6 Coyote-Looking Dogs

Dogs' paws are impacted by harsh winter cold when they are left outside. Irritation, cracking, bleeding, and stinging are caused by cold snow, ice, salt, and chemicals used in deicing. There are ways for pet parents to maintain the health and warmth of their pets' paws. Your dog's paws are protected by regular grooming, protective balms, dog boots, and cleaning them after being exposed to cold weather.

Groom Paws

Grooming Your paws and nails is a must for healthy winter feet. Maintain your dog's nail trim. With every step your dog makes, their long nails will force the paw to stretch out, enabling snow and ice to accumulate between the pads. If the ice and snow are not thoroughly cleaned, they may include harsh chemicals and salt from deicing processes. These substances can build up between your dog's pads and cause pain, stinging, irritation, and even the potential for infection. Even with your dog's paw pads, keep the hair in between them short. Additionally, clip the hair surrounding the paws short enough to prevent it from falling to the ground.By doing this, ice balls won't be able to accumulate around and between paw pads. Ice balls have the potential to cause harm and suffering.

Defending Balms

Dry, cracked paws are avoided with protective balms. Before taking your dog for a stroll in the cold, apply a small coating of balm to keep their paws hydrated and protected. Protective balms will ease irritation, heal cuts on the paws, and stop itching. Pet supply businesses and internet retailers sell protective balms.

Canine Boots

The best defense against being exposed to the weather is dog boots. They resemble socks and are fastened to your dog's leg with a Velcro strap that goes around their leg. They have a range of distinct soles. Dog boots with a fleece inside and a leather sole are worn in bitterly cold climates. Rubber soles on certain dog boots offer stability and traction. Give your dog some time to get used to the sensation of wearing boots. After you put the boots on him, let him take brief walks inside as he gets used to them. Dog boots are available online and at pet retailers, and they come in a range of colors and sizes.

Examine and Wash Your Paws

Check your dog's paws for ice, snow, or other debris stuck to or inside of them after he has been outside in cold weather. After taking your dog for a walk, carefully remove and wash their paws in warm water to dissolve any ice and get rid of any chemicals or salt that may have collected. Cleaning your dog's paws can also save him from consuming salt or deicing agents that he could have come into contact with while out on a stroll. After cleaning, give his paws an extra layer of protection by using a small layer of balm to keep them from drying out and cracking. An option to protective balm is petroleum jelly.