Why You Shouldn't Touch Your Dog's Paws Carelessly: Do You Know Why?

Every time dog owners take their pets out for a walk on a leash, some people like to wipe their dog's paw pads or use a pet brush and nail clippers to groom them for hygiene. However, even if they’re not using nail clippers to trim the dog's nails, some dogs are not fond of having their paws wiped. Interestingly, dogs seem perfectly comfortable licking their owners' feet. So, what is the secret behind a dog's paw pads?

First, Dog Paw Pads Are Highly Sensitive Due to the Nerve Endings Just as our feet contain numerous important acupressure points, which can have an impact with just a light touch, dog paw pads are also packed with nerve endings, making them extremely sensitive. Experienced dog owners often use a pet brush along with nail clippers to regularly trim their dog's paw pads. This is because dogs have sweat glands in their paw pads, and grooming tools help with heat dissipation. Although the surface of a dog’s paw pad feels thick and calloused to the touch, it actually contains many sensitive receptors that allow dogs to sense subtle vibrations and pressure changes. If you accidentally clip the quick (the bloodline) with the nail clippers or poke at the paw pads with your fingers or nails, the dog will experience intense pain. Over time, this discomfort can make the dog resist further paw trimming. Secondly, Paws Are Essential Tools for Dogs’ Survival The paw is an important tool for a dog's survival and daily activities. Most dog breeds have strong and powerful limbs, built for endurance and agility. The friction generated by a dog’s paw pads as they make contact with the ground helps maintain natural movement. Besides having their nails trimmed by owners, dogs can also naturally wear down their nails through regular physical activity, which is also related to their instinctive hunting behaviors. Additionally, dogs use their paws for digging, removing foreign objects, scratching, and even marking territory. Sometimes, when trimming their nails, owners also end up removing dirt and debris from the paw pads. Therefore, a dog’s paws are vital tools, and they instinctively pull away when something unfamiliar touches them. If an owner wants to clean their dog’s paws, it’s important to calm and reassure the dog before using nail clippers or other grooming tools. If You Accidentally Hurt Your Dog While Grooming, You Need to Handle It Carefully Dogs may appear brave, but they are sensitive to pain. If a dog gets injured during a paw grooming session, it’s crucial to treat the injury promptly. Most importantly, the owner should continually comfort and apologize to the dog during its recovery, helping the dog feel loved and secure. If you're a new dog owner, it might be a good idea to have a professional groomer handle the paw trimming at first, allowing the dog to become accustomed to the process. Alternatively, when your dog is still a puppy, you can practice trimming its nails or gently touching its paws regularly to prevent fear. Additionally, when grooming, owners should avoid suddenly lifting the dog’s paw pads or using grooming tools too quickly. A gradual and calm approach is key to ensuring the dog isn’t startled. The Quick Is Like a Trust Line The quick of the nail is like a trust line between the dog and its owner. With practice, owners can become proficient at using pet brushes and nail clippers to maintain their dog’s paws. Choosing the right size of nail clippers is also important. When a dog feels comfortable enough to let its owner care for its paws, it’s essential to approach the task with patience and care. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your dog’s paws are kept clean and healthy, and the grooming process becomes a more pleasant experience for both of you!