DID YOU KNOW, your dog’s paw pads are the ones protecting the bones inside the paws as well as the joints? These paw pads, also known as the carpal and metacarpal pads, are not only the shock absorbers but also the insulators of your dog’s body that help them withstand extreme winter conditions. However, in spite of this fascinating ability of the paws, we all know that not all dogs are immune to frostbites. Dog paws care during winter is something you CANNOT take for granted.
What’s a dog’s winter threshold?
A dog’s winter threshold is the limit to which he can comfortably hang out in snow. Signs like shivering, licking of paws, snow avoidance etc are signs that your dog has reached his threshold. Dogs with no undercoat reach their threshold faster as compared to dogs that have multiple undercoats.
So, when taking out your dog who has low tolerance to winter, it’s important to take ample precautions and layer your dog up not just to protect him from the cold, but also to keep the walks enjoyable for your dog.
Signs that your dog’s paws need attention
- Dried and chipped paws
- He’s excessively licking them
- He tries to hop across snow patches and avoids them
- He tends to keep lifting his paws constantly while walking through snow
- Your dog has an existing paw injury
- Your dog is shivering in the cold
- Your dog keeps laying down outside in the cold refusing to walk
Winter care for paws of the dogs with webbed feet
That’s correct. Webbed feet ain’t just for ducks! Most puppies are born with webbed feet, but most of them lose their webbing early on in life.
Breeds like Labradors, Newfoundland, Border Collies, Dachshunds, German Shorthaired Pointers, Portuguese Water dogs are known to have webbed feet.
Webbed feet enable dogs to swim better. However, they’re also more likely to trap snow and other particles in between their toes. Paw grooming for these breeds naturally become an essential for easier transition to winter season.
Trim the hair near the webbing regularly to avoid matting and pain. Keep paws dry and free of particles like salt, dirt or snow once you come back home.
The webbing in some dogs’ feet, although miss-able, plays a very important role in helping dogs adapt to snowy conditions. It often sets them apart from other dog breeds in terms of walking, digging and playing in snow and require special attention and grooming in winter.
Can dogs get frostbite?
YES. Just like humans, dogs can also get frostbite during winter. Frostbite causes due to tissue damage in extreme winter conditions. Dogs are at risk depending on their winter threshold once the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celcius.
Organs of the body that are most exposed to snow and are further away from the heart like ears, nose, tail and paws are most prone to it. Some breeds like Siberian Husky and Newfoundland are not as prone to frostbites due to their natural adaptation to extreme winter. However, dogs that aren’t as blessed with multiple undercoats run the risk of frostbites.
While minor frostbites can be treated with medication and antibiotics, severe frostbites may result in amputation.
Winter Care for dogs paws and Frostbite Prevention tips-
1. Musher’s Secret Paw Protection wax
This wax that was originally created for dog sledders in Canada is a must for just about any pup walking outdoors in snow and ice; a big plus for city dogs is that it protects against irritation from salt and other snow-melting chemicals on sidewalks and driveways.
It’s easy to apply, made of natural ingredients and helps retain moisture in your dog’s paw pads, thereby preventing cracking and dryness.
2. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a blessing due to its innumerable advantages. Not only is it a natural antibacterial, but also a yummy smelling and tasting moisturizer which your dog will absolutely love.
Coconut oil can be used as a preventive measure as well as a TLC for already damaged paws. Massage some coconut oil on your dog’s flaky, itchy paws before your dog sleeps and let him wake up to soft, well-nourished and moisturized paw pads. Even if your dog ends up linking quite a bit of it, there will still be enough left for his paws to soak in.
A post on Dog paws care during winter is incomplete without a special mention to the cheapest and the most readily available ingredient- coconut oil!
3. Fleece boots (gives protection from salt and helps retain body heat)
While a lot of people may argue on how boots add no value whatsoever, I choose to disagree. Love it or hate it, Dog boots are one of the easiest ways to care for them paws during winter!
