Who Doesn’t Love Dog Paws?

No one can deny just how precious dog paws are. Long-haired or short, fluffy or sleek, each dog’s paw is unique and beautiful. But dog paws aren’t just there for our admiration; your dog’s paws are important for your dog’s overall quality of life, as they allow your dog to walk, run, play, jump, and perform tricks. They even assist with temperature regulation, stability, and protection. 

Here’s the thing: since most dogs generally don’t wear shoes outside, their feet are exposed to many more irritants and potentially harmful obstacles than our own feet. Whether your dog picks up traces of pesticides in their paws or gets scrapes and cuts from sharp rocks and detritus, their overall wellness can be at risk if their paws aren’t treated with proper care and attention. Keeping an eye on the condition of your dog's paws can give you important information about their overall health.

Pay Attention to the Paws

Take a close look at your dog’s paws. Are they smelly? Are the nails overgrown? Are they matted or covered in hitchhikers? Is there a pinkish color to them? Each of these conditions can give you a heads up that your dog may need a medical checkup. As is the case when you have injuries or skin conditions on your feet, your dog will find difficulty walking and carrying out their day-to-day activities with unhealthy paws. 

Keep in mind that most dogs aren’t comfortable having their paws handled without a little preliminary acclimation. According to Wag Walking, your dog’s paws are important receptors of sensory information, so it can make them feel vulnerable to have their paws touched or held. What’s more, they can be reluctant to offer their paws if they’ve been injured during grooming or nail trimming. To help put your dogs at ease, start training as soon as possible and reward them with high-value treats for staying calm when you touch and hold their paws.

How to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Healthy

There are a number of prevention and maintenance tasks you can perform at home to keep your dog’s paws in great shape.

Protect Paws in Extreme Temperatures

Here in Central Florida, our summers get exceptionally hot; so far, our hottest day in Orlando was June 15 when temperatures reached 98 degrees. Our hot summer days heat asphalt and concrete to temperatures that may be uncomfortable for our dog's paws and can even cause burns, leaving them prone to infection. Do what you can to avoid walking on the road during peak temperatures, and if you have to travel at those times, get a set of protective shoes for your dog. Similarly, if you’re in an area that gets lots of snow and ice, a set of protective booties can protect your dog’s paws from injury and discomfort.

Monitor Excessive Licking

When your dog licks their paws, they may be trying to soothe a sore or itchy spot that’s bothering them. Excessive paw licking can be a sign that your dog has food allergies, environmental allergies, or an open wound. What’s more, that licking can lead to further issues since the damp paw creates the perfect environment for fungal infections to take root. If you notice your dog licking their paws more than usual, it might be a good idea to schedule a vet appointment.

Take Special Care When Trimming Nails

Trimming your dog’s nails helps to keep them comfortable during their daily activities as overgrown nails affect the way their paws rest on the ground. However, if you’re not careful when you trim or your dog squirms too much, you may wind up nicking the quick and causing bleeding and pain. If you’re nervous about trimming your dog’s nails, your vet probably offers a nail trimming service at a reasonable price.

Additionally, keep an eye on the quality of your dog’s nails. Dewclaws especially tend to get caught in fabrics and may crack or rip. For us humans, a broken nail is an inconvenience that can cause some tenderness, but for dogs, nails are integral parts of the claw and damage can cause severe pain and further health complications. It’s important that you address nail damage as soon as possible with the help of your vet. 

Clean and Pamper Your Dog’s Paws

As we mentioned above, your dog’s paws tend to collect traces of pesticides, fertilizers, and other environmental hazards that can make life less comfortable for humans and dogs alike. While all dogs aren’t susceptible to environmental allergies, accumulated pollutants can still cause itching and discomfort and can also cause a health hazard for your human family. To help eliminate this issue, give your dog a pawdicure! Regularly clean and bathe your dog’s paws with a gentle but effective cleanser, and try to wipe their feet each time they come inside. When their paws are dry, you can apply a paw balm for extra soothing and protective effects. 

Love Your Dog From Snout to Paws!

Canine health care involves taking care of every part of your dog from head to paws! Proper paw care can help your dog maintain their overall quality of life and keep them active and comfortable. Visit our online shop to get our organic paw balm to keep your dog’s paws feeling their best!

