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Whether it鈥檚 raining, snowing, or just plain dirty out, nothing will stop your dog from wanting to frolic outdoors. This means you need to be prepared to clean off whatever your pup picks up on their paws before it comes back inside with them, or worse, causes them harm.
Dog Booties
One of the easiest ways to protect your dog鈥檚 paws from the elements is investing in a pair of聽dog booties.聽Northern breeds like聽Siberian Huskies wear while mushing on the trail to protect their feet from ice and snow, and they can keep your dog鈥檚 paws safe too.
It may take a little time for your dog to get used to wearing , but with patience and rewards, most dogs adapt just fine.
Dog Wipes
or other moist wipes labeled safe for pet use can help clean muddy, sandy, or salty paws quickly, and are convenient to carry in a bag if you鈥檙e traveling. You may need to upgrade to a warm, soapy washcloth, however, for serious messes.
Bathing
Nothing gets your dog鈥檚 paws聽cleaner than a bath. While you don鈥檛 have to completely soak your dog, washing their paws thoroughly to remove dirt or harmful substances like road salt is sometimes the best鈥攐r only鈥攐ption.
If you have a small dog, you may be able to do this over a sink instead of a tub. And you can always try bathing a larger dog鈥檚 paws in the tub with a . Just make sure you dry the paws thoroughly before letting your dog back outside. You can also try a made just for the task.
Check Between Your Dog鈥檚 Toes
It鈥檚 tempting to give paws a quick rinse and dry so that you can move on to the next thing on your schedule. However, salt and dirt can accumulate between your dog鈥檚 toes, around and between their pads, and underneath the nail, leading to irritation. Gently part your dog鈥檚 toes as you clean to check for debris and irritation, and dry thoroughly.
Keep a Grooming Towel Handy
A fresh fall of snow is fun for dogs to romp in, but can leave wet footprints in your home. A quick toweling with a can help dry clean but wet paws, and prevent your dog from slipping on hardwood floors.
Snowball Removal from Paws
Snow quickly turns to balls of ice between the pads of your dog鈥檚 feet. Snowballs are uncomfortable for your dog, and put them at risk of harming themselves. When they pull them out, they can lose hair, but could also consume harmful chemicals like de-icer or road salt. At least for areas where you use ice melt, opt for a in case they ingest this.
Instead of pulling the ice balls out yourself, soak a towel in warm water and massage the icy pad gently to melt and loosen the ice. If you have a longer-haired dog breed, you can help prevent snowballs from forming by having a professional carefully trim the hair between your dog鈥檚 pads.
Check For Cuts on Paw Pads
Cleaning your dog鈥檚 paws is a great opportunity to check for cuts, scrapes, or dry and cracking pads. The dry air in your home and the cold air outside can cause dogs鈥� paws to crack, which is uncomfortable. Icy conditions can also lead to cuts and scrapes, which your veterinarian can help you treat. Try a soothing or to help prevent future problems.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.