WALKING (OUR DOGS) IN A WINTER WONDERLAND 

Wow, what a crazy week of snow and ice.  I hope everyone is staying warm and safe with their pets.  We have had to take extra precautions with our two 15-year old dogs, Taz and Molaki as they can’t handle the cold.  When coming into work, Baxter wears  his and he has a blanket to snuggle in while driving in the car.  

I know our customer care about their pets and take extra precautions to ensure their safety as well.  Here are a few tips that I learned for taking care of pets in the cold weather. 

If you take your dogs for walks or go out in play in the snow, the pads of their feet may need some extra attention.

Keep hair around paw pads trimmed. Less hair will help keep paws free of ice and snow, which can quickly ball up between footpads and create uncomfortable walking conditions for pets.  If you need help with this, you can talk to our groomer, Stephanie. 

Rock salt and most chemical de-icers can irritate a dog's paws and turn a winter walk into a painful ordeal. Stay away from heavily salted areas as much as possible when walking your dog.  I found a product (I recently found a product I wish we carried.  But until them Petco carries PETCO Ice Melt for Pets.

Safe and biodegradable

Safe for concrete, patios and most importantly your pet's paws

Check and clean your dog’s paws after walking in areas treated with salt and other de-icers. Check between toes and examine the foot pads for cracks in the skin. Look closely at any inflamed areas for splinters, embedded gravel, etc.

Snow, especially wet snow, clings to long haired dogs as they run and play in the snow. When snow or slush from melting ice and snow on sidewalks sticks to the hair beneath a dog's paws, lumps of ice, often mixed with rock salt and gravel, build up between their foot pads and toes which can make walking difficult and painful.  Rinse you pet’s paws in warm water after playing in the snow.

After washing, apply Vaseline, Bag Balm or the Halo Herbal Healing Salve to foot pads to soothe irritated paws. Apply again just before walks or outdoor play time to protect paws.

Some people consider dog boots for dogs that react negatively to walking on ice and snow - especially dogs that react to snow removal products.  Doggie boots are a love/hate relationship.  The parents may “love them” but the dogs don’t.  It takes time to train them to wear them as they feel funny on their feet.  So if this is choice for you, make sure you plan time to train them and allow them to get used to them before taking them out for a walk with them on.

It's important to keep a dog's nails trimmed all year long, but absolutely crucial in winter. Untrimmed nails can lead to splayed feet, sore nailbeds, and even torn nail. When nails are extra long, the toes spread apart when walking, leaving more space for snow and ice to build up.  We offer free nail trims to all our customers—just call ahead to make sure our groomers here and available. 

Check your dog's ears, tail and feet for frostbite. Just as dogs are sensitive to hot summer sidewalks, cold winter walkways may cause pain or contribute to frostbite. A dog that continually lifts individual legs off the ground during a winter walk may feel the effects of frostbite. Frostbitten skin may appear red or gray. If you suspect frostbite, wrap your dog's feet in a blanket or towels to gradually warm them and contact your veterinarian.

If you pet is shivering or they are of the short-hair variety and they go out and about with you, consider a pet sweater or sweatshirt. 

keep puppies and older dogs indoors except for short periods of time. As with humans, young and old dogs are more susceptible to the effects of the cold.

Keep dogs on a leash – as they can lose their ability to find their way by smell.

If you add antifreeze to your car, clean up antifreeze spills immediately. Many dogs like the sweet smell and taste and, unfortunately, even very small amounts can be lethal to them. If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to your veterinarian immediately. There may be time for Antizol-Vet, an anti-freeze antidote, to help your dog. Also consider using an animal-friendly anti-freeze.

Maintain your pet's grooming schedule or regularly brush your pet as  brushing keeps your dog's coat supple and prepared for the cold. However, when you bathe your pet, be sure to dry his coat thoroughly before allowing him outside.

Don't keep your dog outside in all conditions. Pay attention to the thermometer. If it dips too far below freezing, it's too cold for any dog - even those accustomed to being outside.

If you have any feedback or would like to share your stories about your pet, please e-mail me at kristina@beastieboutique.com

Kristina

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