Your dog’s paws can get very sensitive in winter, especially in the snow and icy weather. Stepping on the cold, wet ground and ice melt used to keep roads clear can cause cracks and irritation on the pads of your pup's feet. You may see your dog lifting their paws up high off the ground or licking and chewing at their toes after being outside.
There are many products designed to protect dog paw pads during the winter months, from pet-safe de-icing products to protective waxes and dog booties. Check out our other winter safety tips for some winter wellness essentials. Here are some easy things you can do to keep your fur baby's paws safe from the cold.
Avoid Walking on Paved, Salted Surfaces
One of the main contributors to damaged paw pads is ice-melting products used on driveways, roads, and sidewalks. Prolonged contact can lead to chemical burns on dog paws. It’s best to try to keep them on the grass or snow whenever possible. Try to limit the time spent on paved surfaces, especially those that have been salted.
Use Pet-Safe De-icer
Paw Thaw is a common pet-friendly de-icer you can use for your own sidewalks and driveways. Sand, small stones, and kitty litter (non-clumping) are also options that can be used for de-icing while protecting your dog’s pads from injury and chemical burns.
Apply Paw Wax Before Walks
Paw wax forms a breathable bond with your dog's paws, making a protective barrier between the paw and the salty sidewalk or pavement. Musher’s Secret is one of the most popular paw waxes developed for sledding dogs in cold climates. Apply the wax to the pads of your pup's feet before a walk. This will minimize the dry skin and damage salt can cause. Paw wax will wear away after extended exercise and should be reapplied before each walk. Bag Balm, a product available at nearly every pharmacy, applied in a thin layer daily or every other day can also help keep your dog’s paws from cracking and bleeding.
Wipe Down with a Towel After Walks
After coming in from a winter walk, wipe your dog's paws gently with a towel to remove salt, ice, or other debris they may have stepped on. This can help prevent ice balls from forming in the hairs between their toes. If it was particularly salty outside or your dog's feet seem very dry, dip your pup's paws in a bucket of lukewarm water before towel drying them.
Treat Cracked Pads with Gentle Moisturizer
You can help soothe irritated paw pads with a gentle nose and paw moisturizer for pets. Apply to cracked pads daily or every other day, as needed, to reduce dryness and help your pooch's feet heal.
Keep Walks Short in Freezing Weather
In extreme weather, it's wise to keep walks short, as prolonged exposure to the cold can be dangerous for your dog's body. If you notice your dog picking their feet up high off the ground, stopping to lick or bite at their toes, or beginning to limp all of a sudden during a walk, these are signs that their feet may be too cold! Consider using booties to protect your dog's paws. In freezing temperatures, keep the walks to just short potty breaks - there are plenty of ways to exercise your pup indoors when the weather outside is frightful.