Lessons Learned from a VP, Her Pup, and a Cone of Shame
Hi everyone!
I’m Emily Atkinson, VP of Marketing at Best Friends Fur Ever — and more recently, proud doodle mom to my sweet girl, Haley.
I had the pleasure of spending the weekend at the beach with Haley and her big brother Charles. Haley was surrendered to us just before Christmas, and we’ve been making up for lost time with tons of adventures. It’s been a joy watching her blossom, but I’m also learning a lot about the unique needs of doodles along the way.
What I Didn’t Know About Wet Paws
A few days after we got home, I noticed Haley licking her paws. Upon closer inspection, I saw her skin was raw, red, and irritated — and she was clearly uncomfortable.
It turns out that moisture can get trapped in the dense, curly fur between a doodle’s paw pads, especially after a weekend filled with salt water, sand, and general water fun.
What You Can Do to Prevent This
If your pup loves the water (or even just rainy day zoomies), here are a few simple steps to help them stay healthy and comfortable:
Dry Between the Toes
After every beach or water day, use a towel to gently dry between your dog’s paw pads and toes. Don’t just wipe the bottoms — lift each paw and get in there!
Book a Paw Pad Trim — It’s a Small Step That Prevents Big Problems
Fluffy paws might be adorable, but all that hair between the pads? It holds onto water like a sponge — and that’s where the trouble starts.
Without regular maintenance, that trapped dampness creates the perfect storm for:
- Bacterial and yeast infections
- Raw, irritated skin
- Hot spots
- And worst of all — emergency vet visits and the cone of shame
But here’s the good news: paw pad trims are quick, affordable, and incredibly effective at preventing all of the above. A trim removes the excess fluff between your dog’s toes, allowing airflow to reach the skin and making post-play drying fast and easy.
It’s one of the easiest preventative steps you can take as a dog parent.
At BFFE, our groomers can add a paw pad trim onto your pup’s daycare day. It’s a simple, inexpensive add-on that could save you in vet bills and spare your dog days (or weeks) of discomfort.
Whether your pup is a doodle, a spaniel, or just extra fuzzy in the feet — this is one tiny detail that makes a huge difference.
Before your next beach day, lake trip, or even just a stretch of rainy weather, schedule that trim. Your dog will thank you — and so will your wallet.
Haley’s Healing… But Let My Mistake Help You Avoid the Same
We’re on the mend now — but Haley definitely gave me a crash course in doodle care. She’s forgiven me, but I’m now a forever believer in keeping those pads trimmed before every trip.
If you’ve got a doodle or any pup with lots of fluff, let this be your sign:
Dry those paws. Schedule that trim. And avoid the cone!
Wishing you and your pup a summer full of safe, sandy fun.
Emily Atkinson
VP of Marketing
Best Friends Fur Ever