Foot Notes The pads on dogs’ feet are very sensitive.  This is one of the few areas on the dog that actually sweats, and it is also an area that is prone to injury.  If your pet frequently moves across a rough surface, the pads may get worn down or cut.  Pads will bleed profusely – and hurt.  As a general rule, any time there is any kind of swelling of your dog’s toes or feet, it is important to visit your veterinarian.  Swelling can be secondary to bacterial or fungal infection, broken bones, foreign bodies, allergies, and even tumors. Nails that are not kept short will grow too long and become irritating and painful to the dog.  It can also cause the feet to splay, or spread, and nails can actually curl around and grow into a dog’s pads.  When you hear the telltale “click-click-click” as your dog walks across the floor, you know it’s that time again – time to trim the toenails.  If your pet is not used to having his nails trimmed, start slowly and work up to it gradually   Another really common foot problem that our poor dogs are subjected to is injury from improper toenail trimming.    Before you start trimming, determine how much needs to be trimmed.  The basic rule of thumb is that the nail, which curls downward, should be even with the paw pad.  Whatever hangs over must be clipped.  For medium to large dogs, use guillotine-type nail clippers.  For small dogs and puppies, use the scissor-type nail clippers.  Hold your dog’s foot and gently push down with your thumb at the base of each nail.  This will cause the nail to extend slightly, making it easier for you to see the nail.  Trim each nail at a 45-degree angle away from the dog so that the newly cut nail is flush with the floor when they walk.   There is a blood vessel, called the quick, in each nail.  Do not cut into the quick or it will bleed and could be painful.  If this happens, apply a dab of styptic powder, which is available at pet stores, or use cornstarch.  The pinkish color of the quick is easy to see in dogs with light-colored nails.  However, it is almost impossible to see the quick on dark nails.  Try to locate the quick from the underside of each nail before you begin cutting.  Cut each nail just a little at a time until you get close, but not right up to, the quick.  The good news is that the more diligent you are about trimming, the more the quick will regress into the nail, allowing you to cut shorter each time. Even though they sometimes stink, remember that feet serve a serious purpose in all animals and may be more important than you think.  The condition of an animal’s feet may even tell you just how healthy it is.