Winter Paw Care
Now that winter is here, we are all faced with the real need to look after our dogs' feet, safeguarding them from the many hazards the season brings with it. Caustic melting compounds, ice between the toes, cracked pads, and antifreeze picked up on paws are just some of the dangers to dogs at this time of year.
Melting compounds that are safe for use around animals. But unfortunately, old-fashioned rock salt is still available and is widely used to clear the sidewalks that so many dogs are walked on. If a dog walks on a damp patch of pavement treated with rock salt and then licks her paws, she could end up being seriously ill. Salt can also contribute to the cracking of paws.
The same goes for another major hazard of winter: antifreeze. It may be great for car radiators, but it's potentially lethal for your dog if she steps in a spot of it on a walk and then licks her paws when she gets home.
Snow and toes
Most dogs plunge into the snow with gusto. Unfortunately, snow can cause many dogs to develop ice balls between their pads. These can cause considerable discomfort and leave worse problems in their wake. If your dog is smooth-coated, she will have very little hair protecting her feet, and ice balls can cut the skin between her pads.
Long haired dogs have an even greater problem, especially if the hair between the pads has grown long enough to form into debris-gathering mats. Imagine how you would feel if you had to walk all day with a stone in your shoe. That's how these mats make a dog feel, and many dogs will lick and chew at their feet to relieve the discomfort. Licking usually does more harm than good, with infection sometimes resulting.
If your dog is smooth-coated, you can protect her feet by applying a tiny quantity of petroleum jelly between the pads before going out. Keeping the hair trimmed reasonably short helps a long haired pet. Cracked pads, another winter woe, will also respond to treatment with petroleum jelly.
Give winter paws the boot
Many winter hazards can be avoided by using dog booties—if your dog will wear them. Some dogs yank them off as fast as their owners can put them on, so look for booties with snug-fitting closures. You needn't feel self-conscious about putting them on your dog. If those stalwart Huskies running in the Iditarod can wear booties, why not our sophisticated pooches?
If booties are not an option, wipe your dog's paws down with a damp cloth after every walk.
Have a safe winter...
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