Paws for Thought
BABY it’s cold outside – it may be late arriving but there is little doubt that the North East Ohio winter has caught up with us. And we are wrapping ourselves up with coats, hats, scarves, layers, and boots when it comes time to take our beloved pooches outside for their walks and toilet breaks. But if we are layering up against the elements shouldn’t we be taking some steps to make sure our dogs are protected too – they may be furry but that does not mean they are Lake Effect Proof.
In particular, spare a thought for your canine companion’s paws – their pads are certainly not fur-lined, and are in direct contact with the concrete of the sidewalk. While some breeds are indeed especially hardy and have been bred to cope with harsher climates, many have not and are far removed from their tough wolf ancestors.
This can bring a myriad of issues for your pet – quite apart from it being unpleasantly cold for the dog, it can cause skin damage to their pads. And with the amount of salt added to the roads and driveways, as well as a cocktail of other chemicals used to keep ice at bay, your pooch can be taking quite a toxic beating – which is bad enough on the dog’s skin but can get much worse when dogs start to clean themselves and ingest the chemicals.
It may not be rocket science, but one of the simplest ways to protect your pooch is to use booties, keeping their pads lined against the cold ground and also stopping salt and chemicals covering their paws. And just like their human owners, good foot care is vital for a happy dog – use a paw balm, or even just petroleum jelly, and rub it into their pads before going outside. It will help stop salt drying out the skin, so apply liberally both before and after walks. Remember to rub between their toes and watch for cracked or red skin.
Keeping a towel on your porch or the mudroom is also a good idea. As soon as you and your dog get back inside, give them a thorough rub down, removing any icy water and salt on their paws or in their coats and helping warm them straight back up. Just as continually nipping in and out between sub-zero temperatures outside and forced-air heating inside dries out our skin, your dog will feel it too, so a humidifier can be helpful.
Long-haired breeds can be particularly susceptible to ice clumping in their fur, and salt and chemicals getting stuck to their skin. It may be cold but a careful trim may be a good idea to keep them healthy, and a sweater or a dog coat will help them retain body heat on walks. Try to minimize bathing your dog during the winter. As with our own hair, washing removes natural oils which are very helpful at this time of the year in keeping dog skin healthy. Instead brush more often, removing dead hair and stimulating blood circulation.
Ultimately, if it is cold and uncomfortable for you outside – it is also cold and uncomfortable for your dog. Walking is still important, especially for potty breaks, but short and sharp is probably better for you both.
If you are heading out of town soon to escape the cold and need someone to love your pet while you’re gone just as much as you do, contact The Retreat at Creekside today. We have clean and hospitable boarding facilities and provide extra services to make your pet feel at home for a small fee. Get in touch with us to schedule your pet’s stay and trust us to take good care of your furry friend.