Critters
By Debra Bell
Baby it’s cold outside! And while we bundle up with boots, hats, mittens and coats, did you ever stop to think about how the weather is treating your pet’s tootsies?
My greyhound Laura doesn’t tolerate the cold very well. In fact, for my sweet Alabama girl, the cold weather is her kryptonite. Greyhounds have very little body fat to begin with, so she needs extra care to stay warm. Laura has a fleece coat with a waterproof outer shell and a snood — aka a neck warmer. The coat keeps her body warm and cozy in the harsh Maine winters. But when it comes to her feet, things get a bit harder.
Lots of dogs experience foot discomfort in the winter because of the cold. The pads on the paws are sensitive, just like our hands are. And paw pads, if not properly cared for, are susceptible to frostbite, cracking, drying and chemical burns from road salt and de-icers.
Even snow loving dogs need some winter paw care to keep them feeling spry. So here are some tips for you to help your pup stay safe, warm and comfy this cold winter season.
• Good grooming. Good grooming is important year round, but in the winter it’s even more important. Trim hair between the toes and around the pads to prevent “snowballs” from accumulating. Keep nails trimmed to prevent toes from splaying apart and exposing more of the foot to the snow. Keeping nails trimmed also helps your pup to have less discomfort while walking around the house. Nails should never touch the floor.
• Keep an eye out for your pup doing “snow ballet.” Does your pup pick up her feet while out in the snow? That’s a cue that it’s too cold for her paws. Shorter trips can make it easier on her paws. Or consider getting boots for your pup. There are lots of different kinds of boots available for your dog. We found the best ones for Laura were high-topped boots that use Velcro and elastics to keep them on. And even then she tends to throw them off when she runs. But boots can be a great way to keep your dog’s paws clean and toasty during the winter.
• Protect and moisturize pads. There are myriad balms, salves, and creams for paw care, but the best ones will moisturize while they protect. Mushers and cold-weather loving dogs alike swear by Musher’s Secret, a dense barrier wax that allows pads to breathe while protecting them against ice and snow. Musher’s Secret was developed by dog sledders and is a great solution to keep your pup’s paws safe and sound in cold and warm weather. Locally-made Mutt Nose Best’s Healing Balm is a great product to have on hand to help heal cracks and exposure that pup’s paws encounter. Rub it on any area that’s dry or cracked, or help seal in moisture on your pup’s nose and keep her feeling great year round. Both products retail for around $15 each.
• Perform a pet-icure after your walks. Road salt and sand can do a number on paws and often contain chemicals that can cause burns. If you walk your pup on the road or on sidewalks, once you get back home use a warm, moist towel to wipe off sand and salt. Or, create a handy Mud Puppy Mitten which will allow you to easily clean off paws after a walk. See the tutorial at: dog-milk.com/dog-i-y-easy-diy-mud-puppy-mittens.
Debra Bell is a freelance writer and graphic designer and is the owner of Bell’s Furry
Friends Photography (a division of Bell Imaging & Design LLC). She and her husband, Bill,
are owned by a Maine coon cat named Olivia and a greyhound named Laura. She is the
author of the “Critters” blog. Find it online at bffpetphotos.com/critters-blog.html.