Stay Cool in the Hot Florida Summer

Summertime is a lifestyle here in Central Florida. Taking trips to the beach, strolling through botanical gardens, and splashing in the local springs are just a few of the things we do to embrace (or cool down from) the heat of the season. The summer is a great time to enjoy some outdoor activities with our dogs, too! Active and adventurous dogs can burn off some energy and get their exercise by joining you for your favorite outdoor activities.

As always, a little preparation and some safety considerations can help make your summer stress-free. Extreme summer temperatures can become uncomfortable for us humans, and the same goes for our pets! What’s more, the arrival of summer insects and other critters as well as crowded spaces mean that we may have some new situations to navigate with our furry friends. Keep a few dog health and safety tips in mind to help make this summer a season you won’t forget.

Summer Safety for Your Dog

Dogs of all ages, breeds, and life stages need some special summertime care. Most of these important summer safety tips for your dogs deal with regulating high temperatures and ensuring safety outdoors. Here are the safety precautions we use with our dogs before heading out for some summer fun. 

Avoid overheating in any situation

As we mentioned before, extreme summer temperatures can be uncomfortable for our dogs; in the worst-case scenarios, soaring heat can also have negative health effects on our pets. First and foremost, never, ever leave your dog unattended in a hot, parked car. According to the AKC, when outside temperatures reach 80 degrees, the temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees in minutes. Exposing your dog to such temperatures can cause heat stroke, brain damage, and death. As a rule of thumb, we avoid taking our dogs on trips where we would have to park and leave them inside – it’s just easier and more comfortable for everyone involved.

Additionally, pay attention to the heat of the sidewalk or sand when you’re taking your dog for a walk. Avoid walking on asphalt as much as possible. Experts note that if a surface is uncomfortably hot on your own feet, it will be uncomfortable on your dog’s paws. Try getting your dog a set of summer walking booties for extra protection. Organic paw balm can provide great relief for your dog’s paws after a walk, too! 

Stay hydrated

Your dog might not sweat like we do, but they still lose plenty of hydration during the day through normal bodily functions, like panting, breathing, and going potty. Believe it or not, dogs even sweat through their paws, especially on hot summer days. Dehydration can cause serious health issues for your dog, like lethargy, weakness, and an elevated heart rate. According to Heaven at Home Pet Hospice, dogs can become severely ill after losing just 10-15% of their bodies’ water content. 

To prevent dehydration, always make sure you have a source of clean water and a dish for your dog to drink from when you plan on being outside and active for more than 20 minutes. Avoid any strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day; save your long walks for the mornings and evenings. If you take your dog to the beach, saltwater is NOT safe for dogs to consume for rehydration, even if it is cool and inviting. Some dogs don’t like drinking from shared water bowls or don’t drink when they’re overstimulated, so if this is your dog, you might want to cut your outside time short. 

Bring proper identification

The summer is full of lots of new stimuli. Your dog may be tempted to zoom off to chase other dogs in the park or a squirrel - or they may bolt at the sound of fireworks or thunder. Always make sure your dog is properly microchipped and has all the necessary tags with your information in case they zoom off. Additionally, always make sure you keep your dog on a leash unless you’re in a designated off-leash area. 

Let your dog set the pace

It’s so tempting to start running at full speed the second you hit the beach with your dog, but if your dog isn’t particularly active, this can leave them susceptible to injuries and discomfort. Let your dog set the pace of your activities and never, ever push them beyond their comfort level. Just like you need to warm up before you spend time at the gym, your dog needs to have their muscles warm and primed before they participate in any strenuous activity.

Fuel Your Summer with Wholesome Nutrition

A healthy, wholesome diet is the perfect fuel for any summertime activities! Pawsitively Pure Dog Food makes wholesome, gently-cooked dog food, treats, and bone broth that are packed with nutrients to keep your dog playing all summer long. Visit our online shop to order today!

Change Is Hard for Everyone

Moving can be stressful. Whether you’re moving down the road or across the country, and whether you’re moving for a new job, to be closer to friends and family, or to get settled in a larger or smaller space, there are so many tasks to check off your list along the way. If you have a dog coming along with you, it should come as no surprise that you’ll need to make additional considerations to keep them safe and happy along the way.

