Healthy dog paws are smooth to the touch and free of abrasions. Unfortunately, harsh winter weather can create a storm of issues for your dog’s paws. By using the right dog paw wax and a few simple precautions, you can protect your dog’s paws against cold surfaces, deicers and more of winter’s harshest side effects.
But first…
Why is Winter So Hard on Your Dog’s Paws?
From the cold weather to deicers, here are the most common reasons your dog’s paws suffer during winter.
Cold Weather = Dry Skin
Winter’s cold and dry air dries out your dog’s skin just like it does yours. A lack of moisture leaves your dog more susceptible to rough or damaged paw pads.
Frost Bite + Hypothermia
Dogs can suffer from frost bite and hypothermia.
Ice Balls
Walking around outside, especially with long nails, can cause ice, snow and debris to painfully clump up between your dog’s toes.
Salts & Deicers are Toxic
Most salt and deicers used on roadways are toxic to dogs. If your dog goes out for a walk he might end up with toxic deicers on his paws, which can cause burning or irritation. Dogs then lick and chew at their paws, ingesting the harmful chemicals.
Pre-Winter Prep to Maintain Healthy Dog Paws
Before the first winter storm ever arrives, do these three things:
- Trim back your dog’s hair all around his or her paws to prevent ice balls from building up and causing painful damage.
- Trim your dog’s nails; this is an important activity all year round, but even more-so in the winter. Long nails cause your dog’s paws to splay out, making it easier for snow, ice and debris to build up in the paw.
- Invest in a good dog paw wax (more on that later).
After winter arrives, do these three things to maintain healthy dog paws:
- Take more frequent shorter walks, as opposed to 1-2 long walks a day. This helps limit the risk of frost bite and hypothermia. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, as well as acting lethargic or anxious.
- Always clean your dog’s paws with a warm moist towel after walking outside. This removes any deicers or other chemicals that may be attached to your dog’s paws and prevents further irritation while keeping your dog from licking toxins. It also allows you to remove ice balls that may have formed between your dog’s toes.
- Protect your dog’s paws against harsh winter elements by applying an all-natural dog paw wax before you go on a walk. To restore moisture, apply a moisturizing dog paw balm after you return and clean paws.
What can I put on my dog’s paws to protect them in the winter?
We can all agree dog boots are great for a funny Instagram video, but dogs don’t usually love wearing shoes as much as we do. Plus, they are annoying to get on and off and often end up forgotten about in a drawer while your dog’s paws remain unprotected. Dog paw wax offers a barrier protection against harsh winter elements, like dog shoes but without all the doggone fuss.
Nothing beats Natural Dog’s unique organic and all-natural dog paw products. To make it even more pawesome, we have two options:
One to Soothe & Heal: Paw Soother
Paw Soother is specially formulated to soothe and heal dry, irritated, red, peeling, crusty or rough paw pads.
& Another To Protect: PawTection
PawTection is specially formulated to protect paws against future damage while locking in moisture to keep paws smooth and hydrated.
Try them both & save money with the PAWdicure Pack
100% Risk free! If you’re not satisfied, we offer a money back guarantee.
