Paw pads: key to your pet’s health and well-being

Your pet’s paw pads are vital for their overall health and quality of life, even though they often go unnoticed. Paw pads are in direct contact with the ground and act as natural shock absorbers, protecting bones and joints while providing traction on difficult surfaces. However, paw pads are exposed to many elements that can wear them down over time, potentially causing discomfort and impacting your pet's quality of life.

Why is paw pad care important?
Paw pads are your pet’s first point of contact with the ground, enduring constant friction and bearing their entire body weight. In addition to providing traction and stability, they protect bones in the paws, absorb movement impact, and help regulate temperature. Without proper care, paw pads can become dry, cracked, or wounded, leaving them vulnerable to infections and causing discomfort for your pet.

Factors affecting paw pad health
Paw pads are exposed to various elements that can cause damage, including:

• Extreme weather: Intense summer heat and harsh winter cold can harm paw pads. Hot asphalt and other surfaces can cause burns, while snow, ice, and sidewalk salt in winter can dry out and crack the pads.
• Rough surfaces: Walks on rocky, asphalt, or gravel surfaces can accelerate wear, leading to cuts or wounds.
• Chemical exposure: Contact with cleaning products or herbicides can irritate paw pads. Even small amounts of these substances can dry out or crack the skin, making it more sensitive.

Symptoms of damaged paw pads
Regularly check your pet’s paws for any signs of damage. Common symptoms of injured paw pads include:

• Dryness or cracks: Pads appear rough, dehydrated, or cracked.
• Redness or swelling: Pads may be red and swollen, indicating irritation or possible infection.
• Pain while walking: Limping or discomfort when walking could signal injured paw pads.

Skinnia Repair: Specialized protection and care for paw pads
To keep your pet’s paw pads in top condition, it's essential to use specialized products that hydrate and repair this highly exposed area. Skinnia Repair is a transparent bioadhesive gel specifically formulated with salicylic acid and urea to soften, hydrate, and protect dry or cracked paw pads.

• Innovative technology: Its bioadhesive film remains on the application site for at least 8 hours, ensuring prolonged and effective action.
• Keratolytic effect: Salicylic acid gently exfoliates dead skin, while urea maintains hydration and skin elasticity.
• Effective relief: It soothes discomfort and protects pads from future damage.