How To Protect Your Dog’s Paws When Running
To protect your dog’s paws when running you need to firstly condition them to be tougher through a variety of walks on varied terrain. Then you should take preventative measure to protect your dog’s paws such as avoiding running on hot pavement or during extreme weather conditions. Other ways to protect your dog’s paws when running include using paw wax, wearing dog boots, trimming paw fur and also increasing the zinc and healthy fats in your dog’s diet.
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1. Condition Your Dog’s Paws With Long Walks Before Running
The easiest and cheapest way to protect your dog’s paws when running is to toughen them up by going on long and varied walks. You should treat your dog no different to an athlete. Proper training is required before setting out on a run.
These walks don’t need to be anything too challenging. No weighted backpacks or running is necessary. Just make sure that your route includes a variety of surfaces so your dog’s feet will gradually become conditioned to handle them well. For example, you could go on walks on pavement, grass, rocky terrain, snow and/or sand.
Pro Tip: You should use the time during these training walks to get your dog used to a hands free running leash if you are going to go running with your dog. I highly recommend the Lanney Hands Free Dog Leash here.
2. Avoid Running On Hot Pavement
The next best way to ensure that your dog’s paws are protected when running is to totally avoid going out on super hot days where the pavement will be scorching. You need to remember that your dog is not wearing cushioned shoes like you while running but is rather running with the equivalent of human bare feet. If you know that you wouldn’t be able to handle the heat barefoot, your dog won’t be able to either.
A good test to do before going running with your dog is to touch the pavement with the back of your bare hand. If you can’t hold your hand on the pavement for at least 5 seconds, the surface is too hot for your dog’s paws. This uncomfortable pavement temperature usually occurs when the air temperature is around 35°C or 95°F.
3. Use Paw Wax
Another easy way to protect your dog’s paw while running is to use paw wax. Paw wax such as Musher’s Secret is a substance that you can apply to the pad’s of your dog’s paws just before heading outside. It is quite easy to apply and creates a barrier between your dog’s feet and outside elements such as dirt, ice, salt and rough surfaces etc. It can also help protect your dog’s paw pads from burns from hot pavement. And it is also moisturising!
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4. Wear Dog Booties
Dog booties are definitely not for all dogs but they are a good way to protect your dog’s paws while running if he/she is willing to wear them. Dog boots will add a thick layer of sturdy plastic or rubber between the ground and your dog’s paws. They are one of the best protection options for dog’s who already have paw injuries such as splits, cuts and cracks that prevent them from walking normally outside. They are also a good option to protect your dog from harsh conditions such as burning pavement as well as snow.
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Read also: Should Dogs Wear Shoes While Hiking? Find Out Now!
5. More Fat & Zinc In Diet
Another less commonly known way to protect your dog’s paws is to slightly increase the fats and also zincs in his/her diet.
A little bit of body fat on a dog has it’s benefits, not only being a reserve of energy, but also acting as insulation from extreme cold and hot surfaces. It also gives your dog extra padding or cushioning when he/she runs. That being said, it doesn’t mean that you just suddenly increase the amount of food you give your dog. You still want your dog to be healthy and trim.
On the other hand, dietary zinc helps to strengthen dogs nails, paws and improve their coat health. Zinc is usually found in meat such as tuna, turkey and lamb as well as some vegetables and fruits such as raw carrots, apples and sweet potatoes. Consider feeding more of the listed foods in your dogs meals to strengthen your dog’s paws before going running.
Before changing your dog’s diet you should consult a veterinarian to ensure it is safe for your dog and will have a maximum benefit.
6. Keep Paw Pad’s Trimmed Of Excess Fur
This is more of a tip for people who like to take their dog out during winter, especially in locations where it snows. By trimming the excess fur between your dog’s paw pads, “paw snowballs” will not form between your dog’s toes as easily. A “paw snowball” forms when snow and ice gets caught in your dog’s fur, melts from your dog’s body heat and then refreezes from the cold pavement. These build ups of snow and ice can be very uncomfortable for dogs as they push your dog’s toes apart and pull on their fur.
While this is more of a tip for the wintertime, there is no reason why you shouldn’t keep your dog’s paw fur trimmed during warmer weather too. Trimmed paw fur will keep your dog cooler and also let you routinely check your dog’s paws for injuries more easily. It can get quite expensive going to the dog groomer just to get your dog’s paws trimmed so I suggest that you invest in a dog hair trimmer set and do it yourself! You can learn how to do it here!
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