Dog paws have a distinctive smell, and an animal expert explains why it happens, what causes problems, how to care for them properly, and when you need a vet.
The smell of a dog's paws, specifically their pads, is characteristic. That's why it's normal to be unsure if their odor is normal or if your dog has a problem. In this video by an animal expert, we explain what dog's pads are like, why they smell that way, and how to keep them healthy. Let's get started. What do dog paws look like? Although some caregivers wonder why their dog's paws smell bad, the truth is that their odor is normal. In most cases, it doesn't correspond to any pathology. In fact, when there's a problem, the smell changes. The pads have characteristics that make them smell different from the rest of the body. In addition, they perform important functions that often go unnoticed. The pads are the dog's support points and are made up of a thick layer of keratin. Keratin is a protein that forms the horny tissues underneath this layer. The pad is made up of fat and elastic tissue, which is why it feels soft when you touch it. This conformation allows the paws to absorb impacts suffered when walking, running or jumping, and distributes the load evenly across all four paws. This structure of the pads also makes it easier for them to tread on more difficult terrain, whether cold or hot. On the other hand, they are well provided with nerve endings, which makes them very sensitive. For this reason, many dogs resist having them handled or feel considerable pain when they are damaged. Their tilting makes them bleed easily. Why do dog's pads smell bad? The very special smell of the pads is the result of a mixture of sweat, microorganisms from the normal microbiota of that area and everything the animal steps on. This combination explains why a dog's paws smell like this. It is a normal smell and does not indicate the existence of any disease. But it is necessary to ensure that this smell does not change. Recommendations for Caring for Dog pads the pads undergo changes over time as they wear down, lose elasticity, dry out and even crack. You only have to compare the pads of a puppy with those of an adult dog to notice the difference. Throughout the dog's life, the pads should be checked regularly. This will allow us to detect damage and prevent problems or even remove parasites. It should be noted that as they are in constant contact with the ground, they are very vulnerable. The pads can be protected with specific products such as moisturizing creams. Applied in time, these help prevent the formation of annoying cracks that, in addition to being painful, can lead to infections. The hair in the area can also be trimmed very carefully whenever it is too long. Find out how to do it. In the video that we have provided above, if the dog has an injury or must move through aggressive terrain, we also have the option of putting dog shoes on it. But it is best to avoid walking on these types of surfaces or on terrain that is too hot or cold as much as possible. When is it normal for a dog's paws to smell bad? Sometimes we may notice a different smell than usual. If we pay attention, it is normal to see other signs that something is wrong, for example, a wound or erosion, a darker coloration of the hair between the toes due to continuous licking, inflammation, pain of varying intensity, or even limping. If you notice that your dog is limping on a hind leg, take a look at the video that we have included in the card in which we explain the possible causes. In this case, it is best to go to the vet to obtain a diagnosis and the corresponding treatment. The most common causes are burns, abrasions, wounds or incrustations of foreign bodies. Given their constant contact with the ground, this is not unusual. If you find a stone or glass, you could try to remove it at home with tweezers, but never force it. If you do not see it, of course, go to the vet also. If you have managed to remove it but a deep wound has been left or it will not stop bleeding. Visit the veterinary clinic if you want to continue learning about dog care. Don't miss the playlist we've left for you here on the side. Tell us what you think your dog's paws smell like. Until next time, experts.
