Winter can be a hard time on our paws. While I may live inside with my Lady, I don’t stay inside all day. I gotta go out to do my business, chase a rogue squirrel, or maybe I just wanna go to the mailbox with my Lady. This means that special attention needs to be taken to care for my paws. Actually, around here, we got 40 paws in our pack to deal with! Winter paw care for dogs doesn’t have to be hard and we appreciate our paws feelin’ good! WOOF!
Winter Paw Care for Dogs
Nail Trims
One of my least favorite things is to have my toe nails trimmed, but it’s a necessary evil to keep my paws healthy and not cause problems walkin’ on ice and snow.
My Lady also keeps the fur between my paw pads trimmed to be sure snow and ice doesn’t cling and hurt me.
Cleaning and Salve
Groomin’ can prevent harm, but very cold winter days can mean I need extra time before goin’ outside.
Puttin’ a salve on my pads before a walk will help protect my paws.
And when I come in again, my Lady is very good about wipin’ my paws.
I don’t love it, but I know I need it.
She uses a warm damp cloth to remove any salt that may be out there for the ice, and a very soft dry cloth to make sure I am dry.
Sometimes, she puts a salve on them when I come back in.
We have some homemade paw balm and then sometimes she uses a salve called Kelp Balm.
It’s safe if I lick it and it makes my paws feel right nice!
My Lady always looks my paws over real good for remainin’ salt, cracks in the pads, or any other injury whilst she’s rubbin’ it on.
Dog Boots!
I understand that all of this winter paw care for dogs could be avoided.
I hear some dogs in arctic climates like another method of protection.
What is it? Boots! That’s right!
Some human folk buy their dogs boots. Umm!
In my neck of the woods, I’ve never seen such a thing!
But, perhaps some of my canine friends might like em.
There’s probably some canine fashionistas who would enjoy showin’ off a great boot, but for me – I’ll stick with the tried and true lovin’ care of my Lady!
I’m kinda partial to them paw messages! WOOF!
Calvin
Tuesday 19th of December 2017
Same for cats too I guess
Two French Bulldogs
Thursday 9th of February 2017
Mom soaks our feets sometimes in iodine and water Snorts, Lily & Edward
Margot C
Monday 23rd of February 2015
I use coconut oil on my dog's paws (nose too); it works great.
Jeanine
Sunday 22nd of February 2015
I wish I could have a good paw massage right about now! ;)
angela smith
Thursday 12th of February 2015
these are some great tips.my dogs would never wear boots.and they dont like people touching their feet.we dont use salt out back where the dogs go so i dont have to worry about that.and my dogs hate winter they only stay out long enough to do their business.