Cold and dog paws?
The cold season has arrived, bringing with it plenty of fun in the snow, but also cold, ice and salted surfaces. How does this affect our pet?
When it comes to the cold, there is a general rule – if it is very cold for you, it is also for your pet (except for breeds that have fur adapted to winter conditions – Malamutes, Huskies, Samoyeds, Tibetan Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, etc.). That is why owners often decide to dress their furry friends in clothes that keep them pleasantly warm on walks. But what about their paws?
Cold ground, ice and salt can cause your dog's paw pads to dry out and crack over time - just like our lips or hands can crack if we don't protect them with cream. Ice and sand often have sharp edges and can injure your dog's paw pads.
Anti-freeze sprinkles (sodium and calcium chloride, sand) can also be very harmful - they can remain on the dog's fur between the pads or between the toes and cause skin irritation, itching and dryness. When the dog tries to remove the sprinkle from its paws, it can also ingest it, which can lead to digestive problems or even poisoning.
During long walks, when puppies are exposed to the cold for a long time, their body responds by reducing blood circulation to the outer parts of the body (paws, nose, ears) and keeping only its core - the main organs - warm. As a result, the wet fur between the dog's pads can start to freeze, which can cause pain and even frostbite.
If paws are wet for a long time, bacteria can build up between the toes, leading to the corn chip smell that many dog parents are familiar with. Too much bacteria can also cause other problems, such as itching, sores, and infections, so make sure your pup's paws don't stay wet for too long.
So how do we take care of our canine friend's paws in winter?
- Make sure your puppy's nails are trimmed. If the nails are too long, this will cause the puppy's toes to be spread wider, allowing more snow, ice, and salt to get caught between the pads.
- Also, make sure the hair between the pads is trimmed , as this will help to prevent snow and ice from getting caught on it (especially in long-haired dogs).
- Apply paw cream to the pads before walking outside. The cream will protect the paws from cracking and irritation and reduce the adhesion of ice, snow, and salt.
- When you get home , clean your puppy's paws with a warm, damp cloth to remove salt, snow, and ice. You can also soak the paws in a bowl of warm water and wipe them dry. Then dry them carefully. Reapply a thin layer of paw cream to the pads, which will regenerate them and keep them soft and supple.
- The best protection for a dog's paws is provided by dog boots . They are put on like socks and then secured with Velcro or laces. The bottom is made of non-slip material. When wearing boots, be careful not to tighten them too much - they should not restrict movement. Make sure that the inside of the boots remains clean and dry. Many furry paws do not like shoes, so it is recommended to introduce them gradually. Buy the boots a little earlier and put them on your puppy for a short time first, even in the house. Distract him with petting and treats so that he does not start taking them off too quickly. Gradually increase the time he wears the boots until the puppy is ready to wear them for a longer walk.
Keep your pet safe and enjoy the joys of winter!
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