Winter can be tough on your pet’s paws. The cold, ice, and harsh chemicals often used on sidewalks all pose potential risks to your furry friend's paw health. In this post, we’ll explore what to watch out for and share tips on how to prevent paw damage, as well as how to treat frozen paws.
Causes for Concern
Frostbite - Although there isn’t a hard or fast temperature rule when it comes to protecting a pets’ paws in winter, VCA Animal Hospitals advises that if the weather outside is too cold for you, then it’s most likely too cold for your pet too. Blisters, pale or blue skin, swelling, pain and/or tenderness can all be signs of frostbite.
Chemical Ice Melts & Salt - The sharp edges of salt particles can already be harmful to a pet’s paws with repetitive contact, but the chemical additives to ice melt can pose even more significant risks. Anti-freeze, a toxic substance to pets that can appeal to a canine’s taste, is the active deicing agent in surface treaters along with other potentially harmful ingredients. Mere absorption through a pet’s paw pads can pose risks while potential ingestion can have tragic consequences.
Cracking - Just like our skin, maintaining proper moisture is a major concern in winter for pets. Lower humidity levels and exposure to the cold can cause dry skin and cracking on paw pads.
Prevention & Protection
While it’s difficult to keep a dog completely away from potentially harmful conditions the way we can with indoor cats, there are steps that can be taken to prevent, minimize, and treat damage to paws…
Limit exposure - By reducing the amount of time spent walking on cold surfaces, particularly those that have been treated for ice, paw damage can be minimized. Walks on snow or other unpaved/treated surfaces can help as well. Use of pet safe salt or sand is always advised for slippery surfaces.
Coverage - I hesitated to use the word “booties” to avoid seeming sarcastic, but whether you call them shoes, boots, or even booties, multiple options work to protect a pet’s feet from cold weather and harmful substances. Another option is to use protective balms on your pet’s paws. These topical solutions, the market leader being Mushers Secret which is 100% natural and even edible, can offer both protective and moisturizing benefits.
Cleaning - If it’s not possible to avoid surfaces that have been treated with salt or ice melts, cleaning paws that have been in contact with chemical substances is vital. However, frequent washing (particularly during colder months) can cause excessive drying and possible cracking. Here are some tips to effectively clean paws:
- For quick cleanup or when traveling, pet-safe wipes are a fast and convenient option.
- While a bath is the best way to clean a pet, in order to prevent excessive drying, spot washing paws is common. Use a small water receptacle or a sink for smaller pets and larger tub for bigger dogs. Remember that the areas between pads and around/under nails can hide potentially harmful substances, so gently clean all areas.
- Always be sure to thoroughly dry your pet’s paws with a soft towel or paper towel since leftover moisture can lead to bacterial growth or a fungal infection.
Pamper Those Paws…
While our lineup of tasty pet nutrition recipes don’t include any formulations specifically for paw conditioning, feeding your four-legged family minimally processed nutrition can still provide a great foundation for a healthy, happy life. See our RAWZ retail locator to identify one of our trusted partners near you!
