If you have decided to welcome a dog into your home, you must know one of the fundamental mistakes that as an owner you cannot allow, but that it's sadly all too common: Humanizing your dog. Dogs do not need to be held like a baby, they don't need coats in winter - in most cases -, and they do not need perfumes to change their body odor either.
Nevertheless, between one extreme and the other there is a middle ground. This means that without humanizing your pet, it is important that you offer the best care possible for their health, happiness and full development and functioning.
You don't need supplements or accessories that take your dog's animal instincts away; if you want to treat your dog as best as you can, you can pamper it with home remedies instead. In this AnimalWised article, for instance, we will discuss how to use aloe vera for a dog's paw pads.
Why should you protect a dog's paw pads?
Dogs' foot pads are very resistant and specifically designed to be in contact with the ground. They fulfill important functions such as protecting the dog from the pressure of its weight while walking, cushioning the impact the joints receive when walking, running, and jumping, and preventing impacts, fractures, and bone damage.
Although a dog's paw pads are hardy, they may crack or even bleed. This will mostly happen when you take your dog hiking through an unusual area, especially if the ground is rocky and abrasive, but it may also happen due to hard weather conditions such as snow, heat, cold, or ice. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals like de-icing salts can exacerbate the issue, leading to irritation and potential infections.
Moreover, regular walks on rough terrain without proper care can gradually wear down the pads, making them more susceptible to injuries. Therefore, it's crucial to be attentive to the surfaces your dog walks on and take preventive measures when necessary.
Benefits of aloe vera for a dog's paw pads
Aloe vera is one of the best natural remedies for burns and skin conditions; you should consider using aloe vera to treat dermatitis in dogs. Of course, it has plenty of health benefits for your pet's skin, but it is also very useful to treat disorders affecting your dog's foot pads.
Aloe vera has the following health benefits:
- It regenerates skin cells and promotes restoration of the affected foot pad area, speeding up the healing process.
- It has an analgesic effect and anti-inflammatory action, therefore relieving the discomfort your dog may feel when walking. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs that are active or have a history of paw pad injuries.
- Due to its antiseptic action, aloe vera will prevent wounds on your dog's foot pads from becoming infected, offering a natural barrier against bacteria.
In addition to these benefits, aloe vera is also known for its moisturizing properties, which can help maintain the elasticity and softness of the paw pads, preventing cracks and dryness. This makes it an ideal remedy for overall paw pad maintenance.
How to apply aloe vera to foot pads
You must use pure aloe vera gel - you can use the kind of gel sold for humans, especially if you're sure of its quality. Failing that, extract the pulp from the leaves of an aloe vera plant and make your own. You can see the full instructions on making aloe vera gel at OneHowTo.
Then, apply the gel on your dog's paw pads carefully. This is how you do it:
- Clean the affected foot pad with a sterile dressing and lukewarm water to remove any dirt and debris.
- Apply the aloe vera pulp gently, ensuring it covers all cracks and affected areas.
- Allow the wound to breathe whenever possible, but wrap it with the dressing if your dog licks its foot pads, since that way it will not heal properly. It's important to prevent your dog from ingesting the gel, as it may cause stomach upset.
- Repeat the process twice a day, ensuring the area remains clean and dry between applications.
For added protection, consider using dog boots during walks in harsh conditions to prevent further damage and allow the healing process to continue uninterrupted.
Should you go to the vet?
If there is a deep cut on the pad, it does not stop bleeding, or it is a serious abrasion, you must go to the vet immediately to get a proper assessment.
However, there are other signs that you should be aware of, including:
- Constantly dry foot pads
- Permanent cracks
- Wounds that do not improve despite being cared for
- Wounds that don't heal
- Overgrown nails
These signs may indicate the presence of leishmania; it is important to go to the vet to rule this condition out. Additionally, unexplained limping or excessive licking of the paws can also be signs of underlying issues that require veterinary attention. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure your dog remains healthy and active.
If you want to read similar articles to Aloe Vera for a Dog's Paw Pads, we recommend you visit our Skin care category.