Caring For Your Dog's Paw in Winter

With the weather getting colder it is advisable
to think about protecting and caring for your
dogs paws. Their pads are designed to withstand
running and walking on different surfaces, but
just as we would wear sandals on a hot beach or
shoes in the snow their paw pads need looking
after as well. With the ice and snow possibly
coming, the streets will be treated with grit
and salt which can cause dry cracked skin and
other irritations. Infections can also occur if
the skin splits and is then walked on. Not only
that but naturally a dog will lick and gnaw at
the affected area, which of course means they
will then ingest grit, salt and whatever else is
on the streets, possibly causing vomiting and
diarrhoea. Dryness is a big problem with dog
pads. Naturally in winter we all need a bit more
warmth, whether it's central heating or a cosy
log fire is on these other factors can add to
drying your dog's paw pads and add to the skin
being irritated.

So start with trimming the hair between their
toes, this way they will have less chance of
keeping salt crystals and wet mud particles in
their pads throughout the day. Also long hair
can cause your dog to have less grip on slippery
surfaces.

Keep their nails trimmed as well. If they become
uncomfortably long they won't give your dog any
grip which will force your dog to walk on his
back feet. This added pressure on the back paws
can make his toes spread which in turn allows
more snow, grit etc to gather in between their
toes creating balls of ice and dirt.

Objects can get stuck in your dog's pads.
Regularly check in between toes for thorns,
small stones, bits of broken glass and other
debris. This is something that should be done
all year round.

Keep a towel and a bowl of warm water next to
the front door for immediate paw rinsing and
drying after walks.

There are many paw balm treatments on the market
that should be applied weekly or as often as
needed in harsh conditions. I would suggest
doing it all year round as part of their
grooming routine anyway. The balm should form a
dense, barrier wax that creates a breathable
bond with your dog's paws. There are some that
have been developed for use with sledding dog's,
it provides strong protection even in the most
hostile conditions. Some are made from a blend
of several food-grade waxes, then refined.
Obviously check all ingredients in anything that
you buy for your dog as they have a habit of
licking their paws. You can use petroleum jelly
but never use human skin lotions.

Massage their paws and pads to stimulate blood
flow and relax their muscles and tendons. If you
do it right they'll enjoy it just as much as you
do when being massaged or manicured. Begin by
rubbing between their pads and then rub between
each toe working your way up their shins and
legs.

Alternatively you could try and get your dog to
wear dog boots. There are many varieties on the
market that all offer great protection for your
pet's paws. Personally through trial and error,
I've found that the rubber style boots, that let
your dog feel and grip the ground below, are the
easiest ones for them to get used to.

If in doubt, always check with a vet for the
best treatments for your dog.

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Alex KellyAs a pet owner, my articles are based
on issues I feel are important for fellow animal
lovers.Pet Promenade has everything you will need
for the furry member of the family. From pet
food, dog leads, grooming equipment and bird
cages.We have over 5000 pet products, at
competetive prices, it's worth paying us a visit
at http://www.petpromenade.co.uk/

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