Protecting your dog's paws in winter
The harsh winter weather such as cold, ice and salt can cause your dog several discomforts. Make sure to adequately protect his paws and pads to prevent frostbite and injuries. Discover the different possible risks and how to prevent them.
Winter is a cold season, but still a pleasant one to entertain dogs. Beautiful landscapes during walks, what more could you ask for? However, our companions' paws are more sensitive than we think, so you have to take precautions to ensure that your dog's paws are well protected in winter.
Here is a list of the most common risks in winter and how to prevent them:
Frostbite
Frostbite is often caused by prolonged exposure to extreme cold. When it is too cold, avoid long walks and go out only to relieve yourself or take a short brisk walk. In addition, it is advisable to put boots on your dog to protect the pads from the cold, ice, salt and calcium. If this is not possible, when you return, clean and dry the paws well to remove residue. You can also shave the underside of the paws to prevent ice/snow from building up. Finally, taking a quick look under the paws daily is an excellent prevention.
Leg injuries
Ice, everyone's enemy during this season. And yes, even our animals are not safe from this unstable surface. To avoid injuries to your animals (fractures, torn ligaments, wounds, etc.), it is important to maintain your yard well and avoid icy places for walks. Non-slip boots can also help if your dog allows you to put them on their little paws.
3. Dryness of the pads
Like for us, winter often means dry skin. For our dogs, this sometimes leads to dry or even cracked pads. It is important to remedy this to prevent the situation from getting worse and causing pain, lameness and even excessive licking. It is important not to put just anything on the pads, always find out if the product is suitable for animals.
Fortunately, there are several balms available on the market for the safe moisturization of your companions' paws.
The above tips are for preventative purposes only. If your pet is injured, do not hesitate to make an appointment with your veterinarian for a complete examination.
Source: Audréanne Lupien, Animal Health Technician (TSA)
Winter is a cold season, but still a pleasant one to entertain dogs. Beautiful landscapes during walks, what more could you ask for? However, our companions' paws are more sensitive than we think, so you have to take precautions to ensure that your dog's paws are well protected in winter.
Here is a list of the most common risks in winter and how to prevent them:
Frostbite
Frostbite is often caused by prolonged exposure to extreme cold. When it is too cold, avoid long walks and go out only to relieve yourself or take a short brisk walk. In addition, it is advisable to put boots on your dog to protect the pads from the cold, ice, salt and calcium. If this is not possible, when you return, clean and dry the paws well to remove residue. You can also shave the underside of the paws to prevent ice/snow from building up. Finally, taking a quick look under the paws daily is an excellent prevention.
Leg injuries
Ice, everyone's enemy during this season. And yes, even our animals are not safe from this unstable surface. To avoid injuries to your animals (fractures, torn ligaments, wounds, etc.), it is important to maintain your yard well and avoid icy places for walks. Non-slip boots can also help if your dog allows you to put them on their little paws.
3. Dryness of the pads
Like for us, winter often means dry skin. For our dogs, this sometimes leads to dry or even cracked pads. It is important to remedy this to prevent the situation from getting worse and causing pain, lameness and even excessive licking. It is important not to put just anything on the pads, always find out if the product is suitable for animals.
Fortunately, there are several balms available on the market for the safe moisturization of your companions' paws.
The above tips are for preventative purposes only. If your pet is injured, do not hesitate to make an appointment with your veterinarian for a complete examination.
Source: Audréanne Lupien, Animal Health Technician (TSA)
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