Dog paws are special and must be cared for to maintain the health of the animal.

Dog paws are comparable to human fingers and toes.  A dog's paws provide traction, optimum turning and sprinting ability.  Dog pads are necessary for shock absorption. Thick pads increase the endurance when the dog is sprinting and the roughness gives good traction.  Each foot has four pads that touch the ground and each has its own toenail.  Dew claws, found on some breeds are a fifth toenail that doesn't touch the ground, and are often removed from the hind feet, but left on the front feet. 

The toenails on the paws of the dog grow the same as human fingernails and toenails and should be kept short so the dog will not rock on its paws from long toenails.  The ability of the dog to walk properly will be affected by claws that are not kept short.  Toenail clipping should be part of the regular maintenance of the dog.  Be sure to avoid the quick when clipping a dog's toenails.  The claws can also be worn down by exercising the dog on concrete.  However, running on pavement can wear out your dog's pads so check them regularly if you run with your dog.  Also, avoid running with your dog on hot pavement, since it can burn the dog's pads.

Keep your pet's paws in good shape by inspecting them on a regular basis.

• Trim toenails as needed, avoiding the quick.   A professional may have to do this for you.
• Check regularly between toes for foxtails, burrs, pine needles and other foreign bodies.  If you see your dog limping, it may be a sign that something is embedded between the toes.
• Pull out any irritants you can locate, using tweezers.
• Check for cuts on paw pads. If cuts are small, wash them gently with soap.  If they are large and bleeding excessively, visit your vet for proper treatment.

Your dog's paws can be damaged by ice and snow.

Snow and ice can get stuck between the pads on your dog's paws.  The ice can cause cuts and abrasions on the pads and can also cause extreme cold for the dog's paws.  The build up can cause loss of traction even in a mild case.  Keeping your dog's claws cut short and the fur between its toes trimmed will attract less ice and snow.  Do not cut the fur too short or the natural protection of the fur will be lost.

Perhaps dog winter boots to cover dog paws are the answer if you live in an area where there is constant snowfall for a good part of the winter and below freezing temperatures.  There are many available winter boots on the market.  Rubber soles are better for traction than leather in some cases.

Taking care of your dog's paws is a necessary part of dog ownership.  Give your dog 's paws the correct seasonal care.  Your dog paw print will be normal for its type and breed and your dog will have good mobility throughout its life.

Always take your pet to the veterinarian to be checked and treated if it's limping and excessively licking a paw.

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