How to Trim a Dog's Paw Pads

Keeping the fur trimmed between your dog's paw pads not only helps give you a view of any potential injuries your dog may have between these paw pads, but it also gives your dog less fur to chew on when they lick and chew their paws. 

Paw injuries are common, so keeping this area clean and neatly trimmed will aid in keeping your dog's paw pads healthy. It will also help keep your dog’s paws clean of debris and excessive mud, dirt, and snow stuck in between their paw pads.

This is a tender area. No matter how tough the pads appear, your dog may be wary of you touching the space between their pads, especially with scissors or a trimmer. Your pup may be apprehensive of the sound and feel of clippers, but you can calm them with a soft voice and proper training.

If you're having trouble keeping your dog calm for grooming sessions, why not let an experienced Pet Caregiver take over? Book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you today.

• Be cautious of the skin around your dog's paw pads.
  
• Your dog may have large or small webbed feet underneath all the fur. Pay careful attention to the skin so you do not nick your dog.
  
• If you do happen to accidentally nick your dog’s tender skin, you can use styptic powder to stop bleeding and control any burning or pain. From your kitchen, corn starch may also help stop the bleeding.
  
• You will have to point the tips of scissors into the space between your dog’s paw pads. Be careful to use a steady hand so your dog is not accidentally poked.
  
• Other than the fur between the toes, while using scissors, try to keep them flat and parallel against your dog’s skin and paw pads.
  
• If your dog is nervous and won’t stay still, have a friend help you ease their anxiety.
  
• If you do not have any help, consider having your dog on a leash or harness and tethered to a solid surface so they are unable to move.
  
• Trust that, over time, your dog will get used to this procedure and will become more relaxed. The more you do it, the easier it will become for you as well. 
  

Pad your grooming resume with this neat paw pad fur retrieval trick. Learning how to maintain your dog’s paws and the fur growth between their paw pads can help keep your dog healthy and your house safe from debris and bacteria. 
If your dog is reluctant to be groomed, or if you'd rather let someone else do the hard work, why not give yourself a break? Book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you on the Wag! app today.