Our pets generally navigate their world on four feet. Horses need hoof trimming for sure, but what about foot care for our cats and dogs? Those little feet play a big role and need supportive care throughout their lives. Let’s look at what they need for wellness, and some of the main diseases that can develop.
Toenails require regular trimming or wear to maintain proper length. Too short can result in bleeding or quick exposure. Split nails, torn-off toenails and ingrown toenails can occur with long toenails. Changes in angulation of the foot and abnormal weight bearing also occur. Over time, tendonitis, sessamoiditis and arthritis can develop. Bottom line – any kind of “-itis” is not a good thing. Start early and teach your pet that toenail trims are a positive experience. Handle daily, go gently, use treats and don’t trim too short! It is better to get someone experienced to trim if you are not comfortable doing this.
When one leg gets sore, pets adapt and shift their weight to alternate limbs. This can cause serious issues long term. Pets commonly shift their weight to the front limbs when overweight or when hind legs are sore. Lower lumbar muscles get strained, and pinched nerves can occur in the neck. Long-term weight shifting can result in permanent break down and collapse of the front wrists (aka carpal) joints.
Check feet for spear grass, splinters and blackberry thorns this time of year. These can be tiny but very painful. Pitch easily gathers in the fur between the pads and causes hair pulling and irritation. Excessive licking of feet results in inflammation of the skin, and can even rupture the hair follicles, causing them to act like tiny slivers under the skin. If your pet is licking one or more feet, get them checked by your veterinarian for foreign objects, infections or possible allergies.
Pads may appear tough, but pets can burn their feet if they have to stand on hot pavement. Running, stopping and turning on pavement can shave off all the pads on your dog’s feet. Barnacles on the sea shore can slice up pads severely. Prevent your cat from accessing the top of the woodstove all year, so as to prevent burned pads when you start using it in the fall. OUCH!
For our older pets, please trim the fur “slippers” off the bottoms of their feet to help them keep traction on our slippery floors. Their muscles are not as strong as they once were, and splay legs can result in serious injury if they slip. Non-slip runners or yoga mats do wonders for helping them navigate the slippery sections.
Our pets are not invincible, so remember to consider what supportive foot care they need before you launch out on that next new adventure with them. This will allow many more years of adventure together.
For more information visit www.breadnervet.com.
