Hygiene is important for both people and pets. Proper pet care will not only ensure a clean and tidy home but also the health of your pet. This article explains how to do this correctly.
The dog may step into harmful chemicals.
The road surface may be covered in rainbow-colored puddles, gasoline, and other toxic substances. In winter, roads are often sprayed with de-icing agents. These are quite strong chemicals, so after a walk, paw pads should be thoroughly washed to avoid allergies and irritation.
When walking, a dog can injure its paws.
The outdoors poses numerous hazards for a dog's paws, including broken glass and sharp pebbles, which can cut the animal. Even when walking through a forest or field, there's a chance your pet will pick up a splinter or scratch their paw on a sharp branch. If the cut is minor, it can be difficult to notice—the dog won't necessarily limp. Washing your paws daily will quickly spot the injury and prevent infection. It's much easier and cheaper to treat wounds promptly than to visit a veterinarian and treat an already advanced condition.
A dog carrying street dirt brings harmful germs into the house.
The street is a breeding ground for infections that can harm not only your pet but also your health. Street dirt and dust contain numerous bacteria, which your pet brings home. This is another compelling reason to wash your pet's paws after a walk—especially if you have small children playing on the floor or people with weakened immune systems. Many owners are more diligent about grooming their dogs' paws in the winter or fall, when the streets are dirtier, and less diligent about keeping their dogs clean in warmer weather, which is a mistake. Early spring and summer, especially in the second half of August, are marked by the activity of ticks, which carry piroplasmosis, a disease that is very dangerous for both dogs and people.
Washing your dog's paws is a crucial aspect of hygiene. Clean paws are essential not only for the health of your dog, but also for the health of everyone else in the apartment, not to mention the cleanliness of your home.
