Baby, it’s cold outside! Even if your pup’s tail starts wagging the minute you mention a walk, that doesn’t mean he’s ready to deal with salty sidewalks and freezing temperatures. “While some breeds are better equipped for cold weather than others, dogs are just as sensitive to the cold as we are,” says Dr. Jeanne Budgin, a veterinarian based in New Jersey. While your pup probably isn’t complaining, the snow, ice, and salt may actually be doing some damage to his paws. Since you can’t keep your dog locked up indoors until spring, we asked Budgin to explain exactly how to keep their paws healthy this season.
Protect your pup’s paws from the elements
To prevent dry, cracked pads, Budgin suggests massaging petroleum jelly or another product designed to specifically to protect paws into your dog’s paw pads before and after walks to help them retain moisture. Popular products include Musher’s Secret and Natural Dog Company’s Organic Paw Soother.Look for a product that is wax-based, which will form a barrier between the paws and the ice and salt, she says. After a walk, be sure to wipe your dog’s paws with a warm washcloth to remove any snow, ice, or salt before applying another layer of wax. It’s also important to keep the fur around your pup’s pads short to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice, which can be painful. Even if you are allowing your pup…
