Many dogs love to play in the snow and here in Colorado they get plenty of opportunities to do that! However, the snow also presents certain challenges to dog owners to keep those dog feet safe and clean.
There are ways to both protect and treat dog paws that are easy and safe. We are going to discuss some basic management tips as well as mention a few products that we think can be very helpful when it snows.
Keep The Feet Trimmed
Some dog breeds have quite a lot of hair that grows out from under the paw and between the toes. This hair likes to gather clumps of ice and snow and track that all through your house.
If the feet stay too consistently wet from the snow then they are also prone to irritation and potentially skin infections in that area.
We recommend not just trimming the hair under the feet and between the toes but also drying off the feet with a dry towel when the dogs came back in after a walk or a play session outside.
Boots For The Paws
If you like to take your dog for long walks or hikes in the snow, then you may need to protect those feet a bit more. The snow can not only be rather cold to those pads, but it tends to hide sharper objects that normally a dog would avoid stepping on.
We really like the Qumy Dog Boots that you can purchase directly from Amazon. They are easy to put on the feet and have velcro closures so that they are adjustable for any dog. While the boots are waterproof, you should still dry off the feet once you get back after a long walk in these boots.
The Qumy dog boots are also an excellent choice for any dog who has to wear a bandage on their foot for a while because they are waterproof and rugged.
For more everyday usage, these lightweight Bark Brite boots may be a better choice. They are a bit longer meaning they will cover more of the leg.
Musher’s Secret
If you have a dog that loves the outdoors, and you’ve never heard of Musher’s Secret, then continue reading. Used for years to protect working dog paws (think sled dog teams and hunting dogs), it also is a fantastic supplement to help heal dog paws in general.
It’s a thick wax-based cream that also contains substance such as Vitamin E and it’s usually recommended to apply prior to going outside for any activity. It can also be used on a daily basis for dogs that are dealing with dry, cracked paws as well.
Dry Them Off
Once you’re home, you need to dry off those cold dog tootsies right away. That will help them not only avoid any moisture-related issues later but also warm them up quickly.
If drying the feet is difficult because your dog is either far too excited or you physically can’t reach down and do it, consider this super-absorbent doorway mat instead.
A microfiber shaggy mat will help remove a lot of that mud, ice, and water that your dog has packed its paws with while outside. They also come in a variety of sizes to fit your needs.
Final Word
There are specific health concerns that every dog owner should have when there’s snow on the ground. Whether you use dog boots or just a microfiber mat at home, be mindful of your dog’s paws whenever they go outside in the winter.
