Looking After Dogs' Paws During Winter

Dogs are no longer just pets but more a part of a family and as such their health, safety and happiness are of the upmost importance to their owners. Throughout the oncoming winter months there will be an increased amount of danger and hazards that can cause a dog injury or cause them to become ill; an essential part of keeping a dog healthy during the winter is to make sure that his or her paws are well looked after.

One way to ensure that a dog’s paws are kept in good working order can be to buy them boots designed for walking outside in. Not only will these reduce the chance of a dog losing body heat through its paws and thus, reduce the chance of the onset of hypothermia or frostbite, but they will also keep the dog’s paws clean, protecting them from grit, salt and de-icer that are used during the winter. It is worth considering that dogs are not used to wearing things on their feet and so it is a great idea to get the dog used to wearing the boots before the onset of winter; try to get them to wear the boots around the house and praise them for wearing them.

If a dog owner does not wish to make their dog wear boots when walking outside then there are a few other tips that can be used to help keep a dog’s paws in a good condition. Trimming a dogs nails, whilst unpleasant for a dog, is a must. Long nails have an affect on a dog’s weight distribution, making them put more weight on the back of their paw and so this means there will be more chance of the dog slipping or falling and injuring themselves. Having un-trimmed nails also makes a dog’s toes come further apart when he or she walks and so ice and snow will get in between the toes and make it painful for them to walk.

It is also essential to trim the hair between a dog’s toe pads keeping the fur level with the pads themselves. If water gets caught on the fur then it can turn to ice and cause elongated irritation as it thaws out whilst also increasing the chance of frostbite. Slushy snow will stick to a dog’s fur and so if the hair is not trimmed between the toes then grit, salt and snow will all build up on the paws making it very difficult for the dog to walk. A good example to illustrate this point is the use of wellington boots, when we are walking outside in the winter snow will build up easily and compact on the bottom of our boots, this makes the boots lose their grip and so the person wearing them tends to be more prone to slipping.

During the winter it is important to check a dog’s paws regularly as there are many things on the roads and paths that can cause them harm. One such example is that of de-icer, this is made up of crystals and salts and can dry out the pads of a dog’s feet. If this is the case then regular application of Vaseline or moisturisers can help to rehydrate the pads and sooth any painful cracks that may have appeared. When a dog comes in from a walk outside its paws should be checked and washed-off to remove any dirt, de-icer, snow, grit or salt; this is particularly significant as de-icer can cause vomiting and diarrhoea if licked. The use of warm water will also melt any ice that has stuck to the paws and warm up the dog’s paws and body.

From working in pet insurance I have heard about many cases involving frostbite, hypothermia and other paw and winter-related conditions. It really is imperative that a dog’s paws are kept in good condition and extra care should be taken in the harsh winter months.