How To Protect Your Dog’s Paws In Winter

February 21, 2023

Photo credit: Andrey Shkvarchuk

 

There’s no getting away from cold winters and salt-covered sidewalks. When you’re a dog, this can spell trouble. Not only can the cold cause their feet to crack and bleed, but ice-melting salt can cause some nasty chemical burns and sores.

 

Taking care of your dog’s feet is especially important in winter time. Just like humans, the cold, wet, bitter weather can dry out their skin and cause chafing, cracking and bleeding. Not to mention, put them at risk of frostbite. 

 

Imagine being a dog walking around barefoot outside in these wintry conditions. With no protection on their feet, walking through the cold snow and ice can injure their feet. Ice and frozen snow is hard and sharp and can easily cut through skin, particularly between the toes and sides of the paw. 

 

In winter conditions, your dog’s feet are constantly being put to the test. On top of the cold, wet conditions, which create the perfect breeding ground for infection, there’s ice-melting salt to contend with. 

 

Deicers contain different types of salt, such as sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride or calcium chloride. They contain other chemicals like antifreeze. When these come into contact with the skin, they can cause burns and bleeding. Coupled with the dirt from the sidewalk, the injury quickly and easily gets infected and may need antibiotics to heal.

 

Tell-Tale Signs of Ice and Salt Paw Injuries

 

If you notice your dog starts to limp when you get home, check their paws and do a skin scan of their legs. Make sure to check the webbing between their toes for blisters and ulcers. Your dog will also start paying more attention to their paws, licking them constantly. This can lead to infection.

 

So what are some of the things you can do to prevent paws from getting hurt?

 

  1. Buy them some booties or rubber protectors for their feet. Booties offer the best protection for your dog’s feet against cold, ice and salt, but you’ll have a struggle trying to get them on and off. Be patient and gently introduce them to your dog, starting with one bootie at a time. 
  2. Apply paw balm, coconut oil or vaseline to their paws before you head outside. This will act as a barrier against ice and salt. 
  3. Get into the habit of washing their feet when you return home. This is to remove any residue salt and dirt and help to prevent infection. If using a barrier cream like vaseline, make sure you wash this off when you get home. A quick foot bath in some warm water (no soap) is all you need.
  4. Use dog-friendly moisturizers on your dog’s feet to keep them from cracking and bleeding.

 

With these helpful tips on dog paw health, you can avoid painful salt burns and frostbite. If your dog does injure their feet, you’ll need a trip to the vet for some antibiotic ointment to help it heal.