Winter care for dog foot pads is a must. Dogs love to play in the snow, but it’s important that they are protected from the cold. Most susceptible are their feet – it is important to protect their paws during winter. If they get too cold, it can be painful, cause frostbite and – left untreated – could even lead to amputation.
Practice Winter Care For Dog Foot Pads & Paws
Dogs can get their paws and feet injured by snow and ice when they are outside for long periods of time.
Dogs love to play in the snow, especially if they are outside with you! However, if your dog’s feet are too cold or wet they may start to hurt. (And as owners, we may overlook this fact when they are having so much fun!) This is especially true if your dog isn’t used to being outside for any length of time in cold weather conditions. But working dogs are single minded, and may ignore painful paws and feet until they get very cold, or even freeze.
13 Tips To Protect Your Dog’s Paws
Winter weather can be tough on dogs’ feet, especially if there is snow and ice where you live. But there are some simple steps you can take to keep your pup safe from painful ice balls and cracked paw pads this winter season.
The best part is that most of these things will also help prevent problems with their paws in the summertime as well! So let’s dive right into what we need to do for our pups this winter…and every other time of year too!
- Keep an eye on your dog’s paws during the winter. If they are working or having fun outdoors with you, your working dog may not notice, or ignore painful feet until it is too late.
- Paw grooming is important this time of year. Trimming excess hair around the feet and toes will reduce the buildup of snow and ice around the feet.
- Keep their nails trimmed.
- If you notice any redness, swelling, or if they start limping or licking their feet excessively, it could be a sign of frostbite and should be checked out by a vet
- Be sure to limit their outdoor time when its really cold outside so their feet don’t freeze
- Consider covering your dog’s feet with dog some socks or booties to protect their paw pads from the snow and ice
- Apply foot cream every day – this will help prevent cracking and dry skin which can also lead to more serious health problems like bacterial infections
- Walk your dog on a leash so he doesn’t slip or get stuck in ice and snow
- Provide plenty of fresh water for your pup during cold weather
- Consider getting a coat for them if you spend a lot of time outdoors walking or hiking.
- You should always check their feet after coming inside from playing outside. Make sure there isn’t any snow or ice balls stuck between their toes.
- If they do get something stuck in between their pads, don’t try and pull it out yourself – you could hurt them more than help! Instead, use warm water and soap to remove whatever is caught on them gently with a washcloth or paper towel. Be careful not to rub too hard as this may irritate them further!
- And finally, make sure you apply Vaseline or Musher’s Secret before going outside to protect them from snow, ice and salt
Winter care for your dog’s foot pads and paws is critical for their health and well being. Help your dogs enjoy the winter months this year by protecting and caring for their paws and paw pads.