GROOMING & WELLNESS
Lappy Paw Pedicure
(in <10mins!)
Welcome to this guide for looking after your Finnish Lapphund’s snow feet and giving your Lappy a fabulous paw-pedicure! First, let’s talk about why caring for your Lapphund’s paws is more than just a pawesome pedicure. Those gorgeous paws are designed for traversing arctic terrain, but they also face the daily grind of concrete, gravel, and constant exposure to other hard surfaces. Proper care can help prevent painful conditions like cracks, splinters, and infections from developing and keep their paws in great shape. Not everyone has time for a full groom, but you can do a pawicure very quickly in under 10 minutes! So, let’s jump in and learn more about what’s involved!
STEP 1: SOAK
Fill a basin or tub with lukewarm water, add some oatmeal dog shampoo and soak those paws for at least 3 minutes (this helps to soften the nails).
Step 2: Gentle Scrub
Using a washcloth or soft brush, clean between the paw pads on each paw. This helps remove any stubborn dirt or mud for our pawicure.
Step 3: Dry and trim
Find a comfy spot and start “Calm Puppy” relaxation techniques for about 3-5 minutes. Then gently hold your Lapphund’s paw and give them a treat. Next, we trim the nails:
Visualise: Identify the quick (the inner pink part with a vascular supply) and aim to cut just the tip of the nail well below that margin. Regularly check your progress and keep away from the quick to avoid any cuts.
Trim: Take smooth, small slices and change the angle of the cut each time. If your pup gets a little wiggly, take breaks and give them plenty of cuddles. White nails make it easy to visually see when to stop, however on black nails work slowly taking a small amount at a time - stop when you see a central white dot appear.
Reward: Remember to reward the good behaviour. During and after a successful trimming session, celebrate with treats and cuddles. A little praise goes a long way!
Don’t Forget the Dewclaws: These little extra toes can get overlooked but need trimming too!
Visualise: Identify the quick (the inner pink part with a vascular supply) and aim to cut just the tip of the nail well below that margin. Regularly check your progress and keep away from the quick to avoid any cuts.
Trim: Take smooth, small slices and change the angle of the cut each time. If your pup gets a little wiggly, take breaks and give them plenty of cuddles. White nails make it easy to visually see when to stop, however on black nails work slowly taking a small amount at a time - stop when you see a central white dot appear.
Reward: Remember to reward the good behaviour. During and after a successful trimming session, celebrate with treats and cuddles. A little praise goes a long way!
Don’t Forget the Dewclaws: These little extra toes can get overlooked but need trimming too!
STEP 4: INSPECT
Lappies are born with the most gorgeous feet, and those beautiful snow paws need special attention to keep them healthy and happy. After cleaning, do a thorough inspection which helps to:
Desensitise their paws: Paws can be a sensitive area so get in the habit of regularly handling and inspecting your Lappy’s feet.
Check for Prickles, Grass seeds or Thorns: These can get stuck between their pads, causing discomfort. Gently massage and remove any debris you find.
Look for Cuts and Cracks: Cold or hot weather can dry out their pads, so keep an eye out for any injuries to their nails or pads.
Desensitise their paws: Paws can be a sensitive area so get in the habit of regularly handling and inspecting your Lappy’s feet.
Check for Prickles, Grass seeds or Thorns: These can get stuck between their pads, causing discomfort. Gently massage and remove any debris you find.
Look for Cuts and Cracks: Cold or hot weather can dry out their pads, so keep an eye out for any injuries to their nails or pads.
sTEP 5: pAMPER WITH BALM
Consider investing in a good-quality paw balm. It’s best to apply if you feel the paw pads need moisturising, at the end of the day. It can help to protect against future dryness or damage from concrete and other hard surfaces particularly on very cold or hot days.
sTEP 6: cHECK pAWFORMANCE
While Finnish Lapphunds have natural protection from their gorgeous snow feet that we want to preserve, walking on slippery surfaces, like tiles, can sometimes be difficult. If your Lappy is indoors & walks on a lot of slippery surfaces consider a very light trim of the fur between their paw pads to keep them walking & running safely.
THE FINISHING TOUCH: LAPPY SPA DAY!
Why not elevate your Lapphund’s pawicure to a full spa day? Soon, they’ll be prancing around like a superstar!
THE FINISHING TOUCH: LAPPY SPA DAY!
Why not elevate your Lapphund’s pawicure to a full spa day? Soon, they’ll be prancing around like a superstar!
done
Not bad! All done in under 10 minutes! Keeping your Finnish Lapphund’s paws in tip-top shape is all about love and attention. The more you make it a fun bonding experience, the more your Lappy will enjoy their paw-pedicure routine. Keep handling your Lappy’s paws regularly to help them enjoy the experience, as paws can be a very sensitive area.
So grab those clippers, some treats, and get ready to pamper those divine Lappy snow feet!
With a little love and care, your Lapphund will be ready to take on the world - one paw at a time! 🐾
So grab those clippers, some treats, and get ready to pamper those divine Lappy snow feet!
With a little love and care, your Lapphund will be ready to take on the world - one paw at a time! 🐾
