Does Your Dog Get Cold Paws in Winter? Here’s What To Do.
Your Dog Can Get Cold Feet Too!
Winter’s Here. How Can You Keep Your Dog’s Paws Toasty Warm?
Cold Winter Equals Cold Paws! Here’s How You Can Keep Your Dog Safe.
By: Hannah Forrest
Winter is around the corner. With winter comes hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, cozy fires, and playful snowball fights. Your entire family, including your furry family, can enjoy the first fresh snowfall and a little taste of snow cream. You can make snow angels and snow doggies in the snow, and even let Fido give an attempt at sledding—if he wants to, of course.
But with winter also comes many potential hazards and health concerns for people and animals. Harsh snowfall and black ice result in sliding vehicles, ice on windshields, slippery sidewalks, and the freezing, bitter cold of ice and snow. You have warm gloves, warm snow boots, and warm coats to wear when the weather gets cold. But what about your doggie family members?
If you live in a cold and snowy place, your dog’s paws can get harmed with all the ice, snow, and salt on the ground, sidewalks, and roads.
There are several ways you can protect your doggie’s feet when going outside in the winter.
Why Should My Dog’s Paws Need Protecting?
A lot of people assume that animals are fine outdoors in the cold weather. After all, they’re warm-blooded and they have a fur coat. They’re made to live outdoors, and they should automatically adjust to weather extremes.
According to the American Veterinary Association, cats, dogs and other animals can be just as susceptible to cold weather extremes as people. Elderly pets may have difficulty walking on snow and ice and can slip, just like people. Shorter-haired breeds can get colder at a faster rate, and animals with health issues like diabetes may have trouble regulating their body temperature.
But even with long-haired, healthy dogs, the dangers of cold weather can cause:
Hypothermia
If a dog is exposed to colder temperatures for too long at a time, they can develop hypothermia just like people. So it might be best to postpone those long walks in the woods in the winter, at least unless you bundle up Fido as well!
Frostbite
Yes, dogs can get frostbite too! Imagine going outside in subzero temperatures without gloves. If you’ve ever tried it, you didn’t stay out long. Even with thick socks and waterproof boots, your toes can get frostbite. It’s the same with animals. Although their paws may be better-protected than our fingers, they’re not invincible to the same dangers.
Dry-cracked paw pads
The colder temperatures alone can cause dog’s paws to get dried out and start cracking. It can even cause bleeding and sores. The harshness of ice, salt and de-icing products can also cause irritation on your dog’s paws. And if your dog tries to lick these products off his paws or skin, it can cause poisoning.
There are plenty of precautions pet owners can (and should) take to ensure their adorable “fluffies” get through the winter all snug and safe.
Can My Dog Wear Shoes in the Winter?
Doggies can wear shoes too! At least little booties. Some people may not be a fan of dogs wearing shoes, but there’s no denying their effectiveness against the snow and cold. Booties provide warmth and coverage, and help your dog’s paws stay safe.
Be sure to look specifically for cold weather and snow-related dog booties when searching for the perfect pair of winter dog shoes. They even make adorable little doggie sneakers!
Some things to consider when picking out a pair of dog booties:
Size
Different dogs will need different sizes of booties, just like people. Measure from the heel to the tip of the dog’s toenail in order to find the right size.
Comfort
Not all dogs may be comfortable wearing shoes. Others may just need some practice to get used to it first. Before sticking new booties on your dog’s paws and dragging them outside to play in the snow, try these things first:
1. Let your dog sniff the booties, show your dog how you have your own booties and let him watch you put your shoes/booties on.
2. Try to place the booties on your dog’s paws. He may immediately try to pull them off. If he’s well-trained, you can tell him no. If he pulls them off anyway, or pulls them off with his mouth, you might need to try a cone while he wears them for a while.
3. If your dog accepts the booties, let him wear them around the house several different times until he’s grown used to them.
4. Take him out in the yard for the first time. That way, if he pulls them off, you’ll be able to find them.
5. Capture your dog’s cute new style with a quick snapshot!
Other Options To Keep Your Dog’s Paws Safe
Some dogs may not be able to adjust to wearing shoes. Does that mean you have to keep them inside for the entire winter and stick to indoor winter fun? Do you need to resort to having a small patch of covered yard where your dog can go potty? That would be difficult on both you and your dog, and your dog would miss out on a lot of winter fun.
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There are other options for keeping your dog’s paws safe and warm in the winter:
Paw Wax
Paw wax, or paw balm of some sort, even petroleum jelly, can be rubbed on the underside of your dog’s paws before going out. The wax will protect your dog’s tender soles from the salt, ice, and cold of snow. Just make sure to keep an eye on your dog in case he starts trying to lick it off, and be sure whatever balm or wax you use is safe for dogs.
Shorter Walks
Since the paw wax won’t keep your dog’s feet warm, try taking shorter walks. The less time your dog’s paws are exposed to the cold, ice, or salt, the less damage will be done.
Keep a Cloth on Hand
You can also take a cloth or towel and wipe your dog’s paws off frequently. This will give his paws a temporary break from the cold, and will keep ice and salt from accumulating around the paw pads and in between the toes. You can also use it to wipe off their paws once back indoors, or try dipping each paw in warm water or wiping with a warm, wet washcloth. Be sure to dry them off afterwards.
Warmer Areas
Try walking your dog in warmer areas. Some places have heated roads and sidewalks, which are a great option. There are also specifically designed dog parks with coverings that might be warmer for your dog. Or you can search for dog-friendly shopping areas and indoor malls that allow dogs and walk them there.
Dog-Safe Cat Litter, Snow Melter, or Sand
You may not get to ensure these options are everywhere your dog walks, but you can apply one of these to your own yard and sidewalk. Snow melter, sand, and cat litter are a better option than salt because they won’t hurt your puppy’s paws, but they’ll still help as much as salt. You can even get your neighborhood involved in making pet-friendly sidewalks!
Other Winter Options for Keeping Your Dog Warm
If your dog doesn’t want to wear shoes, or even if he loves them and is a little doggie diva, here are some other options for keeping Fido warm in the wintertime:
Socks
Yes, dogs can wear socks too! And though they may not be as protective against the icy cold, they’ll help your dog’s paws stay warm. And your pup may prefer them to booties because of their comfort and flexibility. If you can’t get your dog to wear booties, try socks.
Sweaters
Your dog may feel a bit self-conscious going out into the snow equipped only in socks or booties, so be sure to have a sweater on hand for him as well! It’ll help keep him warm. And he’ll look a lot more stylish!
Floor Heat Mat
Try adding an outdoor floor heat mat or heated pad to your porch or yard. This will give your dog an area to get away from the cold and will help warm him up. Also keep a warm bowl of water on hand when he’s outside.
Final Thoughts
There are several different options you can try in order to keep your dog’s paws safe and warm in the winter. From booties to socks or paw wax, you can help keep the ice, snow, and salt of winter from damaging your dog’s paws.And now that you’re prepared for the cold weather, it’s time to have some real winter fun with the entire family, including your furry family!