It’s not just the snow that your dog needs protection from. It’s also the salt and chemicals on the roads and pavements sprinkled in order to melt the ice. These salt and chemicals can rip your dog’s paws off its natural oils and can leave them chapped and flaky.
Furthermore, not all dogs naturally take to the snow. Boots come to your dog’s rescue during outdoor adventures that last long. The fleece lining in boots not only help in maintaining your dog’s body temperature and heat, but also keeps them clean throughout the walk.
While picking winter boots for dogs, make sure you pick up the ones that have a fleece lining, are waterproof, fit well and have a good grip to avoid skidding.
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4. Multiple short walks instead of few long walks
A lot of breeds that do not have multiple undercoats are prone to frostbites and hypothermia a lot faster than the Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies of the world. Prolonged exposure to snow with no paw protection not only will damage your dog’s tissues, but also make him resent walks.
Consider taking your dog for multiple short walks during the day rather than 2 Long walks. If you’re unable to take out time for multiple walks, make sure you’re keeping your bored dog entertained indoors and providing him with enough enriching activities for physical and mental stimulation.
5. Wipe paws dry once you reach home
As mentioned above, your dog’s paws need as much protection from salt as from snow. Once you come home from a walk, you can use warm wet towels to first wipe down your dog’s paws. The warmth in the towel helps in melting away any snow particles on his paws and retain heat in his body. After that, wipe them down again with a dry towel to make sure his paw pads don’t retain any wetness.
Alternatively, you can also lightly rinse his paws with luke warm water to get rid of mud, salt, snow, etc. Make sure you wipe it down and dry it off thoroughly post that. Dogs can be prone to fungal infection in between their paw pads if the excess water is not dried off.
6. Trim nails and fur near paw pads
Believe it or not, uncut dog nails hampers the way your dog walks. It’s a hassle already to walk in snow. Why add to the pressure? Paw grooming is hands down the best way to care for dog paws during winter.
Most dogs have hair/ fur around their paws. When not trimmed regularly, they can get matted and can attract and keep unwanted particles from the ground. This can affect your dog’s blood circulation and thereby his health. Trust me, however difficult trimming your dog’s nails and the hair around it might seem to you right now, the after-effects of ungroomed paws are worse!
Trust me, however difficult trimming your dog’s nails and the hair around it might seem to you right now, the after-effects of ungroomed paws are worse!
Here’s a simple video on how you can groom your dog’s paws –
Here are a few tools you can use to get your dog’s paws winter-ready.
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7. Don’t leave your dog unsupervised in a snowy backyard
As a trainer, unsupervised play is something I would NEVER be in support of. What your dog does when he’s alone everyday defines a huge part of his personality. Backyard play can trigger all sorts of behaviors like chasing, digging, barking at people passing by or neighbor’s dogs etc. When your dog continues to practice this behaviour regularly, he just gets good at it.
Moreover, when it’s snowing outside, sometimes your dog is not capable of taking a call on his own to stop play and go back in the house when snow makes paws hurt. In such cases you have to make that call for him.
8. Carry a towel or pet wipes
Carrying a towel is especially helpful to care for your dog’s paws during long walks in snow in winter. Some patches on the pavement could be heavily sprinkled with salt and chemicals for de-icing. Wiping down your dog’s paws with a dry towel or pet wipes after walking over these patches could save them from prolonged exposure to it.
Microfiber Towel (CLICK ON IMAGE)
Pet wipes (CLICK ON IMAGE)
9. Humidify
10. Fewer bath times
Using shampoo on your dog time and again will rip his fur out of the natural oils and moisture it produces to keep the coat glossy and shiny. These oils are especially vital in winter months when the skin is prone to dander issues. No amount of coconut oil or conditioning shampoos will replace the natural oils of your baby’s fur.
When your dog gets muddy, rinse him off with luke warm water. Avoid frequent usage of shampoos.