Winter means Salt on Paws

Our dogs love the snow and cold weather, luckily, so do I. We’re still out daily for our walks, which means I have to take extra care of their paws this time of year. Most people know that salt can be very irritating to our dogs’ paws. You’ll notice it most when they are transitioning from snow-covered grass to salted walkways, or from slushy, wet surfaces to salted surfaces. You’ll see them lift a paw because its uncomfortable.

The transition from snow to salt causes the salt chemicals to melt the snow on their paws – effectively creating a small chemical reaction on their skin. If you can keep your dog in snow or on the salted surface and minimize lots of transitions, the skin irritation during a walk can be minimized.

You can apply a skin balm, such as Musher’s Secret, before a walk. And there are the always-comical dog booties. Most dogs hate them at first and have to learn to walk with something on their feet.

If they go barefoot, wipe their paws with a warm wet cloth to help remove salt chemicals when you get home. Especially if you see your pooch licking their feet. Try to prevent them from ingesting any potentially harmful salt into their bodies.

I will occasionally (as needed) apply coconut oil or vitamin E oil to the skin of their paws to help keep their skin from getting dry and cracking during cold, dry, salty winter months.

Bundle yourself up and take your dog out – its good for all of us to keep moving this time of year!