Keeping Dogs From Getting Snow In Their Paws

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Snow is wet and uncomfortable; that’s why most people dress themselves head to toe in winter apparel. People wear things like durable boots and insulated gloves to ensure that the snow stays far away from their limbs. Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to rid your dog’s paws completely of snow.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure that snow won’t get clumped in your dog’s paws is to make sure that the hair in between the pads stays trimmed. When your dog is outdoors in the winter, the snow will stick to your dog’s hair. When the snow melts, ice balls will be stuck to the bottom of your dog’s paws. Make sure you keep your dog’s nails trimmed as well. When a dog has long nails, there’s more area for snow and ice to stick onto.

If you know that your dog will be outdoors for several hours, goes outside often, or if you’re taking your dog for a walk, look into buying special products that you apply directly to the your dog’s paws. Pet stores sell waxes and gels specifically designed to protect a dog’s paws from the harsh conditions they might experience. A dog’s paws have padding to protect the dog, but the padding can’t protect the dog from extreme temperatures and conditions. If your dog is up for it, try dressing him or her in doggie boots before he or she heads outside for even further protection from the snow and ice.

Not only is snow uncomfortable, it can lead to frostbite. If snow is getting into your dog’s paws for hours at a time, your dog could end up with a case of frostbite. Frostbite can lead to your dog losing sensitivity in the affected area(s), and in extreme cases, your dog could need to have a limb surgically removed. Keeping your dog safe and protected during the winter months will keep him or her happy and healthy.