Protecting Your Pets Paws

Winter and Your Pets

Protecting Your Pet this Winter 

Winter is coming, and just like we humans, our pets need extra care to protect them from the harsh winter. It's hard to keep your pet cooped up inside during cold days, they still need exercise and time to socialize.

Sure, our pets are covered in fur, but some are not equipped to be out in the cold for long periods of time. Even a short time outside can cause damage to their paws. Different dogs have different needs, and there are tons of tips to follow to keep them safe and healthy.

Some Tips

Here is a list to get you started by Bark Post.

1. Get them a coat.

Unless your dog has a natural winter coat, like a Husky or Newfie, wrap that pup up! Find a coat designed to keep them warm and not limit mobility. If you want to really up the ante, you can customize your pup’s winter coat at PrideBites.

2. Keep their ears dry.

You don’t have to get them ear muffs, but if your pooch plays in the snow, make sure to dry their ears when they come in to prevent painful ear infections.

3. Thicker bedding in the home.

A slight draft that might not bother you could put smaller or thin-coated dogs at risk. Give them the option of burrowing into some soft, cozy blankies.

4. Hydrate your dog.

If your dog is wearing extra layers for the winter, then they need to drink extra water. If not, good hydration is still important for your dog’s ability to regulate its own body temperature. And use a plastic bowl outside. Metal bowls freeze and pose hazards to your dog’s tongue.

5. Limit time spent outdoors.

Your pup might get carried away making snow angels, so it’s up to you, not them, to decide when they need to come inside and warm the pup up. This will prevent frostbite and hypothermia.

What About Their Feets

These are just a few tips from Bark Post, and they are great. But what about their paws? It’s obvious their paws are the central part of their body that needs the most protection and daily care. Their paws are constantly exposed to the elements and toxic chemicals, which leaves them at risk for drying, cracking, and even chemical burns. Cesar’s Way has a few tips to follow that will help keep your dog’s paws healthy and enjoy the winter outdoors just as much as you do.

I don’t know about you, but growing up my grandma always told me to put lotion on during the winter so my skin wouldn’t itch. Of course, I didn’t listen, and now as an adult, I understand why, dealing with cracked hands and dry legs are no fun. Well, the same goes for your dog’s paws. I’m sure you have noticed how dry your pet's paws are throughout the day; they tend to get worse than that in the winter, especially after taking walks in the cold and snow. Applying a balm before going out for a walk will help keep their paws protected during the winter walk.

If your dog has long hair, use clippers to keep the hair between the paw pads short so that it is even with the pad. This will help prevent ice balls from forming between and around the paw pads, which can be painful and result in trauma. Also, keep your pet’s nails trimmed. Long nails force the paw to splay out and make it more likely that snow and ice will accumulate between the paw pads. Be sure to wipe their paws with warm water to remove any snow build-up and reapply another layer of balm.

Dog boots are another way to protect your dog’s paws. They might take some time to get used to, but it will keep them dry and prevent exposure to salt and de-icers used by cities. These boots are sock-like with a Velcro strap to help keep them in place.

Now, salt and most de-icers can be toxic to our canine friends. Try to keep your dog from road and sidewalks that are treated with salt and chemical de-icers. Don’t let them eat slush or drink from puddles near heavily treated roads and sidewalks. Immediately after a walk, wash your dog’s paws with warm water as described earlier to help prevent them from ingesting any salt or chemicals that may be on their paws.

Remember, dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia just as people are, so use common sense as to how long your walks can be. Keep an eye out on how your dog is acting, shivering or walking slowly.

Give Us a Call

These are some helpful tips to keep your pets safe this winter. Some are obvious, and some may be new to you. If you are trying to keep your pet from being exposed to the elements, like cold rain and snow, give us a call.

Taxi My Pet is a pet taxi service in Abilene you can count on if you don't have a vehicle or vehicle large enough. We can get your pet to their next appointment or playdate without any worry and on time. Book their appointment at www.taximypet.com or by calling 325-386-7600.