Should you trim the hair between a dog’s pads? This is one of the most common questions dog owners ask. The good news is—it’s an easy fix to avoid feet-biting and a general ‘grossed out’ feeling when you touch your dog’s paws.
The maintenance of a dog is not cheap, especially if you own a medium to large sized dog. If your dog is a mixed breed (like mine), then you have no idea what type of fur your pup might have. My beagle has black and white fur which means there are certain grooming products which work better than others.
If you are the owner of a dog, then you know that they shed. They shed hair on your carpets and they shed hair on your clothes. The question is, should you trim the hair between their pads?
The answer is no. Trimming the hair between your dog’s feet can cause severe damage to their paws and lead to infections or even amputation in extreme cases. Instead, you should use dog booties during winter months when snow is present or during other times that there are sharp objects around such as rocks or sticks.
If you do not have access to pet booties, then try using socks instead! Simply cut off the toe part and place them over your dog’s paw like a glove so that there is still space between each toe. This will help keep them from stepping on anything sharp without causing any harm to their paws!
The hair between a dog’s pads is often trimmed to promote better traction and prevent the pads from getting wet. This prevents them from becoming slippery, which can lead to falls. However, there are some dogs who do fine without the trimming.
You should consider trimming the hair between your dog’s pads if he has trouble with traction on slick surfaces or in grassy areas. It may also be helpful if you want to keep his paws dry during rainy weather. If he is prone to injury, such as slipping on stairs or falling down stairs, it might be worth it for him to have this done as well.
If you can see that your dog has developed callouses or cracked pads, then it would be best to have them trimmed because they will only get worse over time without treatment. If you notice that your dog has been limping or favoring one leg over another lately, then it could be because of an injury that occurred due to slippery surfaces or wet grasses around where he walks frequently (such as outside). You should also consider trimming fur if there is any pain associated with walking around barefoot inside your home on hardwood floors (this is especially true if he has arthritis).
Should You Trim The Hair Between A Dog Pads
Owners of dogs with short coats may not need to worry about the hair between the paw pads getting too long. However, if the hair between your dog’s pads grows long enough to stick out past the pads, you’ll need to trim it.
Many pet owners don’t bother learning how to remove hair from dog paws because it seems trivial, but it’s actually essential not to let the hair in paw pads get too long, which turns into a problem.
The fur on your dog’s paws tends to collect debris and is likely to get matted. Mats pull the fur tight, causing pressure on the dog’s skin that results in pain. Also, if a dog has anything built up in that long paw hair, they will have to step on it every time they walk.
How to Remove Hair from Dog Paws
Learning how to remove hair from dog paws is actually simple. You’ll need to go slowly and be careful because working so close to your dog’s paws means the dog will be sensitive, and there’s a chance you may cut the pads of a dog’s feet.
1. Choose the Right Tool
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As you can see in my video above, you can either use scissors or a small pair of clippers to remove the hair from your pup’s paws. Personally, I prefer to use clippers because they are much safer than scissors.
Most groomers will also advise against scissors. Since you’re cutting so close to the skin and the pads of your dog’s feet, there’s a chance you’ll accidentally cut into your dog when using a pair of scissors, especially if it’s a large pair. It’s not impossible to cut a dog with clippers either, but it is much less likely.
2. Get the Dog Used to the Touch of Their Feet
If your dog is uncomfortable with you touching their feet, then instead gradually get your pooch used to that feeling.
For example, touch a dog’s feet without using any grooming tools. Try to do it when your pup is tired and resting. Reward the dog with treats and praise for allowing you to hold and massage the paws.
For dogs that are especially nervous and anxious, you need to calm them down first before they start cutting hair from their paws. If your pet is terrified of the clipper noise, you can use semi-silent clippers that are quieter.
3. Get Your Dog Used to the Grooming Tool
Once your dog is comfortable with you touching their paw pads and feet, you’ll then need to begin getting your pet used to the grooming tool that you’ll be using.
Let the dog first sniff the tool and have it around for a while to demonstrate that it poses no threat. Then pick it up, and pretend to use it around the dog’s paws, gently touching them.
Again, reward the dog with praise and pet treats when they are calm, and allow you to groom them without issues.
This is essential not only when learning how to remove hair from dog paws but also many other grooming tasks.
4. Now Remove the Hair from a Dog’s Paws
Hold your dog’s paw firmly in one hand and use pet hair clippers (or scissors, if you insist) with the other hand. As I demonstrate in my video, you’ll need to gently spread the paw toes apart and then clip the hair in between.
Continue clipping paw hair until it is level with a dog’s pads or just slightly below the pads. This will prevent any matting or build-up that could occur.
Do not cut all the hair away, though, because it protects the skin between the paw pads.
Tip: You should trim the hair between a dog’s pads and the hair between the toes, and any long hair on the top of the paws.
You can use a soft-bristled comb to help get the hair to stand up enough to trim it if you need to.
Follow Up With Other Actions to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Healthy
Besides knowing how to remove hair from dog paws, you should also take a few other steps to keep the paws nice and healthy. Start by getting in the habit of checking your dog’s paws frequently.
As you do, complete a visual inspection and pay attention to how your dog reacts to your touch and how the paw feels.
You also want to make sure to cut your dog’s nails regularly. Finally, make sure to protect the sensitive pads of your pooch.
This includes making sure to put booties or something else on the feet if the pavement is extremely hot or cold.
Common Questions About How to Remove Hair From Dog Paws
The following should clear up any lingering doubts you have about how to remove hair from dog paws.
Should I Cut the Fur on My Dog’s Paws?
If hair extends between your dog’s pads and bunches between the toes, you should trim it. Having too much hair in this area can be uncomfortable for your dog.
It may also make it hard for him to get enough traction, causing him to slide.
Can I Rub Coconut Oil on My Dog’s Paws?
Yes. Coconut oil can protect your dog’s paws from irritation and soreness. It moisturizes the paws while also creating a protective barrier.
How Do You Shave a Dog’s Paws and Legs?
To shave your dog’s paws and legs, start by putting the paw in your hand. Start using the clippers by the dog’s armpit and work down towards the toes.
Always make sure to keep the clippers a safe distance from the skin.
Why Do Dogs Not Like It When You Touch Their Paws?
Dogs may not like the feeling of you touching their paws because of feeling vulnerable or awkward. This is particularly true for the sensitive areas between the paw pads.
You can help reduce this problem by starting to touch your dog’s paws while still a puppy.
Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws?
Your dog may lick its paws because it is boring or anxious. Or, your dog might be telling you about a problem, such as skin issues, parasites, allergies, or injuries.