trimming fur on dogs feet

while clipping beathovens nails i noticed the fur between the pads is getting quite long (only on the front paws ) should this be trimmed and if so how short can i trim.......just worried that the fur protects the pads in some way as he doesnt need any paw problems.

I had a Golden Retriever that the groomer used to trim the fur on the pads every time we took her in. I do it on my Lab as we have wood floors and she slips on them if I don't.

I trim the fur. They're very ticklish though, which makes it harder...:D

Fur should be trimmed on dogs who have longer hair. Grab a pair of scissors if you don't want to go to the groomer and do it yourself by clipping in between the pads the way they run. Don't worry about doing it too short.

Snow, ice etc can attach to it and build up. Then you may end up with the hair being ripped out from the follicles in between the pads. If you get in that situation it will be a lot more hassle to try and treat it once it is raw.

thank....thats my task in the morning , should be easy nails are no problem.

Just be careful with the tips of the scissors. When the doggy flinches because it tickles, you can cut them with the scissors by accident.:eek: :o

Just be careful with the tips of the scissors. When the doggy flinches because it tickles, you can cut them with the scissors by accident.:eek: :o

I use round-nose scissors for this particular task. I think you can find them in the baby section at a pharmacy.

Another suggestion is a set of trimmers. I find this the best for my guys as I can just trim the fur flush with their pads and I'm not wrried about cutting them.

The vibrations from the trimmers do tickle them though :D

I trim Tucker's because in the winter he ends up with snowballs between his pads if I don't. In the summer we seem to walk more and the fur seems to wear down faster, maybe because he is mostly on snow in the winter.

That reminds me... I do it in the summer too so it doesn't trap pollens that Jemma is allergic too (as much...).

I have a cocker spaniel.. She needs more grooming than a lot of dogs. I find as often as I trim her nails, I need to do the edges and bottoms of her feet.

I never really realized what would happen if I didn't cut it so often, until I met a cocker mix this summer who's owners weren't so diligent.. It had a good 7" or more of fur hanging off the front of her paws... all ratty and nasty.

I was staying there for the night. Took effort to not take siccirs and spend two minutes cleanign up the dog.. but I was afraid I'd look like a freak trying to help the poor girl out.

Maybe you should have taken the scissors out and started trimming your dogs feet. If she didn`t get the hint, then you could have said "Would you like me to do your dog"? :rolleyes: :D