Many are the dogs that need a regular haircut to keep their coat in good condition and facilitate handling, but it is not always taken into account that this cut can also include the hair on the pads. And the fact is that, although our dog's feet and toes are a very important part of his anatomy, they are not usually given the attention they deserve.
This area requires regular care, such as haircuts. Then, in the following article on our site, in collaboration with Moser Animal, we explain how to cut the hair on our dog's pads.
Does the dog's paws have to be trimmed?
If we pay attention to the feet of a dog, we will see that on all four legs they have a large central pad, called the metacarpal, and four smaller ones known as the digital ones. The pads work as support, cushioning the impact of the footstep and distributing the weight load between all extremities.
Between the pads hair grows. In some dogs this is short and barely noticeable, but in other dogs the hair grows a lot, it becomes perfectly visible and even completely covers the pads. In these cases, or whenever we want to keep the pads free of hair, we can cut it as explained in the following sections. It is not that the hair between the pads is bad, but vegetable debris or any material that is on the ground can adhere to it, forming knots, making it difficult to walk or force bad positions, in addition to contributing to the development of certain dermatological problems when it remains dirty and wet.
What do you need to cut the hair on the dog's paws?
The hair in this area can be trimmed with scissors or with dog clippersWith the scissors any sudden movement, nothing unusual when manipulating the legs, could result in a cut. That is why it is advisable to resort to cutting machines and, specifically, to specific devices for small and more delicate areas. For example, the brand Moser Animal , well known for its dog grooming tools, has several models designed for this use. Are:
- Rex mini: machine specially created for cutting in areas that require greater precision, such as the pads or the face. It is smaller in size than usual cutting machines. It has fine teeth and is light, ergonomic and very quiet so that the dog is not scared by the noise. All this while remaining powerful. In addition, it includes an adjustable comb from 3 to 6 mm to adapt it to the needs of each dog. It works connected to the electric current and has a long cable to facilitate mobility.
- Prima: also designed for detail and precision that require areas as sensitive as the legs, the genital area or the face, Prima is even lighter than the Rex mini and also very quiet and powerful. It works with a rechargeable battery, allowing up to 100 minutes of autonomy. You can also work with it connected to the mains and it includes an adjustable 3-6 mm comb.
You must bear in mind that the paws and, above all, the paw pads are a very sensitive part of the body for dogs, which is why many do not allow them to be manipulated. Hence the need to look for a machine that adapts to the particularities of the area and that, in addition, is handled comfortably in order to act as quickly as possible on a difficult part of the body.
Steps to follow to cut the hair of the dog's pads
As this is a very delicate part , most dogs need to get used to handling it with patience, perseverance and rewards. They must also be adapted to the machine, its noise and its operation. To do this, you need time and peace of mind. Thus, before starting to cut, it is convenient to let the dog smell the machine off. When he approaches, we will give him a prize so that he associates his presence with positive stimuli. Little by little, we will be able to introduce him to the sound by starting the machine, this time carefully so that the dog does not suffer any damage. Again, we will reward.
The first session can be brief, for example, limiting yourself to trimming the hair on one leg, always without forcing or scolding the dog. On the contrary, by offering him food treats when he leaves us, we give him positive reinforcement to repeat the behavior we want.
In any case, we may need someone else's help. The cutting procedure is as follows:
- The machine must be passed always gently Depending on the amount of hair that the dog has in the area, we can give a first passed over, from the base of the central pad to the peripheral ones or vice versa. With these movements we manage to clear the foot and visualize the pads.
- Then you have to carefully spread your fingers apart The central pad, with its wider base and tip, forms a kind of triangle. From its two lateral edges we are going to work by inserting the machine into them and lifting it towards the small pads, in a movement as if it were a spoon. It can also be done the other way around, that is, from the peripheral pads to the central one.
- In addition to being careful, you have to make sure that the dog is in a position that is comfortable for him and that you are not pulling his leg or placing him in a bad position. This cutting operation should not take more than a few minutes.
- Finally, if there is any hair left at the end, it can be carefully cut with blunt-tipped scissors.
Dog Pads Haircut Aftercare
Well done, trimming the hair between the pads requires no aftercare. You just have to periodically monitor your feet to determine when a new cut is necessary.
In addition to the haircut, there are other regular cares that are recommended for the dog's feet. They are, basically, the nail trimming and the hydration pads For these touch-ups we have with special nail clippers for dogs, but there is also the possibility of filing instead of cutting with the so-called nail drills, like the one found in Moser Animal.
To care for the cushions it is possible to use creams or sprays. The latter are very easy to use and you just have to spray them on the pads to moisturize and protect. Moser Animal's spray is called Pretty Paw and contains natural ingredients, such as aloe vera or manuka honey. Ask your veterinarian if you have any questions about its administration.
Finally, the cutting machines that we use must also receive basic regular care after cutting, such as cleaning with a brush and lubrication with a special blade oil. It is the way to guarantee its useful life and cutting precision.
