Basic Winter Foot Care For Your Dog

With winter comes many challenges for a dog owner. There is snow and ice to deal with, not to mention all of the tasks we have to get done around the holidays. You probably don't think twice about needing additional protection for your dog's feet, but its very important to protect his pads through this harsh season.

One of the easiest things you can use to protect your dog's feet are boots. There are several types, such as plastic, vinyl, fleece, cloth, and rubber. The biggest question in deciding on whether or not boots are your best options is to ask your self how often your dog will be wearing them. Some boots are not water proof and may leak. If you only need them for short periods of time, you might be able to get away with a lower cost set. If your dog is a smaller breed and does not go outside in the snow, a fleece or cloth boot can be used to simply keep his feet warm. If your dog will be wearing them for long instances and enjoys going outside, it would be good to choose a rubber based boot. The rubber soled boots are the best choices, as they will be the most comfortable and also flexible. These boots can withstand snow, water, ice and will be there for the long haul.

There are also balms you can purchase that you can apply before a walk that protect the feet from ice and snow. Most of these are wax-based and are non allergenic. It forms an invisible bubble around your dogs feet so they stay protected. This is a must have.

In addition to products that can help protect your dog's paws,  there are simple measures you can use to prevent harm to your dog's feet. Simply wiping down your dog's feet before and after each walk is essential. Salt from the roads in winter are harsh on your dog's pads. The chemicals in ice mixes used on roads can dry out your dog's feet and will leave cracks on the bottom, which can lead to soreness and infection. Wiping down your dog's feet will help tremendously. In the event that you find sores or cracks, there are antibiotic cremes you can use to treat your pooch, but these cracks may require a trip to your veterinarian. Careful cleaning and paw care awareness help avoid these situations all together.

Whether it is ice or snow, you are now prepared to protect your furry friend. Get out there and enjoy the winter this year - your dog will appreciate it!