You know your dog needs to be groomed regularly, but did you know that cleaning your dog's paws is an important part of their grooming routine?

When out for a walk or playing in the garden, your dog’s paws are exposed to rough surfaces, wet ground, dirt and debris. Those adorable little paw pads on your dog’s feet help to protect them from impact, extreme temperatures and uneven terrain, but it’s still important to keep your dog’s paws in tip-top condition. If paw cleaning isn't already part of your dog care regimen, here's how to get started.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dog's Paws?

Unlike bathing your dog, which the UK Kennel Club recommends you do every couple of months, there aren't specific guidelines for how often dog paw cleaning should occur. However, consider checking your dog's paws on a regular basis. Depending on their level of exercise and the season (harsh summers and winters can be tough on your pet's paws), you can adjust the schedule to fit your dog's needs. If you frequently take your dog hiking, for example, you may need to check and wash their paws after every walk. On the other hand, a dog who spends most of their time indoors and just goes on light neighbourhood walks might only need a cleaning when the weather is bad and their paws get dirty or wet.

Preparing for a Dog Paw Cleaning

Debris often gets stuck between the paw pads or in the toenails, so it's important to check your dog's paws before lathering them up. 

Look for anything that doesn't belong on your dog's paw, such as thorns, foxtails and ticks, or minuscule broken pieces of glass, shells or other material. You'll also want to look for splinters or anything embedded into your dog's nails or paw pads. If you find anything, remove it carefully.

Next, if you have a medium- or long-haired dog, take a moment to trim the hair on the bottoms of their paws; this can prevent matting, keep dirt from sticking, and help your dog’s paws stay clean. The hair should be approximately as long as the pads.