Are you enjoying winter? Or are you counting the days until spring? Just like people, dogs have their own personal preferences for weather. Some pooches, like huskies, love the cold, while others prefer summertime. No matter what your pet’s opinion is, you will need to make some minor adjustments to his care regimen at this time of year. Paw issues are definitely something to be concerned about in winter. Snow, salt, sand, ice, and chemical de-icing agents are all pretty rough on Fido’s furry feet! Read on as a Marietta, GA vet lists some winter paw care tips for dogs.
Keep Your Dog’s Nails Trimmed
Don’t let Fido’s nails get too long! Overgrown claws are very uncomfortable for our canine pals. They can also make it harder for your pooch to get good traction on icy surfaces. If you’re uneasy about clipping Fido’s claws yourself, just contact us to schedule a quick pawdicure appointment.
Trim Fido’s Toe Fur
Does your four-legged friend have those adorable tufts of fur between his toes? These may be cute, but it’s best to keep them trimmed. Otherwise, they can collect ice balls, which, as you can imagine, are pretty uncomfortable for Man’s Best Friend.
Keep Walks Short
The more time your pooch spends walking on ice and snow, the higher the chances of him developing paw problems. Limit your furry friend’s outdoor time in cold weather.
Use Pet-Friendly Products
When you go shopping for de-icing agents, always opt for pet-friendly ones. That said, it’s important to realize that even non-toxic things can still make Fido sick. For instance, your pup could have stomach issues if he walks over an area that has been treated with sand, and licks his paws.
Booties
One great way to protect your dog’s paws is to get him to wear booties. Not all will go for wearing fancy footwear, so give your canine buddy some time to get used to the idea. Start Fido out by putting his little booties on while he’s inside the house.
Moisturize
Winter’s dry air causes many people to have dry skin. This also happens to dogs! Use paw balm or wax to moisturize your pet’s paws. Petroleum jelly will also work.
Please do not hesitate to contact us, your Marietta, GA pet clinic, with any questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care. We’re here to help!
