Taking Care Of Your Dog's Paws In The Winter: Tips For You
Winter is officially here, and with it comes cold and snowy weather. The frigid temperatures and the snow and ice on the ground can make it tough to navigate and deal with the outdoors, for you and your dog. There are many dog care techniques you can use to keep your dog healthy and safe in the winter. But one aspect of their health you might not have thought about is their paws. Your dog's paws need special love and care during the winter months. Get to know some of the steps you can take to help your dog out with their paws this winter. Then, you can start taking better care of their paws as soon as possible.
Wipe Off Their Paws After Being Outside
Ice and snow can get stuck in between the pads of your dog's paws, as well as in the fur. This can be uncomfortable and lead to them biting their paws, causing further discomfort and irritation.
In addition to ice and snow, ice melt chemicals and salts can get up into their paws as well. This can cause chemical burns on the paws themselves, as well as on their tongue if your dog licks their paws.
Because of all this, you want to be sure to wipe off your dog's paws after they have been outside during the winter. It doesn't have to be a big chore. Just take each paw and rub between the pads to dislodge anything that might be stuck there. It only takes a minute, but it can help prevent a number of problems for your dog's paws.
Don't Leave Them Out Too Long
Your dog's paws are vulnerable to frostbite and other cold injuries in the wintertime. As such, you want to be sure that you do not leave them outside too long in the winter. If temperatures are below freezing, a good rule to go by is to only allow your dog to be outside for 10 to 15 minutes. In subzero temperatures, try to limit it to 5 minutes or less at a time if possible.
This protects your dog's overall health but especially keeps their paws safe from severe injury in the cold winter temperatures. Do not keep your dog out too long. They will not necessarily know if they are getting frostbite or other damage to their paws.
Now that you know more about the ways you can take care of your dog's paws in the winter, you can be sure you are doing what you can to keep your dog's little paws healthy throughout the cold months ahead.
