Dog’s paws can be sensitive in winter! Be prepared for winter walks and play with these tips.

Sometimes we can forget how cold it gets in winter. The icy, chilly air can take our breath away! Walking your dog or spending time with your dog outside in this season poses different health concerns than during the  summer . One should always be sure that their pet does not become too cold, and in some cases, a  winter coat might be necessary for your furry friend. There’s more to winter protection than that, though; protecting your dog’s paws will also keep it happy and healthy.

One way to mitigate the winter’s coldness for your dog is to take shorter walks. Canines do not always handle the cold well, particularly if they are not bred to grow a winter coat. They can be more sensitive to it than people are. Therefore, it’s better to keep the  walks shorter than longer.

If there’s a mess of snow, salt, and deicing chemicals in your neighborhood, it can very well mess with your dog’s feet if they are particularly hairy. Hairy feet can collect clumps of ice and debris. To avoid this problem, it’s best to keep your pet’s feet trimmed especially during the winter.

Often, deicers and salt on the sidewalks and roads are unavoidable, and these substances can be harsh on your dog’s paws. Salt tends to dry out skin, and chemicals can do likewise. To help keep your dog’s paws from dryness and irritation, apply a paw balm before and after outdoor activities. One can find a paw balm in a store, or make it yourself.

Another important thing to do to protect your dog’s paws is to keep them clean when returning from an outdoor jaunt. Have a towel and warm water ready upon your return; washing up will keep chemicals and sludge from entering your home and lingering on your pet’s sensitive feet.

Lastly, you can avoid the freezing and damaging effects of winter sludge on your dog’s feet by giving him a set of booties. Dogs may love it, and dogs may hate it, but with training, your dog can learn to use them with ease. Waterproof, anti-slip booties protect against the elements while keeping them warm. All you’ll need is to measure from your dog’s heel to toenail to know the right size.

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