Your pet’s paws do a lot of work every single day. They walk, run, jump, stretch, climb, and explore with their paws—so when paws or nails aren’t cared for, your pet can quickly become uncomfortable or even injured.
In Australia, paw issues are extremely common because of heat, hot footpaths, sharp grass seeds, and overgrown nails. Regular paw and nail care is a simple way to protect your pet’s mobility, comfort, and long-term health.
PetCloud’s Recurring Pet Maintenance service helps pet owners stay on top of essential paw care to avoid painful problems and expensive vet bills.
Why Paw Care Is So Important
1. Checking for Cracks
Dry weather, hot pavement, and rough surfaces can cause:
- Cracks
- Splits
- Dry pads
- Pain when walking
If the cracks deepen, they can bleed or become infected.
Getting proactive help and support to keep paw pads clean and moisturised, and checking them regularly, helps stop small cracks from turning into bigger issues. Doing nothing causes bigger issues. Bigger issues will cost you more money in the long run to resolve.
2. Grass Seeds (Dangerous and Common in Australia)
Grass seeds are one of the biggest hidden dangers for dogs and cats. They can:
- Burrow into the paws
- Pierce the skin
- Cause painful abscesses
- Travel deeper into the body
- In severe cases, migrate toward the lungs or internal organs!
Signs a grass seed may be stuck:
- Licking one paw
- Sudden limping
- A small hole, red bump, or swelling
- Yelping when the paw is touched
Because grass seeds travel one direction only, they almost never come out on their own. Regular paw checks during Pet Maintenance visits help catch grass seeds early—before they cause serious medical problems.
Why Nail Care Matters
1. Grinding or Clipping Nails
Overgrown nails can:
- Curl into the paw pads
- Break and bleed
- Change the way your pet walks
- Cause joint pain
- Get caught in carpet or grass
Nails should be kept short enough that they don’t touch the ground when your dog or cat stands.
2. Don’t Forget the Dew Claws
Dew claws are easy to miss because they sit higher on the leg and don’t touch the ground.
If they grow too long, they can:
- Curl into the skin
- Break sideways
- Cause infections
- Bleed heavily
Pet Professionals always check all four paws + the dew claws.
How PetCloud Can Help With Paw & Nail Care
Through PetCloud, you can find Pet Professionals who offer Recurring Pet Maintenance visits across Australia. Trained caring Pet Professionals can help with:
✓ Paw inspections
- Cracks
- Cuts
- Grass seeds
- Redness or swelling
✓ Nail clipping or grinding
- All four paws
- Dew claws
✓ Coat checks on paws
To spot matting between paw pads.
✓ Safety monitoring
They’ll alert you if they see any signs of infection or a problem needing a vet.
Keep Your Pet’s Paws Safe All Year Round
Avoid painful injuries and unexpected costly vet bills.
👉 Post a Job FREE for Pet Maintenance (which can include Recurring Paw & Nail Care)
https://www.petcloud.com.au/guest/post-a-job
Frequently asked Questions
These are the most-searched questions pet owners ask—answered simply.
1. Why is my dog licking its paws?
Licking can mean:
- Allergies
- Cracked pads
- Grass seeds
- Itching
- Pain
If it’s constant, it needs checking.
2. Why does my dog keep limping on one paw?
A grass seed, cut, nail problem, or sprain could be the cause.
3. What should healthy dog paws look like?
Smooth, soft, no cracks, no redness, and nails short enough not to touch the floor.
4. How often should I trim my dog’s nails?
Usually every 3–6 weeks, depending on activity levels.
5. Can cats have overgrown nails?
Yes! Indoor cats especially need regular trims because they don’t wear nails down naturally.
6. Why does my cat have cracked paw pads?
Dry air, age, or walking on rough surfaces. Moisturising and check-ups help.
7. What are signs of a grass seed in a dog’s paw?
Sudden limping, swelling, licking one spot, or a tiny hole.
8. How do I get a grass seed out of my pet’s paw?
Never pull it out yourself. Grass seeds move inward.
Get professional help immediately.
9. How do I know if my pet’s nails are too long?
If they click on the floor, they’re overdue for a trim.
10. How can I safely care for my pet’s paws at home?
Regular checks, moisturiser for dogs, cleaning after walks, and monthly nail trims.
For ongoing care, book recurring Pet Maintenance with PetCloud.
Get Help & Support: Book Recurring Pet Maintenance for Paw & Nails through PetCloud
PetCloud makes paw care simple, safe, and stress-free.
Your Pet Professional can:
- Check for dangerous grass seeds
- Trim nails and dew claws
- Spot early signs of trouble
- Help prevent painful abscesses and vet bills
👉 Post a Job FREE for recurring Pet Maintenance. This can include Paw Care & Nail Trimming.
