Winter time can be such a beautiful and fun time for you and your pup. Mine get all frisky when it’s cold outside. My Labrador, Cutch and mutt, Penny, love the cold and snow. I put Cutch out at 5 am and I look out, he is rolling in the snow! He’s 12 years old and when the temperature drops, he becomes a puppy again!
How to Protect Our Fur Legged Friends
Snow, although it’s beautiful, can be harmful to our pets. Today we are going to talk about how to protect your pup from the snow and keep them safe during the coldest months of the year. We will talk about ice balls in their fur, how to safely remove them, and ways to prevent them from forming in the first place.
We will also talk about the potential dangers of salt on dog paws. So grab your fur friend and snuggle up with them with a cup of cocoa or coffee (whatever your warm choice is) and let’s talk about keeping your pup safe this winter.
Ice Balls in Their Fur
Your pup may love the snow, like mine, but running in that fun snow comes with a hidden danger. Your pup’s body heat melts the snow enough to get wet, but then it can refreeze again in a tangled mass of ice and fur.
These ice balls hanging in their fur can pull on the skin, causing discomfort. Plus, ice balls between their toes can force their toes uncomfortably far apart. If left too long, ice balls can even lead to frostbite!
When your dog is uncomfortable, he may try to licking or biting the ice balls out of his paws. This could break the skin, opening up to infections. Keep an eye on them when taking your pup for a romp in the snow.
Removing the Ice Balls Safely
It’s not hard to remove the ice balls from your pup’s paws. Get some warm water to help melt the ice balls. Massage the affected areas with your hands or a warm cloth. This will help melt up the chunks to remove from their paws.
Use a brush to get rid of any remaining pieces and then towel dry their paws.
I’ve seen special cups you dip their paws, in, not sure if they work, but go for it.
How To Not Have Ice Balls Form
You could always put boots on their paws. If you pup is like mine, they will pull those boots off in a heartbeat!
Salt On Your Dogs Paws
Throwing ice melt and salt down on the roads are safe for humans to walk on but when it comes to your pet, not so safe. These chemicals can cause skin irritation or even chemical burns if your pup comes into contact with them.
It’s so important to keep your pup away from areas where salt or ice melt has been thrown down. This is you trying to avoid those areas when walking your pups. Make sure you clean their paws thoroughly after each walk as any residual salt left behind could cause damage over time.
We do offer paw balm that we could apply to your pups feet. Dog paw balm protects from the elements, chemicals, ice, concrete and other rough surfaces. Moisturizing paw pads
We also sell paw balm for your convenience. Just let your pet stylist know.
Just Have Fun In the Snow!
Just be aware of your surroundings and have fun romping in the snow with your fur legged friend. Enjoy this winter, I’ve heard it’s going to be a snowy one!
