How To Protect Your Dog's Paws in the Winter: 5 Tips for Pet Parents

The Importance of Paw Care in Winter

It's that cold time of year again. Layers upon layers of scarves, sweaters, and coats—but don’t forget to bundle up your furry friend. Your dog can have a blast running about on the snow and ice, but their paws are susceptible to freezing if they’re not covered. Continue reading to learn how you can protect your pup for wintertime fun.

Common Winter Hazards for Dog Paws

When the snow falls and ice forms, it starts creating some dangers for your dog’s paws. If you are planning some outdoor fun with your pup, look out for these possible wintertime hazards:

• Snow - Playing in piles of thick snow can cause clumps to form in between your pup’s paw pads. These clumps can cause pain when trying to move.  

• Increase in Dampness - With low temperatures, increased dampness will hasten the risk of frostbite.

• Ice - Pieces of ice may cause cuts in the paws.

• Ice/Snow-Melt - While these chemicals are useful for melting away dangerous patches of ice, they can irritate your dog’s fur or digestive issues if swallowed.

• No Friction or Traction - Unseen ice can cause your pup to slip and fall, even straining and spraining muscles.

Tip 1: Use Dog Booties

Benefits of Protective Footwear

It may seem silly at first, but buying your furry friend a pair of winter booties gives them valuable protection from the elements. Using dog booties gives your dog a non-slip, lightweight layer of protection against snow, ice, and chemicals.

Tips for Selecting the Right Size

Buying booties for your dog is exciting, but it’s important to find the right size. Find a great brand or manufacturer and measure your dog using their instructions. When you have the booties, place them on your dog and tighten them enough so they stay firmly in place without restricting blood flow. 

Getting Your Dog Used to Booties

At first, your dog may act strangely while wearing their new shoes, but they will gradually become accustomed to them. Begin by having them wear the boots for a short period, around a few minutes. Afterward, reward them with a treat to reinforce the positive association that wearing the booties is a good thing.

Tip 2: Regular Paw Inspections

Check for Cuts and Cracks

Outdoor playtime is fun, but you never know what your dog could be stepping on. Check their paws—if their paws are cracked or cut, you should inspect the area where they were playing.

Look for Ice Balls Between Toes

Gently hold your dog’s paws and look for any clumps of snow or ice in the form of a ball. If left alone, these balls can cause pressure pains for your dog.

Clean Paws after Walks

Give your pup’s paws a quick dip in warm water. Make sure the water is not hot, just warm, and then quickly dry them using a soft towel. The warm water will remove snow, ice, and melting chemicals from their paws.

Tip 3: Apply Paw Balm

Purpose of Paw Balm in Winter

Paw balm serves as an important tool for winter paw protection. This balm creates a layer of protection that keeps ground ice and chemicals from sticking to your pup’s paws. The moisturization also helps prevent frostbite.

How to Apply It Effectively

Take a thin layer of the balm and apply it on and between the paw pads. These are the main areas you want to focus on, but also make sure to use the balm in between their toes and fur.

Recommended Natural Ingredients

A beeswax-based balm is a great natural ingredient to use on your dog’s paws. This is a natural moisturizer perfect for keeping your dog’s paws safe during cold weather.

Tip 4: Keep Walks Short

Importance of Limiting Exposure to Cold

Having a good walk around the neighborhood is great for your dog’s health, staying out for too long is the exact opposite. Out for too long, and the continual exposure to the elements can begin harming your buddy. 

Signs Your Dog is Too Cold

Watch for these signs if your dog has been outside for a while:

• Shivering 

• Hunched posture 

• Whining sound

• Movements slowing down

Alternatives to Outdoor Walks

Sometimes being inside is better for your dog, especially if the temperatures drop below freezing. Take this time to freshen up on their training or have fun with their favorite toys.

Tip 5: Prepare for Ice and Salt

Dangers of Ice and Road Salt

While effective for melting down slippery patches, melting salt or other de-icers can be dangerous for your dog. The chemicals that make up different de-icers such as sodium chloride can harm your dog's paws. If consumed, it can cause digestive problems.

How to Clean Paws After Walks

During your regular paw inspection, clean your dog with warm water and a dry towel. Have a container of warm (not hot) water for your dog’s paws. Take the paw out and thoroughly dry them with a towel. The water and towel help to remove any leftover residue from any ground salt or de-icer.

Use Salt-free Alternatives on Your Property

Instead of salt, use a pet-safe de-icer. These contain non-harmful chemicals, allowing for effective melting without any harm done to your dog.

Protect Your Pup’s Paws This Winter

Wintertime can be cold, but that does not mean your dog can’t have a blast. Protect your pup’s paws using items like booties and balms to protect them from the elements. Keeping consistent checks on your pup’s paws guarantees a fun and healthy playtime.

Just had a romp in the snow? Make sure you’re cleaning their paws with a dog-safe towel. The Absorber from Dog Lover’s Towel is super-absorbent and dries your dog’s paws from snow, moisture, and salt particles. Give your dog’s paws the perfect clean with the Absorber from Dog Lover’s Towel!