Are you supposed to trim dog paw pads?
Tiara Donnelly
2025-07-30 07:45:10
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The pads of your dog’s feet may be the toughest part of their paws, but they are also the areas most sensitive to injury. They can easily be punctured by thorns or nails, and they’re prone to burns, cracks and scrapes. Any paw pad injury has the potential to get infected and can hamper their movement. You should also keep an eye out for pad dryness, which can cause uncomfortable cracks and even bleeding. Applying coconut oil or paw cream can keep the pads moisturized and comfortable. The best way for you to care for your pooch’s paws is to be proactive about paw protection. During extreme weather like summer heat or winter snow and ice, boots or socks can protect your dog’s paw pads from burns and irritation. Keep your pet’s paw pads clean by washing them after your dog gets messy in mud, swims in the pool or touches other substances.
Elaina Tromp
2025-07-30 07:36:01
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When I was starting to groom we were all taught to shave every pad as short as possible. Now, the newest thinking on the subject of shaving out pads is less scooping MAY be better in some dogs. Leaving the hair in the pads and only trimming it flush with the pad or a very scoop in the pad area is more on trend now because we are beginning to realize that the hair is actually there to protect the tender skin between the toes. YES some dogs need to have their pads shaved out but not every dog does. The pad is less likely to be damaged by foreign objects in the environment as well if there is a little bit of hair. Dogs who lick their feet are less likely to cause bleeding and sores in the foot itself if a little hair is left. Some people use the clipper to take out just a little hair and others use shears to do it. If the dog is antsy or tends to kick, then use a 40 blade and just skim the pads without going in between the pads and toes. This will also minimize irritation.
Emmalee Orn
2025-07-30 06:08:39
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If your dog’s fur has grown so long it covers their paw pads preventing them from gaining tracking on surfaces, it’s time for a trim. Long fur between the paw pads can become matted and prevent you from spotting grass seeds, burrs and other objects that can cause discomfort, irritation and infections. It’s fairly easy to trim the fur between you dog’s paw pads, however your dog might get a little bit squirmy if they’re not used to it, so it might be best to get someone to hold them for you. You can remove the fur either using mini trimmers or dog grooming scissors. I prefer to use the Shear Magic Rocket 4500 battery operated mini trimmers. They’re quieter than other mini trimmers I’ve used, and believe it or not, you’re less likely to cut a dog using mini trimmers compared to scissors. If you decide to use scissors please use a pair of straight dog grooming scissors with a rounded tip for safety. If you’re using mini trimmers, very carefully scoop the fur out between the smaller pad and the large pad scooping away from you. Be very light with your scooping motion as you’re shaving the delicate skin between the paw pads so you don’t want to accidentally cut the skin. If you’re using scissors, simply trim the excess fur above the surface of the paw pads. Don’t trim in between the pads, you could easily cut the skin.