Is it necessary to trim paw pads?
Izaiah Johns
2025-09-04 07:50:34
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: 18
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. The pad is less likely to be damaged by foreign objects in the environment as well if there is a little bit of hair. YES some dogs need to have their pads shaved out but not every dog does. It DOES NOT make you any less professional to skim or scissor pads, it makes you a caring person that is doing what is best for your clients.
Lydia Mayert
2025-08-24 08:40:24
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: 24
The groomer that I work for insists on digging all of the hair out of the paws as much as we can. I disagree with the digging because hair is designed to wick water away from the interior of the paws just like underarm hair does the same for humans. The only time I think it's okay to dig is if the owner is good about drying the paws. Let's face it, getting owners to do any kind of maintenance is hard. I am all for leveling the hair so that a dog doesn't slip around, but am I wrong about the intrinsic nature of hair and it's value.
Felix Romaguera
2025-08-16 02:12:14
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: 16
Dogs naturally grow hair between their paw pads as a form of protection. Shorter hair breeds typically will not have much hair between their paw pads, so owners will not likely need to do any trimming. However, for breeds with longer hair, the hair can grow longer than the footpads and drag on the floor. Excess foot fur can trap dirt and snow, matt easily, and make it difficult for dogs to get traction on floor surfaces. It can also hide symptoms of an underlying problem. If your dog has a lot of fur between its paw pads, it may be difficult to see that something is wrong. That is why it is recommended that you trim the extra fur between your dog’s paw pads so that you can quickly recognize if your dog is affected by canine hyperkeratosis. Keep the extra fur between the paw pads trimmed for better visibility of symptoms and increased chances of handling canine hyperkeratosis effectively once diagnosed. Proper grooming, such as keeping the hair between your dog’s paws trimmed, is just one way to keep your dog healthy and safe.
Erin Block
2025-08-10 08:04:05
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: 16
Trimming the hair on your dog's paw pads is important for several reasons. The hair around the paws and between the toes can accumulate dirt, debris, and other foreign objects, which can lead to discomfort, irritation, and even infection. Trimming the hair helps to prevent these issues and keep your dog's paws clean and healthy. Secondly, long hair around the paw pads can cause your dog to slip or lose their footing on slippery surfaces, which increases the risk of injuries. Trimming the hair can improve your dog's traction and prevent accidents. Lastly, excessive hair around the paw pads can mat and tangle, which can be painful for your dog and make it difficult to walk. Overall, regular trimming of the hair around your dog's paw pads is essential for their health, safety, and well-being.
Lloyd Abshire
2025-07-31 22:44:24
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: 11
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. The best way for you to care for your pooch’s paws is to be proactive about paw protection. 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. 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.
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