A dog that practices a sport, works regularly outdoors, or simply leads an active life is exposed to wear and dirt that grooming must take into account. Beyond aesthetics, proper care is a genuine health prevention measure.

Paw pads: the absolute priority

As mentioned in our article on common injuries, paw pads are the first point of contact with the ground and one of the most heavily used areas in an active dog.

What to check regularly:

  • Cuts, cracks, or excessive wear
  • Foreign objects lodged between the pads (grass awns, stones)
  • Excess hair between the pads, which promotes mud and ice buildup in winter

Good habit: a systematic visual check after every intense outing, particularly on aggressive terrain.

Ears: an area to watch closely

In active dogs that swim, run in natural environments, or have floppy ears, the risk of ear infections rises significantly.

Warning signs: excessive scratching, repeated head shaking, unusual odor, redness of the ear canal.

Preventive care: regular cleaning with a suitable product (never a cotton swab pushed deep in, which risks pushing debris further in), thorough drying after any swim.

Coat: more than an aesthetic issue

Regular brushing removes dead hair, prevents matting (particularly problematic in medium- or long-haired dogs practicing outdoor sports), and allows early detection of any skin abnormalities, ticks, or parasites.

Recommended frequency: varies by breed and coat type, but a very active outdoor dog generally benefits from a check after every outing in a natural area, at minimum a thorough weekly brushing.

Nails: a balance to strike

For a dog that regularly runs on abrasive surfaces (asphalt, rocky terrain), natural nail wear may be enough to limit necessary trimming. Conversely, a dog moving mainly on soft ground (grass, sand) will need more regular nail care to avoid discomfort or even long-term postural issues.

After exertion: the recovery ritual

A post-exertion check period, besides being a moment for early detection (injuries, ticks, irritation), also contributes to the dog's recovery:

  • Full visual check (paw pads, ears, skin, joints)
  • Hydration
  • Cleaning if needed (mud, dust, de-icing salt in winter)
  • Rest time before resuming activity

Care that adapts to the seasons

Summer requires heightened vigilance for paw pads (hot asphalt) and external parasites (ticks, fleas). In winter, attention shifts more toward de-icing salt (irritating and sometimes toxic if licked), cold on the pads, and drying after wet outings.

Regular care, adapted to the dog's activity rhythm, remains one of the simplest and most effective prevention measures for limiting injuries and detecting any health problem early.