The first snowfall of winter is always exciting. Children bundle up, drag the sleds out of storage, and play outside as long as their parents allow. The family pet usually heads out there with them, rolling and snuffling in the snow, chasing the children as they run from each other’s flying snowballs. When the children come inside with chapped lips and faces, we can easily see it and treat it.
What you may not be aware of, unless your dog holds up a paw for you, is that the pads of a dog’s feet take a major beating in the cold weather. It’s important to be aware of the dangers that snow and cold weather present to our pets’ paws, and make dog paw care a top priority.
Protecting Your Dog’s Paws During Winter
Winter is tough on everyone’s skin, and your dog is no different—except that his skin is completely exposed. Bitter cold can cause chapping and cracking of the dog’s pads, especially if he spends a lot of time outdoors. Rock salt and chemical de-icers are also harsh on paws. These products, commonly used on sidewalks or paths your dog may frequently walk on, can cause sore pads, infections, or even blistering. Not only are the chemicals harmful to paws, but they can also be toxic when ingested, leading to diarrhea and vomiting.
To combat the effects of salt and chemicals, wash your dog’s paws with warm water after outdoor playtime or walks. You can either use a washcloth or dip the entire paw into a bowl of warm water. This will wash away any residue, preventing your dog from licking the salt off later and becoming sick. Be sure to pay attention to the space between the toes, as small grains of salt can get trapped there, causing irritation. Once clean, apply Vaseline (other dog paw care products also work, but Vaseline is inexpensive and readily available) to the foot pads. This will help prevent chapping, cracking, and soreness. Be sure to reapply the Vaseline before any outdoor activities.
As a rule, brush off or remove any snow or ice that builds up on your dog. Trim any long hair from the legs that touches the ground, and also trim the hair between the dog’s toes, as ice tends to collect on this hair. Keep the hair from hanging below the foot pad. Also, make sure to keep the nails trimmed—long nails can cause the toes to separate, which allows ice and salt to get trapped between them. Ouch!
If your dog really seems to dislike the snow and cold, or if you’d prefer an easier way to protect their paws, consider dog booties. Although it may take a while for your pet to get used to wearing them, booties provide a protective barrier at all times. Neoprene boots are especially effective, as they are sturdy and even offer some support for your dog’s legs.
Taking preventive dog paw care measures during the winter months can save your pet a lot of pain and trouble. Be mindful of the dangers posed by snow removal products and cold weather, and protect your dog’s paws!
