How to properly protect dog paws in winter?
When the temperatures drop, the first snow falls, and the roads are treated with gravel due to slipperiness, your dog's paws can be heavily stressed. While the tough skin protects against sharp stones and other injuries, a little →support in the cold season can make walks more pleasant for your dog. We will show you what to pay attention to in paw care during winter and how a little manicure can ensure a safe round in the winter forest for your dog.
That's why you should extra protect dog paws in winter
Our four-legged friends walk on their paw pads, which - similar to us bipeds - are covered with a layer of callus. This is much more robust than ours, as dogs can easily traverse rough surfaces without injury. Additionally, the claws and a thick layer of fat beneath the callus cushion the movement upon impact and provide optimal grip. It sounds very robust at first, so why is paw care necessary?
Salt and ice irritate the skin quickly and can promote cracks in the callus in your dog. In particular, gravel and de-icing salt put stress on your dog's paws. With the right care, you can prevent inflammation and injuries - and not just in winter! Even in summer, hot asphalt can cause cracks in the callus, and proper paw care can easily protect your dog from that.
How sensitive are dog paws to cold?
As you have learned, dog paws can withstand quite a bit. However, at temperatures below 0°C, even the thick callus becomes unstable and cracks can form. This allows dirt and bacteria to penetrate more easily and promote inflammation. Therefore, adequate protection of the paws in winter is advisable when the first frost becomes visible outside.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] So eine Hundepfote ist dank der stabilen Hornhaut mit drunterliegender Fettschicht gut geschützt. Bei Minusgraden kann jedoch die robuste Hornhaut trocken und rissig werden.
Paw care for dogs in two steps
Caring for your dog's paws is not complicated. You only need a few things at home, and then the manicure can begin:
- a towel
- a bowl of warm water
- mild dog shampoo
- paw balm (e.g., with beeswax) or petroleum jelly
Step 1: Apply balm to paws before the walk
Your four-legged friend needs the protective balm especially before the walk when a round in the cold is ahead. Grab all four of your dog's paws and apply a thin layer. The greasy protective film will protect already cracked skin, but healthy paws also need appropriate prevention. The cold snow, ice, and salts cannot penetrate the skin, and the paws are optimally protected from drying out. Make sure your four-legged friend does not lick off the balm or petroleum jelly directly. While it is not toxic, it is not particularly appetizing or healthy, and after all, the protective film should withstand the elements.
Our →Pets Deli Paw Balm was specifically developed for stressed dog paws and is suitable for all seasons. Our balm, particularly protective and economical, will accompany you through all weather conditions and reliably protects thanks to valuable shea butter, calendula oil, and beeswax every dog paw. After all, supple, resilient paws are essential for adventures in forests and meadows well into old age.
Step 2: Clean the paws after the winter walk
In general, it is advisable to avoid roads treated with de-icing salt as much as possible. While snow and ice also stress the paws, a walk through the forest or park is better for the paws than walking over salt and gravel. If this cannot be avoided, you should thoroughly clean your dog's paws with water immediately after the walk. Otherwise, dogs will start nibbling at their paws to remove the unpleasant salt. This can not only promote redness but also lead to the swallowing of gravel and salts, which is far from healthy.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Nach einem Spaziergang durchs heimische Winter Wonderland solltest du dir Zeit für die Pfotenpflege nehmen. Rollsplitt, Eislumpen und Schnee bleiben dort hängen und strapazieren die Hundepfoten.
For cleaning, you can wash the paws in a bowl of lukewarm water with a mild dog shampoo. Also, make sure to carefully remove stuck clumps from the fur on the paws. Afterwards, dry the paws well with the towel, and your four-legged friend is ready for a cuddle session on their →favorite blanket. If you notice that the callus is irritated, you can also massage in some balm after washing.
When choosing the shampoo, pay attention to a composition without perfume and unhealthy additives. With the Pets Deli shampoo, your four-legged friend's coat and paws are well taken care of, as the pH-neutral, moisturizing formulation cleans gently and thoroughly. The natural complex of chamomile, lime, and calendula extracts quickly and reliably soothes stressed skin.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] I care for you - mit unserer natürlichen und milden Pflege für Hunde sind Haut und Fell auf der sicheren Seite.
Optional: Trim the fur on the paws in winter
If your four-legged friend has particularly long fur, ice clumps can easily get caught in the hair on their legs and paws. Melted snow can then penetrate deep into the fur and freeze due to the low outside temperature. The result is sometimes larger chunks of ice that pinch and are uncomfortable for your dog. →Fur care is also important in winter, and there are specific things that can help your dog with their paws.
In this case, you can visit the dog grooming salon of your choice for a nice trim and have the fur between the paws trimmed. To avoid injuring your dog with the scissors, you should only attempt this yourself if you are experienced. Otherwise, a cut from a professional is the safe choice. During this visit, you can also check whether your dog's →claws could use a trim, as this will give them even better grip.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Einmal Krallen schneiden, bitte! Neben dem Kürzen des Fell an den Pfoten sorgen auch gestutzte Krallen für besseren Halt auf glattem Boden.
Are dog shoes sensible in winter?
In general, the described care is sufficient to protect dog paws in winter. For heavily stressed paws and sensitive four-legged friends, dog shoes or paw shoes can also be used. It is best to consult a specialty store regarding size and type. At first, your dog may find the shoes strange and perform a sort of "stork walk." However, over time, they will get used to it and can safely navigate through the winter forest over sticks and stones.
Important: The right nutrition for dogs in winter
In addition to paw care, you can do something good for your four-legged friend in winter by paying attention to a →healthy and species-appropriate diet that optimally supports your dog's immune system. Often, dogs need a higher amount of food due to increased energy expenditure. According to the →feeding recommendation on the packaging, you can increase the portion size here if your dog is active. Healthy dogs generally do not need extra nutrients and vitamins. A healthy food will provide your dog with everything they need, even on cold days. Exceptions are sick and →older furry friends - here you can consult with veterinarians to possibly support your dog.
In addition to →nutrient-rich oils or our →Vitamin Booster, our dog food provides your dog's body with concentrated power and will help you safely through the cold season.
