Protect Those Paws

We all know what winter can do to a car. The salt and chemicals in the de-icers can cause extensive rust; the snow and moisture can cause extensive rust; the cold puts more strain on the engine. It’s rough! Imagine all that grit and grime from the roadways getting into the cracks and crevices of your feet. It would be painful to walk on it, wouldn’t it? This is exactly what happens to your dog. You need to take him out, and you are undoubtedly doing the best thing for him by taking him for a good walk. But it can also be causing him some discomfort. Here are some tips for making the winter walk more comfortable:

• If at all possible, avoid heavily-salted areas. Roadways are salted, but many towns also add salt to the sidewalks, so this can be a challenge.

• Wash paws in warm water after a walk or outdoor play. Snow, salt, gravel, and other debris can build up, causing discomfort.

• Check your dog’s paws for any cracks or irritations. If he does have sore or irritated paws, you might consider getting him a pair of boots. Get a pair that is designed specifically for outdoor walking. They usually slip right on and off and conform to your dog’s feet. If you’ve ever been to a dogsled race, you’ve likely seen many of the dogs sporting these boots.

• Instead of salt or de-icing chemicals, use cat litter or sand on your driveway. While these won’t melt the ice, they do provide traction and are non-toxic. Dogs walk on their paws; if they get an irritation, they’ll lick their paws, ingesting the chemicals in the de-icers. This is another reason why it is important to rinse your dog’s feet after a walk.

• If your dog has long hair, trim the hair on the paw so less build-up occurs.

• Put BagBalm or a petroleum jelly product on your dog’s feet before outdoor walks or playtime. This provides a layer of protection for them. Apply a layer after you rinse his feet to soothe any irritation.

Take a few minutes to take care of your dog’s paws. He will most certainly appreciate it.