptoms, please reach out to your pet care provider.

Blisters Aren't Healing

If you notice that your pup’s blisters are not healing or getting worse after a few days, it could mean there is an issue with their condition. While some dogs heal faster than others, this delay may be due to age/health status, etc. If no improvement is visible, call the vet because they’ll know what steps to take next.

Swelling or Redness Around the Blister

The signs of an infection are redness or swelling around the blister, plus pus coming from within it. If you notice that your dog is lethargic and has a fever, there is cause for concern because these could be symptoms related to spikes in bacteria levels!

Blisters On Other Parts of the Body

If you notice your dog is developing additional blisters on other parts of its body, this could be an even more severe condition, and you should see a vet. They’ll determine the cause to create better treatment plans for it.

You Suspect a Cyst

If your dog has a cyst, contact your veterinarian for an evaluation. They may recommend various treatment options, depending on the type of cyst. In some cases, they may be able to drain the cyst and prescribe medication to prevent it from returning.

The post Treating Blisters On Paws appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Dear Cesar,

My dog Honey will NOT let us cut her toe nails. She is petrified. How can we do this?

She is a therapy dog for elderly people and needs her nails cut on a regular basis. She has some anxiety issues. They arose after her brother Bear passed away this summer. She saw it. Could this have caused her anxiety? Please help us. We need to be able to cut her nails and don’t know what to do. Our vet suggested drugging her. We tried this and she was sooo out of it. Help!!!

Sincerely,
Janine Thomas – Winnipeg, Canada

Dear Janine,

It sounds like this therapy dog could use some therapy herself! For this particular situation, I would recommend water therapy in the form of swimming. Since your dog is tense and anxious, your goal is transform this frantic energy into relaxed energy. Honey can do it; you just have to show her how!

Swimming, particularly in warm water, can help your dog relax and also drain her energy. If you have a small dog, you don’t even need a pool. You can use a small tub of water. Simply hold the dog by the sides and let her paddle. If your dog is uncertain about the water, start by holding her on an incline, just let her bottom half touch the water. Wait until your dog begins to paddle with his front legs, and then you can slowly lower her front half into the water. If the dog begins to splash around and panic, calmly return the dog to the inclined position again – with the back half of the dog touching the water. Then once the dog relaxes and begins paddling with the front legs again, send her back in! Continue this until she becomes comfortable with the water.

Once your dog has reached the lowest level of energy, begin by holding a paw and presenting the nail clipper to it without cutting anything. Then send her right back into the water to drain even more energy. At the same time, you are softening her nails, so they will actually be easier to trim. Then, after another round of swimming, you present the nail clippers again. This time cut a little bit, just to let her experience it and see her reaction. If she panics, send her right back in for more water therapy, but if the dog remains calm, do the whole foot – and then send her back into the water! This way, you’re not giving the dog time to focus on the nail clipping, instead she is focusing on the water. We are exchanging one challenge for another! Your dog can learn to associate the nail trimmings with the time in between swims that she gets to relax and collect herself.

Keep repeating this process – allow your dog to swim, trim the nails, and put her right back in – until you’ve trimmed all four paws.

I encourage you to visualize the scenario going well before attempting it. Don’t panic or feel sorry if your dog is stressed. Instead, make your dog feel safe by maintaining the calm and assertive energy of a pack leader.

Stay balanced,

Cesar Millan

The post Fear Of Nail Cutting appeared first on Cesar's Way.

And it’s not our dog’s friend either. All dog owners know that wintertime is a balance between giving our dogs a chance to roam and exercise outside, while also maintaining their warmth. Most of the dog owners who live in a snowy area are well versed in the dos and don’ts of dogs and wintertime. But if you’re new to a climate with snow, or you’ve just adopted a dog and live in a snowy area, or if you just are curious about additional precautions you can take while walking your dog in the snow, then here are some VetStreet tips below:

Tips to Follow

Buy Your Dog a Winter Jacket

Pet accessories aren’t designed to just be a fashionable statement, some of them do serve a functional purpose, like a dog winter jacket or coat. Dogs with short hair, or really small dogs, are the ones who are particularly prone to being uncomfortable in freezing temperatures and definitely need an extra boost conserving their body heat. Of course, this doesn’t mean that a large hairy dog, like a St. Bernard can’t rock a winter coat. It’s a great idea for all dogs. When you got to pick out a coat for your dog, be sure to get one that is waterproof and covers the chest and abdomen. Brighter colors work better for visibility, especially if your dog has lighter fur – that way if they’re off-leash at any point, you can spot them.

