There’s always one question that seems to stump dog owners no matter how hard they try to remember the answer. Do dogs have toes? And how many toes do dogs have? It might seem like an easy question, but when you really stop and think about it, you may not be able to recall the answer.
Lucky for you, we’re here to provide the answer so you can feel confident next time the topic comes up in conversation.
Check out our guide below!
Contents
- How Many Toes Does A Dog Have?
- Why do some dogs have fewer toes?
- 6 tips on how to keep your dog’s paws healthy
- Conclusion
So, How Many Toes Does A Dog Have?
How many toes does a dog have on each paw?
The answer may surprise you! There are actually four on their front foot and five behind it. This is because as they walk, one goes into backward mode while the forward ones drag along with them to help support the weight.
Sometimes though, the support is not enough.
If you think your dog is not getting enough support from the toes that they have, you can always give them a pair of paw protectors!
What Is The Paw Protector?
For those dogs who need extra help and protection on their feet, the Paw Protectors will offer increased durability and waterproof features to keep your puppy’s paws dry and protected.
Reviewers say how their dogs give them a big paws up when the Paw Protectors are put on. Dogs have been known to walk better and play more.
Why do some dogs have fewer toes?
Smaller breeds tend to have fewer dog toes than larger ones. This is because it takes more muscles and weight for big dogs to support themselves, which in turn puts a lot of pressure onto their paws (and how many toes they have).
On the other hand, smaller breeds tend to be more agile and use their paws as weapons instead of support beams. This is how we got the “small dog syndrome” that many people and dogs know all too well.
6 tips on how to keep your dog’s paws healthy
1.Get Rid of Dog Paw Gunk
A lot tend to not realize how much gunk is collecting in their dog’s paws and how bad it actually is for them. If you’re guilty, use a pet-friendly cleaning solution and give them a good rub down with a towel to remove as much as possible before flushing the area with fresh water.
2.Paw Massage
The next time you give your pup a bath or a grooming session, spend a little extra time massaging their paws. This will help them get used to having someone touch that area and how good it feels. You can even use a special dog paw cream to keep their skin moisturized and healthy.
3.Trimming Nails
If your dog’s nails start to get a little too long, you’ll want to trim them with a proper dog nail clipper in order to keep the pain and discomfort at bay. Avoid cutting too deep because this could lead to bleeding and is not advisable. Your local vet or pet store should have the right tools needed to trim their nails without causing physical harm to your pup.
4. Do Regular Paw Checks
Make sure to inspect how your dog walks, runs, and plays throughout the day. If you notice how they are moving slowly or have difficulty picking up their feet, then it may be time for a visit to the vet just in case there’s something stuck between their toes that is causing them discomfort.
5. Stick With Paw Protector Shoes
These shoes were mentioned before and they are good for both indoor and outdoor use. They can provide comfort, durability, and protection all in one. This may be the best option available on how to protect their feet!
6. Walking on Different Surfaces
Most dogs walk on firm ground so it is important to alter how they walk on different surfaces in order to prevent them worn down. A simple way of doing this is by taking them for walks in the grass or the beach, which provides protection with each step.
Conclusion
I hope you found this article helpful. Now you know the answer to the question: “How many toes does a dog usually have”?
Next time you’re at the dog park (with your pup carefully muzzled), you don’t have to worry about how much embarrassment comes with asking how many toes your pup has. You can now feel confident in knowing how much support they need to prevent injury and how best to take care of them.
