Walking your dog can be rewarding and fun for both you and your fluffy friend. But how are you supposed to enjoy your morning stroll with ten inches of snow right outside your front door? A dog’s paws are one of the more sensitive areas of any dog, so protecting them from ice and salt is necessary for any owner. Here is how to keep your pet’s gentle paws safe and cared for no matter what winter brings.
Dog Booties
Firstly, one of the safest ways of protecting your dog’s paws is to use dog booties. However, not all dogs will be convinced of their usefulness. Rewarding with treats, and having patience will eventually condition them just like any other new behavior. They are a valuable tool that can protect from ice, salt, rocks, or any other debris that might be on the roads or walkways.
Clean Paws Regularly
While booties are immensely useful in the winter, not all dogs like them so much. So, how do you take them out without paw protection? Cleaning their paws regularly is one way to prevent discomfort. Dog wipes are a helpful tool when on the go. Using dog friendly wipes will quickly remove any dirt or chemicals from the ground.
Bring a Towel on Walks
Another simple thing to carry during walks is a microfiber towel. This will easily clean off debris and dry up the excess snow and water during longer walks. If the snow sticks to the paw though, you should use warm water at home to melt the ice. While it is tempting to just pluck snow or ice bits off the paws, it can stick to fur or skin which can lead to more irritation or tenderness when ripped off.
Observe Your Dog
Your dog’s paws are important to protect in the winter months, however they are not the only thing you should be watching for. As the temperature begins to drop, you should take note whether your dog shivers in the cold. Most small dogs or breeds without an undercoat might be more sensitive to the chill weather, so giving them a jacket or sweater will make them comfortable and toasty.
Overall, observe how your dog reacts in the snow and general chilly weather. Do they like running around in the snow, or would they rather stay next to the fireplace all winter? Not every dog, protected or not, will like going outside so adjusting to their needs is always important. At Morris Animal Inn, we offer both outdoor and indoor playtime to accommodate each dog and still give the activity they need, whether the sun is shining or the ground buried in a thick layer of snow!