Even if your move is under happy circumstances, adapting to a new situation can be difficult. The very same goes for your dog! Your furry friends become familiar with and even attached to their homes over time. When you move to a new location, they’ll need to re-learn their routines and acclimate to new safe spaces for life to continue on as normal. The good thing is that you and your dog can learn to adapt to these changes together with some easy-to-implement tips.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Healthy While Moving

Keep Safe Spaces Intact Before You Move

Staying organized while you move can be difficult! We’ve all been there – after the second or third day of packing, it might look like a tornado hit your home. While you’re packing up, do your best to make sure a few of your dog’s favorite safe spaces stay intact and their favorite toys and comfort items are easy to reach. Don’t use these spaces as staging areas, either – do what you can to leave them alone.

It’s also a good idea to introduce your dog to all of your moving materials ahead of time so they can make a positive connection with them. All those strange boxes can be scary to your dog so you want to make sure they have the chance to sniff them out with lots of positive reinforcement. 

Get Your Travel Plans Set in Stone

Depending on how far you’re moving, you may be driving or you may need to take a plane to reach your destination. Traveling is often the most stressful part of the trip for your dog, so you’ll want to prepare for this part well ahead of time. If you’re taking a road trip, be sure you have your dog’s travel kennel set up with access to fresh water and plenty of comfort items; if they don’t use a travel kennel, ensure you have the right safety harnesses etc. to keep them secure during a long ride. Schedule in adequate time for potty and food breaks along the way.

Taking a flight with your dog is a whole different situation. Your chosen airline will have specific guidelines for how to pack up your dog and bring them with you. Talk to your vet before you embark on your journey, and do everything in your power to make your dog comfortable on this unfamiliar vessel.

Establish a Care Team at Your New Location

You don’t want to wait until disaster strikes to have a vet available for your dog. Before you arrive, research the best vets in your new location and see if they might be available for a phone or online consultation. Additionally, get familiar with the pet laws at your new space. You’ll want to know if you have any different licensing requirements or even breed restrictions in your new region. You should also microchip your dogs if you haven’t already done so, and get adequate identification tags for them.

Routines Are Your Friend

Dogs are creatures of habit, as you probably know by now. They thrive when they have the same routine for their walks, meal times, bedtime routines, and so on. Do your best to stick with that routine even though you’ll be doing it in a different location! It will probably take you some time to lay out your new space, but do your best to set up their feeding space in a similar location to where it was in your old house. 

Walks are particularly important, too. Keep up with your dog’s regular walking schedule and give them the opportunity to explore all the new sights and smells of your new neighborhood. Taking in regular exercise will also help your dog expend extra energy, giving them more motivation to sleep soundly in the evening. Don’t forget to pepper in regular play time for your dog, too – their favorite toys will give them the added benefit of extra comfort!

Don’t Refresh Everything Too Quickly

A fresh start can be so exciting, and it can be very tempting to get all new everything the minute you get situated in your new space. But with your dog already having to put in work to get acclimated to a new environment, you don’t want to force them to get used to a whole new set of smells, as well. Your old furniture can be a source of comfort for your dog, so do what you can keep it around for at least a couple of weeks. If possible, upgrade to new equipment a little bit at a time while your dog gets used to everything.

Act With Patience and Kindness

Moving can be hard on everyone and is absolutely a source of anxiety for your dog. Don’t get upset if you notice your dog falling back into old habits like separation anxiety or chewing. Show your dog lots of affection when they need it, but make sure you’re not presenting any anxious behaviors of your own, or you might reinforce their stress habits. You and your dog can both be sources of love and care for each other as you adjust to this new situation!

Moving Can Be Positive With the Right Preparation

Preparation is helpful in just about every new journey – moving included! Take the time to consider your dog’s needs and emotions along every step of the way and you’ll both be better for it. Be sure to stock up on plenty of healthy treats for the trip and for positive reinforcement when you arrive. Head to our online shop and get your dog’s favorite flavors before you depart!

A diagnosis of arthritis can be a particularly disheartening thing to hear from your veterinarian. After all, our dogs are at their best when they’re able to run and play with their humans and their friends, but the pain and discomfort from arthritis inflammation can put a real damper on those activities. What’s more, arthritis isn’t just an issue for senior dogs. Younger dogs can encounter the chronic pain associated with arthritis if they deal with hip dysplasia or have had a serious injury. According to PetMD, arthritis is becoming one of the most common health issues in dogs.

