The paws of a staggering 99% of dogs have faecal matter on them when they're stomping about your home after coming in from a walk, a recent study has found.

近期一项研究发现， 狗狗外出散步归来后，在屋内四处走动时，其爪子上竟有高达99%带有粪便残留物。



With that in mind, it's essential you clean your pooch's paws after being outside – not only to avoid the health risks posed to family members by your dog's feet but also to improve the overall wellbeing of your pets.

有鉴于此， 带狗狗外出后务必清洁其爪子——这不仅是为了避免狗狗爪子给家人带来健康风险，也是为了提升宠物的整体健康水平。

Aside from not wanting your family to casually touch poo brought in from outside your home, for your dog, dirt and other bacteria that gathers on their paws can cause irritation and dermatitis.

除了不希望家人无意间触碰到从屋外带进来的粪便外，对狗狗而言， 积聚在爪子上的污垢和其他细菌会引发刺激和皮炎。

Vets also advise owners to conduct extra careful cleaning during the autumn and winter months as mud and snow can also affect pet's skin and nails.

兽医还建议主人在秋冬季节格外仔细地清洁狗狗爪子，因为泥浆和积雪也会影响宠物的皮肤和指甲。

Posting on TikTok, vet Pancho Cavero explained the importance of looking after your dog's paws.

兽医潘乔·卡韦罗在TikTok上阐述了照顾狗狗爪子的重要性。

He said: "Paw pads aren't just soft cushions; they're essential multifunctional tools for the daily survival of our furry friends. First, they act as shock absorbers, protecting the joints and bones of their paws during jumping and running by absorbing the impact with the ground.

他说：“爪垫可不只是柔软的垫子，它们是我们毛茸茸的朋友日常生存中必不可少的多功能工具。 首先，它们起到缓冲作用，在跳跃和奔跑时吸收与地面撞击的冲击力，保护爪子的关节和骨骼。”

"Additionally, paw pads serve as protection against extreme weather conditions. In summer, they help animals avoid getting burned by hot asphalt, and in winter, they provide insulation against the cold.

“此外，爪垫还能抵御极端天气条件。 夏天，它们能防止动物被滚烫的沥青烫伤；冬天，它们则能隔绝寒冷。”

"Another essential role is providing traction. The rough texture of the pads enables them to grip the ground more effectively, which is essential for running or climbing safely."

“另一个重要作用是提供抓地力。 爪垫粗糙的纹理使它们能更有效地抓牢地面，这对于安全奔跑或攀爬至关重要。”

He added: "And let's not forget that paw pads contain sweat glands that help animals mark their territory with pheromones. So, as you can see, paw pads are true miracles of nature – designed to protect, insulate, and help our pets on their daily adventures."

他补充道：“别忘了，爪垫还含有汗腺，能帮助动物用信息素标记领地。 所以，正如你所见，爪垫是大自然的真正奇迹——旨在保护、隔绝，并助力我们的宠物在日常冒险中勇往直前。”

Step-by-step guide to cleaning your dog's paws

清洁狗狗爪子的分步指南

You can use a container of warm water, clean towels, pet wipes, or a special neutral soap for dogs. Place an absorbent mat near the entrance, which makes cleaning easier and prevents dirt from spreading throughout the house.

你可以使用一盆温水、干净的毛巾、宠物湿巾或专为狗狗设计的中性肥皂。 在入口处放置一块吸水垫，这样清洁起来更方便，还能防止污垢扩散到整个屋子。

Be prepared for your dog to be impatient or restless

做好狗狗不耐烦或焦躁的准备

It's essential to reassure your pet, so speak to them in a calm tone, pet them, and help them understand that this is a moment of care. If necessary, you can place the dog on a non-slip surface or on your lap, always making sure they feel safe.

安抚宠物至关重要，因此要用平静的语气与它们交谈，抚摸它们，让它们明白这是护理时刻。 如有必要，你可以将狗狗放在防滑表面上或抱在怀里，始终确保它们感到安全。

Remove surface dirt

清除表面污垢

You can do this with a damp cloth or special wipes. If the paws are very dirty, soak them in warm water to soften the dirt. This step removes large particles and reduces friction when rubbing, preventing irritation of the pads.

你可以用湿布或专用湿巾擦拭。 如果爪子非常脏，可以将其浸泡在温水中以软化污垢。 这一步能去除大颗粒污垢，并在擦拭时减少摩擦，防止爪垫受到刺激。

For a deeper clean, use a neutral or dog-specific soap and warm water

如需深度清洁，请使用中性或专为狗狗设计的肥皂和温水

Gently rub each paw, paying special attention to the pads, the space between them, and under the nails—areas where dirt and microorganisms tend to accumulate.

轻轻揉搓每只爪子，特别注意爪垫、 爪垫之间的缝隙以及指甲下方——这些地方容易积聚污垢和微生物。

Dry the paws with a clean towel

用干净的毛巾擦干爪子

Take this opportunity to check for cuts, blisters, or wounds on the paws. If you notice any problems, consult your veterinarian if necessary. You can also lightly trim the nails if needed, preventing them from growing too long and causing discomfort while walking.

借此机会检查爪子是否有割伤、水泡或伤口。 如发现任何问题，必要时请咨询兽医。 如果需要，你还可以轻轻修剪指甲，防止指甲过长导致行走不适。

Give your dog a treat

给狗狗奖励零食

This reinforces positive behaviour and helps the animal associate paw cleaning with something enjoyable.

这能强化积极行为，帮助动物将清洁爪子与愉悦的事情联系起来。

素材来源：iYuba

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