How to Protect your Dogs' Paws During Winter
February 21, 2025
With winter showing no signs of easing up, we thought it might be helpful to list a few tips for our clients about keeping their pups’ paws safe in extreme weather conditions.
- Avoid using anti-icing agents and opt for sand instead
- If de-icing/salt is required, use a pet-safe version and wipe your pups’ paws after they come inside
- Keep nails trimmed - long nails can splay toes farther apart when your dog walks, encouraging snow and ice accumulation between the toes and pads. Long nails are also more prone to splitting, causing a painful condition that sometimes requires veterinary intervention
- Dog Boots can be a game-changer! Boots are the safest, most effective option for protecting paws, however they do take some getting used to and some pups are never fully convinced of their benefit
- Paw Wax – Apply a wax or balm to your pets’ paws before they go outside; Musher’s Secret is great choice, and there are many other good options on the market as well
- Consider keeping fur between pads clipped short - some breeds do better when this fur is trimmed, while for others it can be protective/insulative. This can vary, so be sure to ask your vet about appropriate care for your pet
- Make a habit of inspecting your pups’ paws before and after jaunts outside to ensure there are no issues that could develop into greater problems
Stay safe & warm out there!
#WinterPetSafety #WinterPets #carrabassettvalley #carrabassettvet #kingfield #kingfieldmaine
