How To Keep My Dog’s Paws Healthy and Hydrated During Winter?

How To Keep My Dog’s Paws Healthy and Hydrated During Winter?

Dog paws are very sensitive parts of their body. Paw care is equally as important as a well-balanced nutrition, proper housing, and grooming, especially during the winter. 

In general, a dog’s paws are susceptible to the harms that have to do with cold weather, such as the presence of sharp ice crystals, snow clumps, wetness, a lack of traction, as well as exposure to chemicals used to melt ice. 

It is possible to avoid injuries, discomfort, and even health problems associated with the paws of your dogs by taking preventive steps, read on to know more.

Understanding Winter Risks for Dog Paws

Protecting your pet’s paws from harsh cold weather is important, especially during their winter walks. The winter cold may harm your dog's paws as snow and ice may make your dog more prone to frostbite. 

Snow and ice may dry out their paw pads, chipping or cracking the skin. Cracks in your pets’ paws can be painful, similar to how our lips can chap. Snow and ice can also injure the delicate flesh between their toes. 

Your dog may get indigestion or chemical burns if they lick pavement salt or chemicals from their paws after walking on it. This is a major concern in addition to weather hazards. Following are some of the strategies you can adopt to take good care of your dog’s paws.

The Benefits of Dog Boots

Dogs must wear paw guard boots to protect their paws from directly coming in contact with cold surfaces during winter. 

Boots will help protect your dog's paws from the cold pavement, salt, and cold rocky terrain, and will keep them warm and cozy, also protecting them from frostbite. 

Your dog’s paws will stay protected against cold burns or cuts and abrasions from ice crystals when on walks or runs. These products are ideal for dogs with sensitive or allergic paws as well. 

These also provide traction on slippery terrain and reduce the risk of accidents. Regularly utilizing paw boots can help your dog enjoy outdoor activities safely and comfortably during the winter months. To maximize efficiency, use the right size and material.

Washing Paws After Winter Walks

Dogs often get infections or irritations from dirt or debris being stuck between their paws or under their nails. 

This is one of the main causes of dog paw issues as this usually happens when they stroll through grassy or muddy areas. If you don’t clean their paws regularly, bacteria or parasites may infect their feet and could transmit to other pets as well. 

Be sure to clean your dog's paws each time you take him out for a walk outside by rubbing them down with a mixture of warm water and a gentle pet soap or with a special dog paw. This will help you avoid the occurrence of cuts and infections. 

Additionally, dog wipes can also be used which have been developed specifically to be gentle to the paws of the canines.

Keeping Paws Moisturized and Healthy

It is essential to ensure that the paw pads of your dog are kept moisturized to prevent drying and cracking, both of which can eventually result in infections or other problems. 

There is a wide variety of lotions, creams and balms that have been developed expressly for this purpose. When choosing a lotion, look for an unscented one and natural ingredients such as coconut oil, aloe vera, beeswax, etc. 

Simply massage a small quantity into every paw pad a minimum of once or twice a week or more frequently depending on the requirements and then clean off any excess with a gentle cloth or towel afterward if it is too greasy.

Regular Paw Inspections

A dog's paw pads are distinct in terms of sensitivity, much as people have diverse types of skin, some sensitive, some less sensitive. Paw pads of some dogs may be more resilient, while others may be more sensitive. 

On a regular basis, you should examine the paws of your dog to look for any indications of damage or infection. Check for cuts, scratches, redness, swelling, or foul smell that may be present. 

Additionally, inspect the spaces between the toes and the pads of the feet for any dirt or foreign items that may have become stuck there. If you observe anything out of the ordinary, contact your veterinarian, as this may be a sign of a problem requiring special medical attention.

Indoor Paw Care During Winter

Pets can dehydrate in cold weather so provide your pets with fresh water and fill the water bowl regularly to encourage them to drink water. If your pet is hydrated it is less likely their paw pads will become dry or itchy.

Consider giving your pet moist food in winter along with water as wet food has higher water content than dry food, thus it can hydrate your pet. Introduce wet food carefully over several weeks if your pet is unfamiliar with it.

Give your pets a nice blanket or warming pad. This will keep their paws warm and comfortable while sleeping during winter. When placing bedding for your pet, avoid putting it near windows or doors. To avoid bacteria and other contaminants, clean your pet's bedding periodically.

References: 

  1. Protect your dog’s paws from winter weather. (n.d.). Animal Humane Society. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/protect-your-dogs-paws-winter-weather
  1. Taking care of a dog’s paws: Everything you need to know. (n.d.). Healthy Pet. https://www.healthy-pet.com/blogs/blog/taking-care-of-a-dogs-paws-everything-you-need-to-know

 

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