Do you know if your dog’s paws are ready to be outdoors and hiking on one of the many open LA trails? Paws are very similar to human feet. The more you walk outside without shoes, the thicker your calluses become. But the more you stay inside or wear shoes and socks, the softer your feet become. The same goes for dogs’ paws! Here are a few tips to ensure that your furry friend’s paws are ready for upcoming summer adventures.

 

Healthy Paws = Happy Dog – A happy dog has healthy paws! While seemingly very thick, a dog’s paws can be sensitive. Before taking your pet out on long hikes, slowly toughen up your dog’s paws through conditioning, which is slowly training or accustoming your dog’s paws to rougher conditions. To start, you can start taking your dog on rougher surfaces like concrete or asphalt for increasing amounts of time. This will build up the calluses on your dog’s paws and prepare her for walking on trails that may have even rougher surfaces.

 

To Buy or Not to Buy Booties – Dog booties can give traction and protection to your dog’s paws, and are off the charts in doggo cuteness! But for some pups, booties distract and detract from an enjoyable walk! Here are a few questions to answer when thinking about the need for dog booties: 

 

  • How old is your dog? Older dogs tend to acquire more wear and tear on their paws. If your dog is older, dog shoes may be beneficial as they can help cushion their paws and buffer the impact produced by walking on their joints. 
  • What type of adventures will you be on? If you want to take your dog out on long hikes in less developed areas, you may come across wet surfaces, sharp rocks, and uneven surfaces. Dog shoes in these circumstances can be beneficial for protecting your pet’s paws from getting cut or sore, and from keeping your pup from slipping. 
  • How hot will it be on your adventures? Before you even start your hike, assess whether the weather will be too hot for everyone, dogs included. If your hike is a “go”, remember that while dog’s paws may seem thick, they can get burnt from hot surfaces just like any other type of skin. If you live in a particularly hot environment, dog shoes can help protect your pet’s feet from getting burned on asphalt. 

 

Ultimately, if you decide to purchase booties, be sure to find a size that fits well and give your pet plenty of time to adjust to wearing them. 

 

Paw Patrol – Being proactive is the best way to protect your dog’s paws. Inspect your dog’s paws every few days and look for any rips, tears, or burrs. By noticing these details sooner, you can prevent your dog from acquiring more serious infections or injuries. Trimming the hair around your dog’s paws can also aid paw grip and allow for easier inspection. 

 

Waste Not and Water A Lot – Now that you and your dog are ready to go outside, follow proper safety measures, carry plenty of water for you and your furry friends and always pick up your dog’s waste. Protect LA’s environment by packing out any dog waste and putting it in a trash receptacle. If you are in need of dog waste bags, LASAN provides city of Los Angeles residents with free canisters of dog waste bags. The canisters easily attach to your dog’s leash and you may request them here.

 

Do you and your doggo have a pre-hike routine that you follow to ensure that everyone has a safe and fun time on the trail? Email us at lastormwater@lacity.org and we’ll feature you on our social media channels.