What do paws pick up during a normal walk?
Your dog's paws are the direct interface between the animal and the ground. On every walk they come into contact with a surprising range of contaminants:
- Urine and faeces from other animals β which may contain parasites (Toxocara, Giardia, Cryptosporidium), bacteria, or viruses.
- Toxic products: herbicides, pesticides, de-icing salt in winter, molten tar in summer.
- Grass seeds with barbed awns (foxtails) β particularly dangerous between the toes.
- Ticks β which may attach between the toes before seeking a more sheltered spot.
- Environmental fungi and bacteria from damp soil.
- Glass, gravel, or sharp fragments lodged in the pads or between the toes.
- Saliva from other dogs when sniffing the ground or during contact.
Why cleaning paws matters
Risk to the dog
Dogs constantly lick their paws. Everything picked up on a walk can go directly into their digestive system: herbicide residues, de-icing salts, or faeces from parasite-carrying animals.
Moisture between the toes also promotes fungal overgrowth (interdigital mycosis) and moist dermatitis, especially in breeds with dense interdigital fur such as Bichon FrisΓ©, Poodle, or Cocker Spaniel.
Zoonotic risk for the household
Your dog brings the outdoor environment inside. Toxocara canis larvae represent the most significant zoonotic risk: they can cause visceral larva migrans or ocular toxocariasis in children who play with the dog without washing their hands.
How to clean paws properly
Basic clean (low-risk urban walk)
- Use a damp, fragrance-free dog wipe and clean each pad and the space between the toes.
- Don't forget the back of the paw (metacarpus/metatarsus) β it also collects dirt.
- Dry thoroughly between the toes with a dry cloth or low-heat hair dryer held at a safe distance.
Full clean (countryside, foxtail areas, mud)
- Bring your dog to the bathroom or use a container with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of mild soap.
- Soak or rinse each paw for 20β30 seconds, gently massaging between the toes.
- Rinse thoroughly (soap residue can also cause irritation).
- Towel dry, then finish with a dry cloth or hair dryer on low heat.
- Inspect each interdigital space under good light for grass seeds, wounds, swelling, foreign bodies, or ticks.
Useful products
- Dog-specific wet wipes: practical for everyday use.
- Paw-washing cup with soft silicone bristles and water: highly effective for tolerant dogs.
- Mild antiseptic spray: useful for small cuts or pad abrasions.
- Protective paw wax: shields pads from hot asphalt in summer and de-icing salt in winter.
Foxtails: a silent danger
Grass seeds known as foxtails have an arrow-shaped tip that travels in one direction only: once they penetrate the skin between the toes, they migrate deeper into the tissue and can reach a joint, the chest cavity, or even the nervous system. In spring and summer, check your dog's paws after every walk in tall grass. If your dog obsessively licks one paw or you notice swelling between the toes, see your vet promptly.
How Purzi can help
Purzi lets you log paw incidents (wounds, irritations, suspected foreign bodies) and consult the assistant whenever something worries you. You can also set seasonal reminders to increase vigilance during foxtail season. A paw history helps your vet identify recurring problems like chronic interdigital dermatitis before they become serious.