Chihuahua Paws

The Care of Chihuahua Paws

Chihuahua paw cleaning is very important. If you own a Chihuahua, chances are good that one day you will have to clean their paws. Many people don’t know how to go about this properly and end up making it more of a chore than a chore. That’s why I’m going to show you how to go about proper Chihuahua paw grooming. Here’s what you need to know:

Your Chihuahua’s dewclaws are generally on the bottom backside of their paws. This is called the “soft” part of their feet. To clean your Chihuahua’s dewclaws, simply wet the toe pads with a little water and scrub gently with an appropriate dog grooming tool.

First, check the inside of the Chihuahua’s feet for irritants such as soil, grass, or dandelion seed. If you see any type of debris in your Chihuahua’s paws, remove it with a Q-tip or cotton swab. You should also see ahead underfoot protection and treatment for possible flea infestation, which could cause irritation to your furry friend’s pads.

Next, gently brush your Chihuahua’s paws with a firm toothbrush or nail brush.

Never use human toothbrushes or nail clippers because they will damage your dog’s nails. Also, be sure not to use too much pressure while brushing. It’s best to just stroke your pet’s paws lightly. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, though. If you do, you may find your Chihuahua biting his pads.

After brushing, you can apply ice-melt chemicals, but only if your Chihuahua has not previously had his paws waxed. Ice-melt chemicals are meant to soften the rough top coat of fur on your Chihuahua’s paws before it is shaved. This helps prevent dry skin and irritation. Do not use these chemicals directly on your Chihuahua’s paws or you may end up with a red patch of skin.

Some Chihuahuas have an easier time recovering from their frostbite than others. If your Chihuahua has developed frostbite on his toe pads, you may want to consider applying first-aid and natural ointments like petroleum jelly and human milk. Your vet can recommend a good first-aid product for you to use but don’t use human milk. Try not to scratch at the wounds because it will only make them worse.

A common problem afflicting Chihuahuas (and other dogs) is a fungal toenail infection.

If you notice white spots developing on your dog’s toes, especially around his toes and heel area, do not try to pop them or use traditional surgery to extract the offending fungus. Instead, apply ahead under paw protection and treatment. Frontal scars are another commonly seen Chihuahua skin problem.

Frontal scars are typically caused by severe beatification. Treatments include first-aid and natural ointments, and if the wound does not heal in two weeks, you should consider ahead under paw protection and treatment. It is important that you keep your Chihuahua’s paws clean. Regular grooming stimulates healthy blood flow and increases the body’s ability to heal itself.

A common Chihuahua skin problem is foot dermatitis. Some dogs are more likely to suffer from foot dermatitis than others, and if your Chihuahua has frequent foot irritations, it may be due to an allergic reaction to one of its favorite foods – chocolate. It is important that you remove chocolate from its diet while treating its Chihuahua’s feet and buy a high-quality paw wax for licking. Regularly licking its paws will help prevent future skin problems.

Your Chihuahua can also have foot irritants and allergies brought on by chemicals in detergents, shampoos, hair styling products, and even perfume.

For any of these factors, you should use a high-quality commercial product designed to protect and treat Chihuahua paws. Always dilute the chemicals or products with a small amount of olive oil before applying them to Chihuahua paws. To remove any residual chemicals after application, see ahead under paw protection and treatment. To keep paws smelling fresh and clean, inspect them frequently for fleas and other irritants.

Some Chihuahuas suffer from fungal infections of the nails, most commonly at the tip of toe. Though not generally painful, infection of the toe nail can cause the surface of the toe to peel or crack, and breeders recommend that all dogs with this condition be treated by a vet before attempting to correct the problem with home remedies such as ice-melt chemicals or commercial products. Commercial products that kill fungi are available and work very well on this problem. Consult your vet before using one.

Finally, some dogs develop calluses on their paws at the end where their toes begin to curve.

Calluses can be caused by constant handling, but they can also be caused by a genetic weakness in the skin around the toes. If your pup develops calluses, you will need to treat him carefully and slowly. Use warm, soft soap and rinse the paws with warm, cool water.

Watch out for the development of a crusty residue underneath the paws; if it turns yellow or brown, use quality paw wax under the ice-melt chemicals or home remedies.