While arthritis will change your dog’s daily activities, they can still get exercise, have fun, and have a great quality of life with your help and the help of your veterinarian. In fact, our Jackson dealt with arthritis later in his life, but he still went on walks and played away the days right through his 14th birthday. 

Signs Your Dog May Have Arthritis

While most dogs enjoy hours of naps throughout the day, sometimes extra time in bed can be indicative of an issue. If you’ve noticed a recent decline in your dog’s interest in walking, running, or playing, they may be resting because activity is uncomfortable. Additionally, if you notice your dog limping, hopping, or otherwise walking in an unfamiliar manner, they’re probably experiencing pain in a specific limb or limbs. Other telltale signs include difficulty getting up from a down position and reluctance to use stairs. Of course, these things can happen from time to time, so if you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your vet right away. 

Caring For a Dog With Arthritis

Once your veterinarian has given your dog a diagnosis of arthritis, they should schedule you for any necessary medical treatments to reduce inflammation and ease the movement of their joints. While there are current treatments to reduce arthritis pain, arthritis cannot be cured; however, there are things you can do at home to help alleviate discomfort and allow your dog to stay active and healthy.

Monitor Their Diet

Your dog’s diet might be the most important factor in their arthritis management. A healthy diet will help your dog maintain a healthy weight; obesity and excess weight can cause strain on the joints, exacerbating the symptoms of arthritis. What’s more, exercise is difficult for dogs with arthritis, so a proper, weight-conscious diet is your dog’s first line of defense against obesity and the health conditions related to it. 

Your veterinarian may recommend a diet to help manage your dog’s weight. The best dog foods for weight management don’t have fillers and should be packed with wholesome proteins and vegetables that offer complete nutritional support. Additionally, you should add a few supplements to your dog’s diet to help manage symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids act as natural anti-inflammatories. Glucosamine helps build healthy cartilage. Consult with your vet before overhauling your dog’s diet. 

Make Adjustments to Facilitate Movement

If you have a senior dog at home, you may have already made a number of adjustments to help them move about freely. If your dog can no longer climb stairs due to arthritis pain, make sure to set up a safe space downstairs with their favorite toys and sleeping space. Speaking of sleeping spaces, make sure your dog has a comfortable bed where they can rest. If your dog sleeps in a kennel, make sure it is well-padded so that they don’t experience discomfort from exposed bars. Some pet supply companies even offer orthopedic beds for dogs, like the BarksBar Snuggly Sleeper which is made with orthopedic foam. 

You may want to consider installing ramps to areas your dog likes to access, like couches and beds. Additionally, make sure your flooring is slip-free, as any sliding or spills can be particularly painful for a dog with arthritis. 

Exercise, But Do It Comfortably

As we mentioned above, exercise is difficult for dogs with arthritis. However, physical activity is important to help your dog keep their muscle tone, improve circulation, and avoid future injury. When you go for walks, allow your dog to set the pace. Hydrotherapy is another great option to help your dog stay fit, as it’s extremely low-impact and can be soothing on your dog’s joints. 

Your vet may recommend a few sessions of physical therapy and massage to help put you on the right track, but you can also do your part to work toward your dog’s physical health at home. Give your dog a gentle massage after exercise, being careful not to apply pressure directly to joints. 

Be Patient

Your dog is probably experiencing some frustration that they can’t be as active as they once were. We know it can be difficult to watch your dog having difficulty with movement and play, but offer them plenty of patience and give them space to move at their own pace. It will take some time for both you and your dog to adjust to a new lifestyle, but their unconditional love and companionship is worth all the effort.

Health Begins With a Good Diet

Your dog’s overall health begins with a solid diet that addresses all of their unique needs. Pawsitively Pure’s gently cooked, human-grade dog food offers wholesome nutrition and easily blends with your dog’s vitamins and supplements. Bone broth is also a great source of gelatin and glucosamine to support joint health. Head over to our online shop and order yours today.

