Caring for Your Pet’s Paws During the Winter Months
Ice, snow and slush can make for some messy winter months, especially when you have a four-legged friend that wants to be outside. Keeping them protected from the elements can seem like a chore sometimes, but knowing some strategies for prevention can be your best defense for your dog’s paws in the snow. The snow can bring freezing temperatures, toxic chemical agents, salt, sharp ice and hidden objects, so here are 4 ways to help keep your furry friend’s paws protected during winter conditions.
1. Grab them a pair of booties. The best way to give complete coverage to your dogs paws is to get them fitted with some booties for the winter time. Booties offer warmth, full coverage and a durable product that can be used multiple times. Make sure the booties stay in place on their paws when they are running or walking but aren’t so tight that they start to change your dog’s natural stride. It might take your dog a little to adjust when you first introduce them, so work on wearing them around the house or just in the backyard for short periods of time before building up to wearing them for a walk. For some local shopping options, check out Basset and Lab and Pet Supplies Plus in Lancaster.
2. Use paw balm. This is a great way to help moisturize their paw pads and keep a lot of the snow and slush off of their paws because the paw balm creates a barrier that prevents ice, snow and salt from getting between their toes. Before heading outside, rub some balm on the bottom of their paws and also reapply after returning from outside to help keep their paws soft and moisturized during the winter. Vaseline can be substituted for a paw balm, but if you’re looking for some ideas on what products to use you can check out these three popular ones:
If you’re up for a little DIY, here is a recipe to make your own paw balm from the American Kennel Club.
3. Wipe their paws after being outside. To keep from anything getting stuck or staying on their paw pads or between their toes, make sure to wipe down their paws with a towel. This will help to minimize any irritation caused by salt, ice or other residue that may have been hiding on the sidewalks or in the snow they stepped in. If you’re concerned about salt getting stuck in between their paws, you can always dunk them in a bucket of lukewarm water and then towel dry after.
4. Keep your walks short. As short as possible when it comes to the winter weather because if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them; unless you have a dog that enjoys running around in the snow and you’re prepared to go on a long walk. Being exposed to cold conditions can lead to the risk of frostbite on their paws as well as hypothermia, so short and simple is the way to go in the winter if you need to take them outside.
Not many people - and dogs - are fans of the winter, so making sure your furry friend keeps their paws hydrated and protected during the colder months can keep them happy and keep you away from the vet. The snow can be fun for our four-legged friends and everyone needs a little outside time after being cooped up inside for a while, so just remember to take extra precautions when it comes to their paws and paw pads to keep minimal damage and irritation from spoiling your winter wonderland.
We at Going Mutts Pet Services know that the winter can be a turn off for many people when it comes to going outside, which is why we want to help turn that around with daily dog walks with some of our paw-some dog walkers. Let us handle the outside walks while you get your work done, need to be at the office longer or just can’t keep up because of the cold. Going Mutts would love to hear from you to see how we can help with your pet needs! Contact us through our website or reach out to us at info@goingmuttspetservices.com for more information.
Sources:
https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/protect-your-dogs-paws-winter-weather
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/how-to-make-your-own-paw-balm-for-winter/
