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Why Use Wax for Dog Paws?

dog laying on side with human rubbing lotion on dog's paw pads.

Paw Wax is one of the most intriguing aides for dogs in recent times. It offers a fence between your dog’s paw and the surface and protects him/her from bad weather or rough surface. These waxes don’t cause any stomach issues even if your pup licks them from his/her paws. 

Does My Dog Need Paw Wax?

The need for paw wax depends on the environment as well as the distance your dog runs. Some canines may develop bumps on their paws which can act like a normal guard. On the other hand, dogs with delicate paw pads are likely to suffer from dryness, cracks, and cuts. Therefore, you must have a regular look at the paw pads of your pet, especially after running or hiking.

Physical exercise in any terrain, like snow, sand, Rocky hikes, and Pumice stone, can damage the paws of your pup. In case of any cuts, scrapes, dry pads, or ice balls to your dog’s paw, a wax can be useful.

When to Use Wax for Dog Paws?

tins of paw wax

The need for paw wax depends on the surfaces as well as weather conditions. The following are the conditions and surfaces in which you will need wax for dog paws.

Winter

Cold conditions expose your canine’s paws to different kinds of painful injuries if he/she has a lot of outdoor activities. If you are planning to go hiking with your dog in winter, always make a small start.

This will allow you to see the progress of your pet’s paws pads. If he/she has ice balls in between the toes while walking, you are definitely going to need wax for your dog paws. Ice balls can be extremely painful for your furry companion, and they can cause him/her to limp.

Sand

pug running on beach

Like the street, sand can reach boiling temperatures. This means that sand can roughen up the toes of your dog if it’s stuck between them. The mix-wet surface that is made from water and rough sand can damage the paws of your dog completely. Hence, if you are living in such an area, then you should consider using wax for your dog paws.

Rough Terrain

Regular running makes the pads of your dog strong enough to survive long hours out in the rough terrain. In contrast to that, the dogs who are NOT trained on such a surface would soon begin to limp. Limping cause cuts or tears on their paws, and you will have to use wax for protecting them.

Protection from Pesticides

people in white suits spraying pesticides

This type of paw protection is important for those dog owners who live in a compound. Similarly, residents of a building where there is a lawn should be worried about protecting their canines from pesticides. A paw wax helps in preventing the absorption of these poisonous chemicals in the pads of your dog.

Myths about Using Wax for Dog Paws

Paw wax is a prodigious item for active dogs, but it is NOT a magic product. Therefore, it’s better to use this product on your dog if he/she really needs it. Like any other thing that you get for your dog, it’s important to use paw wax properly. The following are some myths about the wax for dog paws that are NOT true.

Paw Wax is Harmful to Dogs

shaggy white dog licking paw

It’s a golden principle that excess of everything is bad. Like everything else, paw wax shouldn’t be used if your canine doesn’t need it.  Some brands are indeed better than others, but none of the paw waxes are toxic to dogs.

While selecting a paw wax for your dog, always go through the ingredient list to make an informed decision. All of the popular waxes are tested to ensure that they are safe and helpful for your dog’s feet. Consequently, the dog parents whose pets are suffering from damaged paws should go for this outstanding product without any fear.

Does your dog have rough paws? Here is how you can soften them up!

Paw Wax Protects Against Hot Surfaces

Just like candles, waxes also melt. If the surface is too hot, paw wax will not be able to provide any protection to your dog paws. It melts and leaves your dog with messy feet. It might also become soft that will allow the debris to stick to the bottom of your dog’s foot. Therefore, paw wax should NEVER be used in warm conditions because it causes more harm than good.

Paw Wax Makes the Feet More Resilient

close up of dog paw

Flexible paws can move over a variety of surfaces with a minimum chance of cracking. This means that due to the wax, the feet of your dog are soft and in better shape to tackle the elements. Hence, the myth that paw wax adds to the resilience of your dog’s feet is nothing but speculation.

Paw Wax can Replace Dog Boots

Unlike boots, the wax will wear off. The speed at which the wax wears depends on the conditions/surface and the ingredients in the wax.

On the other hand, dog boots are far more adaptable and robust. They play an important role in protecting against road salt or abrasive snow conditions. This means that paw wax can be replaced by dog boots when your dog is running on rougher snow. Likewise, the boots are a much better alternative when the weather gets really cold.

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