Why and how often
In winter a dog's paws suffer from ice, sharp crusted snow, snowballs between the toes and above all road salt and other de-icing grit. They dry out and crack the pads, and a dog that licks its paws can swallow them.
Most of the damage can be avoided with simple habits: the hair between the pads kept short, protection before the walk and a paw wash when you get home.
What you need
- Dog boots, if your dog walks on gritted streets Clothing
- A protective paw wax or balm Grooming
- Small round-tipped scissors for the hair between the pads Grooming
- A bowl of lukewarm water and a towel by the door
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Step by step
- Trim the hair between the pads Long hair between the toes holds snow, which freezes into hard balls. Carefully trim it level with the pads with round-tipped scissors.
- Protect before you go out Before a walk, rub a thin layer of protective wax into the pads or put boots on. Get your dog used to boots at home, for short spells and with a treat.
- Choose your route Where you can, walk on snow or grass rather than heavily gritted pavements, and avoid sharp ice and frozen puddles.
- Wash the paws when you get back As soon as you are home, dip the paws in lukewarm water or wipe them with a damp towel to wash off salt and grit before your dog licks it.
- Dry them well Dry the paws and the gaps between the toes: damp and cold together crack the skin.
- Check the pads Every time, check that the pads are not cracked or red, and that no ice or sharp objects are stuck between the toes.
When to stop and see a vet
Cut the walk short if your dog lifts its paws, limps or shivers with cold. See a vet if the pads are cracked and bleeding, there are sores that do not heal, a paw is swollen, your dog keeps licking its paws or is still limping the next day, or you suspect it has licked up antifreeze.