Winter paw care for dogs. Protecting the dog’s paws in winter is as important as in summer. The dog’s excellent walking relies on these shock-absorbing pads. Today, we’ll talk about how to do this, and I’ll give you a recipe for homemade cream to protect the dog’s paws, which my great-grandmother used for her country dogs.
When is the cold too much for dog paws in winter?
There is no correct answer to this question, but we can say that if the temperature is above 0° C, medium-sized dogs can walk for about 30 minutes, while limiting yourself to 15 minutes is better for small-sized dogs.
If the temperature is below 0 degrees, it is advisable not to take the dogs for a walk.
Another critical factor is the wind; if it is true that even in winter, the dog needs to go out to move and experience, it is necessary to pay attention to how much the wind can lower the temperature.
If it snows, all dogs should wear protection, a coat, or lightweight waterproof protection if they have short and long hair. Snow dogs, such as Huskies, are perhaps an exception, but I recommend going out briefly.
Take a small towel and clean the dog’s paws.
To protect your dog’s paws in winter, follow these simple steps.
Take a small towel when walking your dog to wipe down its paws. This will help minimise any damage caused by salt, ice, grit or other residues they may have stepped on until you get home and give them a thorough clean.
If you have concerns about salt, dipping each paw in a bucket of lukewarm water and towel drying may help.
Do dogs’ paws get cold in the winter?
Snow, ice, and salt melt ice can dry out, crack and injure the dog’s fingertips. What to do? If you like going to the mountains or in the snow, I recommend buying shoes in waterproof technical fabric for the dog. You may not like these, but they keep the paws warm and protected and last long.
If the dog does not accept the shoes, you can use a cream or a balm that protects the pads. It will be necessary to apply a generous amount before going out, and then when returning, clean and dry the paws well and apply another layer of protective cream. This way, you will avoid cracking.
Use a specialist paw balm or Dog Boots Waterproof.
Ensure you keep your dog’s nails tidy
Ensure you keep your dog’s nails neat and the fur around them trimmed, as this will help to prevent ice from getting trapped between their toes.
To avoid causing accidental harm to your dog, we advise you to get this done by a professional.
The colder months can be a menace to the pads on your dog’s paws. Here are some tips for you on how to help protect them.
The natural paws protection cream to make at home
We will use beeswax to protect the skin of the fingertips, coconut oil for its antibacterial properties, calendula oil for its wound-healing properties and wheat germ oil for moisturisers.
Ingredients
- Beeswax 85 grams
- Coconut oil 3 tbsp
- Calendula oil 3 tbsp
- Sweet almond oil 3 tbsp
Preparation
Generally, you find coconut butter for food use in herbal medicine. You can melt it beforehand or add it if it is still solid.
Cut the beeswax into flakes and place it in a saucepan; add the three tablespoons of coconut oil, the three tablespoons of calendula oil and the three tablespoons of sweet almond oil. Melt everything over medium-low heat, let it cool slightly, and pour it into a low and wide mould or jar to remove it quickly.
- Read more: Dog Treats, a Recipe for Homemade Dog Treats.
Be careful not to burn yourself or let the cream harden in the saucepan. Please do not choose a glass container; the difference in heat could break it in your hands. Instead, let it cool and harden; it will never be as hard as a brick and will be ready to use.
Here are some tips on how to protect your dog’s paws in winter:
- Trim your dog’s nails short. This will help to prevent them from cracking or splitting.
- Apply a paw balm or moisturiser before walks. This will help to keep their paws hydrated and protect them from the cold.
- Consider buying your dog a pair of boots. Boots can help to protect their paws from the cold, salt, and other harsh winter elements.
- Keep walks short and sweet. The longer your dog is outside, the more their paws are exposed to the cold.
- Inspect your dog’s paws after walks. Look for any signs of redness, cracking, or bleeding. If you see any of these signs, be sure to consult with your veterinarian.
These tips can help keep your dog’s paws healthy and happy all winter. Here are some additional tips:
- Avoid walking your dog on icy surfaces. If you must walk on ice, walk slowly and carefully.
- If your dog’s paws get wet, dry them thoroughly as soon as possible. This will help to prevent them from getting cold and cracked.
- If your dog starts to show signs of discomfort, such as limping or licking their paws excessively, be sure to consult with your veterinarian.
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