Paw Care in Winter

Winter weather can be very tough on your dogs paws if you live in the north. With the onset of ice and snow comes salt to melt the ice. This salt can cause havoc with your dog’s paws. Prolonged contact with road salt and other chemical deicers can cause severe chemical burns to your dog’s feet. This is often a cause of limping after a walk on the road or sidewalk in the winter. When possible walk your dog off the sidewalk and on the snow or grass to avoid contact with the salt. If you have to walk on the sidewalk or roadway, consider investing in a pair or two of booties for your dog. There are many different types of boots available. Be sure to fit your dog properly or the boots may just fall off!

Deicing solutions can also cause problems if the dog licks it off of his or her feet or he licks it off your boots. Rinse your dog’s feet with plain water after he comes in from outside. Rinse your boots as well. Try keeping some water in a pan by the door for this purpose–but make sure to empty it immediately after use so no one drinks it!

If you have a long haired dog, then ice balls can also create problems. These chunks of ice develop between the toes and the pads of long haired dogs that walk in snow or icy conditions. To prevent this keep the hair on the fee trimmed.

Dogs can suffer frostbite if they are left out in the cold for long periods of time. The frostbite can affect the paws, ears and tail. Reduce your walks to reduce cold exposure for your dog. If you think your dog is suffering from frostbite or hypothermia, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Cracked, dry and bleeding paws can also occur from the winter weather. A humidifier can help to keep the house moist and reduce the risk of cracked paws. Applying an ointment can be very helpful for these injured paws. The new Itchy Owie Ointment from Pet Wellbeing would be very good for this. This ointment is good for bruised, cracked or injured paws as well as other injuries. Here is the link for more information on Itchy Owie Ointment for dogs: http://www.petwellbeing.com/products/dog-skin-disease

HAVE YOU HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH YOUR DOG’S FEET?