Paws Need Protection with Dog Winter Boots

While dogs’ paws are quite tough and can withstand some pretty tough terrains, prolonged exposure to snowy or icy surfaces will become uncomfortable. One way to protect their paws is to apply a wax or gel to help protect their skin, however, you need to remember to wash it off when you’re done outside. Other pet owners prefer to put their dogs in winter booties as they’re designed to keep your dog’s paws dry and weather-resistant. If your dog resists wearing booties, you can put them on, then try distracting them by giving them a treat – or just go straight outside.

Choose the Right Leash for Winter Walks

If your dog is the type who ends up walking you, be sure to get yourself a leash that will allow you to maintain more control over unpredictable winter surfaces. A harness both takes the strain off the dog’s neck while allowing you to direct the path much easier. Don’t use retractable leashes since they make it more difficult to control the slack. If you’re prone to walking over really precarious areas, get a jogger’s leash since it fits around your waist and will keep your dog tied to you should you slip and lose your grip.

Do a Post-Walk Check

If you let your dog go completely barefoot outside after a walk, be sure to rinse off any salt or antifreeze as soon as you get home. It is also a good idea to wipe down their belly as well since it can also come in contact with de-icing products. These compounds are not only irritating to their paws, but they are also toxic if ingested. If you’re walking outside, be sure to steer them clear of any chemical puddles they might encounter outside.

Watch for Signs Your Dog is Uncomfortable

Dogs tend to shake, turn towards home, or leave their paws raised when the cold is getting to be too much for them. There are certain breeds who are a little more tolerant of the cold than others, but you should always be cautious, especially when temperatures go below 30°F. There is a chart for information on weather conditions and the potential risk to animals. If you observe any of these signs in your dog, then it’s always a good idea to end the walk and get them home immediately to warm up.

The post 5 Tips For Safely Walking Your Dog In Cold Weather appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Winter can be brutal on our dog’s paw pads. Exposed to the elements and toxic chemicals, the paw pads are at risk for drying, cracking, trauma, frostbite and chemical burns. Luckily, there are some tips and products out there that can help keep your dog’s paws happy and healthy this winter.

Many protective balms are available to help protect your dog’s paws, and even some human products can do the trick. Do your research. Once you find the balm that you like, take these steps:

Prep the Paws

Before using the balm, make sure the paw is ready. Good grooming is essential for healthy winter feet. If your dog has long hair use a clipper (beard trimmer with the shortest plastic guard equipped works well) to keep the hair between the paw pads short so that it is even with the pad.

Trim the hair around the paws especially if they have a lot of feathering to make sure none of the hair comes into contact with the ground. This will help prevent ice balls from forming between and around the paw pads which can be painful and result in trauma. It also makes it easier to apply the balm to the pads. Keeping the nails trimmed is important year-round but even more so in the winter because long nails force the paw to splay out and make it more likely that snow and ice will accumulate between the paw pads.

Apply a thin even layer of balm just before going out for a wintery walk. After the walk wipe your dog’s paws with a warm washcloth to remove snow, ice and ice melt. Then apply another layer of balm to soothe any irritation and to keep them from drying out. Bag Balm can be found in most drug stores and pet stores. If you can’t find Bag Balm then Vaseline is an acceptable alternative.

Dog Boots

Another good option to protect your dog’s paws is dog boots. These boots are made by various manufacturers and can be easily found online and in pet stores. They consist of a sock like boot with a Velcro strap to help keep them in place. Some have soles which provide the additional benefit of adding traction. These boots protect the paw by helping them stay dry and preventing exposure to salt and de-icers.

Be sure to check that the strap is not too tight; the boot should be snug so that it doesn’t slip off but not so tight that it constricts the paw. Dogs tend to not to like wearing the boots at first so acclimate them to wearing them by putting them on your dog for short periods of time in the house. Praise them and gradually increasing the length of time as they get used to them.

Salt and De-icers Can Be Toxic

Be aware that salt and most de-icers can be toxic to our canine friends. Try to keep your dog away from roads and sidewalks that have been heavily treated with salt and chemical de-icers. There are pet friendly de-icers available for use on your own sidewalks and driveway and you should encourage your neighbors to do the same.

Immediately after a walk, wash your dog’s paws with warm water as described earlier to help prevent them from ingesting any salt or chemicals that may be on their paws. While outdoors, do not let your dog eat slush or drink from puddles near heavily treated roads and sidewalks.

Dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia just as people are so use common sense as to how long your walks can be. Keep them short and watch for signs of hypothermia such as shivering, anxiety and moving slowly.

Winter can be tough on our dog’s feet but good grooming and protecting the paws by using a balm or booties will go a long way to keeping your dog’s feet healthy.

Tell us in the comments how you treat your dog’s paws during the winter.

The post Winter Proofing Your Dog’s Paws appeared first on Cesar's Way.