How to Groom a Dog's Paws

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How to Groom a Dog's Paws

Easy

15 - 45 Minutes

4 Weeks

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Introduction

Your dog’s paws are his wheels to the world. They see more of the outside than your dog’s eyes. And they often pick up everything too. From mud to sticks to bacteria. If your pup has long fur, it can grow over the paws and become a stiff or sticky mess. The spaces between his paw pads and toes need some attention as well. Don’t forget, fur grows there and debris can settle in those fuzzy spaces potentially causing injury to his paw pads. While you’re grooming your dog’s paws, don’t forget to tidy the top, round the edges, and trim those pretty nails. You can even consider a pedicure with bright colors too.

Dog's Perspective

Your dog may not like his paws to be touched. Some have paw pads that are sensitive or even ticklish to the touch. Be cautious of the paw pads and the soft skin in between. Trimming this area might not make your dog giggle, but he could flinch and cause an injury.

The Clip and Scissor Method

Effective

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Scissors

Nail Clipper

Comb

Clipper

Step

Clip

Using clippers, trim the front and top of the paw to shorten the fur to the length you would like it to be.

Step

Scissors

With scissors, trim any excess long fur or stray hairs on the top of the paw.

Step

Bottom

Hold your scissors flat against your dog's paw pads and trim any excess fur that is longer than the pads themselves.

Step

Scissor point

Very carefully take the scissors and trim the fur between the paw pads with the scissor points. You can separate the paw pads with your fingers to get the scissors in between these areas. Be very careful not to cut your dog's skin or paw pads. You will need to point the scissors downward in towards the paw pad rather than keeping it parallel. Just be cautious and careful.

Step

Paw edges

With your clippers or scissors, carefully trim the excess fur hanging over the edges of the paw. You'll want this edge to be a nice clean cut. You can round this cut, matching the shape of your dog's paw.

Step

Nails

While are you are trimming the fur on your dog's paws, be sure to check his claws and clip them. Don't forget your dog's dew claw. And be cautious when clipping to avoid cutting the quick, which will cause pain and bleeding.

The Scooping Method

Effective

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Pin Brush

Nail Clipper

Comb

Clipper

Step

Position

Put your dog into a down position and have him lie on his side. Stand or sit next to him so you can see his paw clearly. You’ll need to access the tops and bottoms.

Step

Snip between pads

Spread his paw pads. Using your fingers, separate his toes. This will give you a clear path to snipping the fur between his paw pads and toes.

Step

Clippers

Use a clipper blade for paw pads and with a scooping motion, clip the fur located between the paw pads. You’ll need to go in from both sides, scooping in opposite directions. Be careful of the skin in between so you don’t accidentally nick it.

Step

Repeat

Repeat this scooping method for the space in between your dog’s toes as well as in between the paw pads. Again, try not to get too close to the skin and scoop from both sides.

Step

Top and bottom

Create a clean cut along the top and bottom of the paw by using clippers to clip the excess fur. For the top of the paw, run the clippers down from the leg across the top of the paw. For the bottom, run the clippers along the paw pads careful not to press down on the pad, removing any excess fur.

Step

Around paw

Clip the overgrown fur around the paw along the floor line. Keep this area neat and clean, off the ground, for cleaner paws.

Step

Claws

Clip nails with a nail trimmer. Be cautious of clipping too short. If you cut the interior nerve, the quick, it will bleed and be painful for your dog.

Caution & Considerations

Your dog's paws can be the dirtiest place on your dog.
Dogs who have long fur will have fur that grows out over the paws. Keeping this trimmed is key to having clean paws as your dog explores the world.
Always include in between paw pads and in between toes when you are grooming your dog’s paws.
While you're working on your dog's paws, consider clipping his nails as well.
With the exception of scooping with clippers or trimming with the tip of scissors in between paw pads and toes, try to always keep the clippers and scissors parallel with your dog's skin.
Be cautious of the skin in between your dog's toes. This webbing is sensitive and can be easily nicked.

Conclusion

A good pedicure might cheer your dog up if you have tickled his toes while grooming his paws. You will definitely get a round of appaws from your pup if you do a great job keeping his feet trimmed and tidy. Your dog's paws are the windows to his world. Be sure to make them paw-tastic.

How to Groom a Dog's Paws

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Clip and Scissor Method

The Scooping Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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