Winter is ruff (pun intended) on the soft pads of canine paws. Salt on the roads, as well as sharp ice and crunchy snow, can cause painful cuts and cracks. What's worse: a pet's impulse to constantly lick the injury makes for a difficult recovery.
Ice-melting salt, used on driveways and walkways, is another contributor to sore paws. It can get stuck inside the sensitive areas of your dog’s paws and cause a burning sensation. To protect your pet's paws, we suggest using a paw-safe ice melter. Pestell Paw Thaw is a popular, pet-friendly option, and is available in our stores.
How do you exercise your dog in the winter without hurting their paws? Try one of these helpful products:
Dog Boots
Dog boots are a simple solution. They come in many sizes and various designs. We love the RC Pets Strider and Trail boots as well as the Pawshpad brand boot, both of which are made in Canada! It may take some time for your pup to get used to wearing boots, but they will enjoy longer periods of time outside with you, without the pain of cold or sore feet.
Paw Balm
Paw balm is a great option for dogs who don’t like wearing boots. The waxy cream is rubbed onto their paws to create a barrier that won’t allow the salt to penetrate. It also acts as a moisturizer. Musher's Secret is the most sought-after paw balm this year. It is a 100% natural food-grade wax, originally developed for Canadian sled dogs. Musher's Secret is available to purchase both online and in our stores.
Tip: If your dog spends time outside in Winter without booties, make sure to wipe their paws clean with a damp cloth or dog-friendly wipes to remove any salt.