Paw care guides

Plain-English advice for keeping your dog's or cat's paws comfortable in an Australian summer.

• Protecting dog paws on hot pavement

  Walk times, the back-of-hand test, shade and the signs your dog's paws are too hot.

• Caring for dog paws after a beach day

  Rinsing salt and sand, drying properly and checking between the toes.

• Dry and cracked dog paws: causes and everyday care

  Why pads get dry or rough, everyday care and when to see a vet.

• Paw balm for cats: is it suitable?

  Whether paw balm suits cats, why lick-safety matters and how to apply it.