Stress Isn’t Just a Human Problem

April is National Stress Awareness Month in the U.S. From our careers to our home lives and everything in between, humans encounter a variety of stressful situations every day. But did you know that stress isn’t an exclusively human issue? We see our dogs as friends and comforters, playmates and pals, but the truth of the matter is that dogs can experience a wide spectrum of emotions beyond their normal happy states. What’s more, prolonged stress can cause a host of other issues for your dogs, just like it can for humans.

If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably spent some time wishing your dog could communicate with human language so you could understand exactly what’s going on in their head. Since that’s not a possibility, however, it’s important to be able to identify the different ways your dog expresses stress and discomfort. Read on to find out a few common signs that your dog needs some help coping. 

Common Signs of Stress in Dogs

Facial expressions and body language

Your dog may not be able to frown or grimace, but they can still show you that they’re afraid or uncomfortable through their facial expressions and body language. Common signs of stress in dogs include bared teeth, ears pinned back, tucked tails, and “whale eyes,” or widened eyes that show the whites surrounding the irises. You may also find them cowering or even freezing up. Keep an eye out for movements and appearances that are outside the norm for your dog.

Barking and whining

Our dogs have a whole library of different barks and vocalizations that can tell us how they’re feeling and what they need. As you grow with your dog, you’ll come to understand which barks indicate that they’re happy and excited and which ones indicate something more serious. According to VCA Hospitals, some dogs whine or bark to get your attention while they’re stressed, while others use whining as a self-soothing method. Context is key to understanding what your dog’s vocalizations mean, so pay attention to your surroundings. 

Changes in appetite and bowel movements

Loose stools and upset stomachs are common indicators that your dog is going through a rough time. Many animals display similar behaviors, especially when they’re acclimating to new locations. You may also notice that your dog doesn’t have any drive to eat. When these issues display themselves, it’s important to run through a checklist and eliminate other serious issues that can cause gastrointestinal problems.

Pacing and panting

For us humans, exercise and movement is a common way to shake off stress and keep moving forward. Your dog may take a similar approach by pacing around the space they’re in. You may also notice that they’re panting or breathing heavily even when they haven’t participated in any strenuous exercise. When your dog displays agitation like this, be sure they have access to water to keep them hydrated!

Avoiding and escaping

The simplest way to avoid stressful situations is to literally move ourselves away from them. The same mindset holds true for dogs – if they encounter a place or situation that makes them uncomfortable, they may try to escape and even hide. You may also notice that your dog looks away from the thing causing them stress, like other dogs or commands they don’t understand. 

How to Help Relieve Your Dog’s Stress

We humans are fairly lucky in that we’re able to deal with our own stressors by practicing self-care and seeking professional help when necessary. Your dog may need a little extra help to make them feel better. Here are a few tips you can try when your dog is displaying signs of stress.  

Create a quiet safe space away from stimuli

Every dog needs some kind of quiet space in their homes, whether that’s a well-appointed kennel or a comfy bed in a quiet room. Be sure to set up such a space for your dog and include comfort items like their favorite toys and blankets or clothing that smells like you. Encourage your dog to go to their quiet place when they’re stressed by offering treats and allowing them to be alone. It can be tempting to pet and coddle them, but it’s best to give them some time to be by themselves. 

Exercise regularly

Exercise is a great way for humans and dogs alike to combat stress, so regular exercise with your dog should be a no-brainer. Whether your favorite kind of exercise is walking, jogging, or playing fetch, get outdoors and get your blood pumping! Many professionals recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day for your dog, but be sure to account for your dog’s age, breed, and other physical factors. You don’t want to stress them out further by pushing them to work too hard. 

Talk to your vet

Stress is a normal emotion for dogs and humans alike; we all deal with pressures and new situations that may make us nervous or uncomfortable for brief periods of time. However, constant and unrelenting stress is not normal. Schedule an appointment with your vet to see if there are any underlying issues that may be causing your dog undue discomfort. Problems like old injuries, pulled muscles, or arthritis can all cause dogs to feel stress if they’re not given what they need to manage pain. 

Physical Health Helps Stress Management

When your dog is healthy from head to toe, they’re less likely to experience chronic stress due to pain or discomfort. Maintaining a regular exercise schedule and offering your dog a wholesome, nutritious diet can help ensure all of their physical needs are met and leave them to focus on naptime and play dates. Visit the Pawsitively Pure Dog Food store and give your dog the healthy food and treats they deserve!