How to Groom a Wire Fox Terrier's Paws

Trim the dog's nails after identifying the quick.

A wire fox terrier is a friendly and active dog. The breed originates from the black-and-tan rough-coated terrier, and was used as a vermin hunter in the past. The wire fox terrier has wiry hair and sheds less than other breeds. However, the dog requires regular grooming. The paws of a dog are likely to gather dirt and require special attention. The grooming of the fox terrier's paws includes removing dirt, trimming the hair between the pads and clipping the nails.

Things You'll Need

• Wire slicker brush
• Steel comb
• De-tangling solution
• Blunt-nosed scissors
• Paw pad balm
• Nail clipper
• Styptic powder

Instructions

1. Brush your dog's hair to eliminate dead hairs and dirt that often accumulate in the coat, especially in the feet area. Use a wire slicker brush. To facilitate the brushing, wet the dog's coat.

2. Comb the dog's coat, going with the grain of the hair. If you find matted fur on the feet area or between the pads, spray on de-tangling solution and try to untangle the hair using your fingers. Gently comb through the matted area.

3. Clip the hair covering the feet to emphasize the wire fox terrier's round-shaped feet. Use a pair of blunt-nosed scissors.

4. Trim the hair between the pads of the dog's feet. Pay attention not to cut into the pads. The hair between the pads collects dirt and debris, and during winter it may gather salt and ice, causing great discomfort to the dog.

5. Apply balm on the pads if they are cracked or sore. Cracked paws are more common during cold seasons.

6. Clip the dog's nails. Wire fox terriers are mostly white and may have black of tan markings. However, the feet are typically white, so the nail quick is easy to identify. The quick contains nerve endings and blood vessels. In white-colored dogs the quick is visible and is slightly darker than the rest of the nail. Don't cut into the quick; otherwise the nail will bleed. If the quick is accidentally cut, stop the bleeding by generously applying styptic powder.

Tips & Warnings

• Inspect the wire fox terrier's paws daily, and watch out for objects stuck between toes or pads, injuries or cracked pads.

• If your dog limps or chews its paws, take it to a veterinarian. The dog's paw may be injured.

• Give your dog boots during winter to protect the paw pads. Avoid walking your dog on hot pavement or asphalt, because the dog's pads are extremely sensitive.

References

• American Kennel Club: AKC Meet the Breeds --- Wire Fox Terrier
• Delayre Kennel: Grooming the Wire Fox Terrier
• Dog Paw Print: Dog Paw Care is More Important Than You May Think!