Whenever you feel cold outside, know your pet is cold too! Unless they are a long haired breed like a Husky or St. Bernard, they are probably right there with you thinking they’d rather be inside.
The cold weather can cause your pets paws to become dry, cracked, painful, or even get frostbite if they are out too long. That’s why it’s super important to keep an eye on the Winter temperatures and how long your pet is in the cold.
Keep reading to learn a few tips on caring for your pets paws in the cold weather.
1. Keep Paws Moisturized
If you notice your pets paws are looking dry and cracked, use a paw balm wax to put on their paws before and after they do on their walk. You can even use petroleum jelly if that’s all you have.
The wax or balm will moisturize their paws as well as act as a layer of protection to their paws. Especially from the ice-salt and toxic chemicals that are on the sidewalks/streets.
2. Wash Paws After Walks
Because of all the salt and chemicals on the sidewalks/streets, it’s a good idea to wash your pets paws after their walk. This will rid of any harmful residue and chemicals that may have built up on their paw pads.
Just dip their paws in a bowl of warm water (NOT HOT) and swish them around for a few seconds, then towel dry.
After washing their paws, moisturizing them with a paw balm or wax will make sure they are staying as clean and healthy as possible.
3. Take Shorter Walks
Although you may take your pet on long walks in the warmer months, the extreme cold, snow, and ice can take a toll on their paws if they are out too long.
Some breeds that have longer coats may be able to stand the cold temperatures better than others. However, short coated pets shouldn’t be out too long. Be especially careful of senior dogs and puppies, as the cold can affect them worse than a young adult dog.
4. Buy Dog Boots/Booties
There are many stores out there that sell boots/booties for dogs. If your dog isn’t a fan of the cold weather and is always holding their paws up in the snow, you should look into a pair!
They come in many different sizes and they protect your pets paws from the ice and harsh chemicals, as well as keep them warm.
It may take your dog a minute to get used to wearing them, so start out with shorter times outside wearing them at first and move up from there.
5. Keep Your Pet Hydrated
It’s hard for your pets' paws to stay hydrated and soft in the colder months, and it’s even harder if your pet isn’t staying hydrated themselves. Make sure that your pet always has plenty of water, even on walks.
If your pet isn’t drinking enough water their paws are more prone to crack, be dry, and cause pain to them. Staying hydrated is just as important in the Winter as it is in Summer!
Conclusion
Playing in the snow can be a lot of fun for our pets, but it can also cause harm to their paws. It’s important to keep their paws clean, moisturized, and warm in the Winter months.
Hydration is also a key factor in their paw health, don’t forget that! In the cold it can be harder for your pet to feel thirsty, make sure they are still drinking plenty of water and not just eating snow.
After reading these five tips for caring for your pets' paws in the Winter, you should be more informed on how to care for them and keep them as healthy as possible!
