Winter Pet Care Tips: How To Care For Your Dog’s Paws

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text]By – Lucy Windham, Guest Blogger

Winter Pet Care Tips: How To Care For Your Dog’s Paws 

As the weather turns chilly, people prepare for the cold months ahead by getting their winter wear out of storage

Photo by Kate on Unsplash

and poring through magazines and websites for comforting cold weather food. However, at Paws Pet Care we think it’s important not to neglect our dogs as they can be susceptible to illnesses once the temperature drops. Apart from having a common cold, our pets can also be at risk of other serious health threats. Among the most common ailments that can cause your dog much distress is having sore, cracked paws and frostbite, which is why it’s crucial to care for our dogs’ paws to keep them happy and comfortable this winter. Here are some tips to keep our furry friends’ paws dry and warm when it’s cold outside.

Let your dog wear socks or boots

Those dog boots in your favorite pet store may look cute on your pooch, but they serve a greater purpose apart from making your dog look good. Dog shoes, socks, or boots actually keep your dog’s feet warm and dry when you’re walking your dog on a snowy day, so it’s a good idea to have a few of these for your pet once it gets cold outside. When choosing boots for your dog, pick some with textured soles, with a good grip for traction. Make sure that the soles are flexible enough so your dog can walk naturally, and choose boots with Velcro straps instead of snaps or laces. It’s also a good idea to pick boots in a waterproof material to protect your dog’s paws from getting soaked while your pet is playing in the snow.

Check your dog’s paws for frostbite

Your dog’s paws, nose, ear tips, and tail are at risk of frostbite, so check for any signs of this condition. You can tell that your dog has frostbite if these areas stay pale and cold even after being inside. Check for redness or swelling in these areas as these are also signs of frostbite.

Choose hazard-free routes on your walks

Choose hazard-free routes whenever you’re walking your dog. The salt on most busy streets can harm your dog’s paws, as well as other chemicals that are used to melt snow. Try exploring near wooded areas to prevent your dog from stepping on salt or ice melting chemicals which can cause dryness, cracking, and burns to a dog’s pads.

Follow these tips to care for your dog’s paws this winter. If you suspect that your dog has frostbite or has burns or cracks on his paws, consult your veterinarian. If you need an experienced pet sitter or dog walker give us a call at 502-802-5052 or email us at info@pawspetcareathome.com.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]