PAWtecting Your Paws

Now that winter has hit the Northeast, it’s time to help your pets keep their paw pads healthy and safe. Here are a few things you can do to lends them a helping paw in extreme weather.

Obviously, covering their paws and/or legs is a huge help. However, I’ve never met a boot a dog couldn’t get off. Clothing is a weird thing for a dog to wrap their minds around. Imagine someone who doesn’t speak the same language as you, making you wear a nose plug when you leave the house to protect you against harmful smog and pollution. Good-intentions, but you have no idea what’s going on or why you need this uncomfortable thing over your nose. It’s the same idea for dog: they don’t get it, don’t like it, and don’t want it on - so they usually fling it off as fast as they can. That being said, the best option I’ve found is a product from Canada Pooch called Suspender Boots. For the most part they work really well since they encompass most of the dog’s leg. I do think they probably work better on larger dogs vs smaller dogs since the boots tend to splash whatever water or snow there is up to a smaller dog’s belly. If you’re interested, you can find those linked HERE.

Another option I’ve used personally is a waxed designed to be put on the paw pads to prevent harsh reactions or snow clumping in between the toes. The brand I have experience with is called Musher’s Secret. Think of it a little like how lip balm works. It glazes over the pad to add an extra layer of protection for your pup. There’s other brands out there, this is just the one I’ve used as a dog walker. You can find that product linked HERE.

And lastly, as a good rule of thumb please be aware of how much time your dog is spending outside in the extreme cold or even the extreme heat. This varies depending on breed and your dog’s own comfortably in the elements. But when you’re dealing with temperatures below freezing or north of about 85 degrees in the summer, you’re going to find yourself in the danger zone when it comes to your pup’s health. It’s also your responsibility to not put a another animal in harm’s way: leaving them outside for too long in sub zero temps or outside in the heat without shade or water. Treat and care for your friends like you would want to be treated and cared for.

But remember, it’s still about giving your dog the best life possible, regardless of the weather outside! So if you need help with dog walks, private hikes, let-outs, or overnights (and you live on the south coast of Massachusetts) give Due North Dogs a call and we’ll make sure they’re exercised, socialized, fed, and loved!!!

Thanks for reading!
-Colin

*The production mentioned in this blog were not a sponsor and in no way influenced this post.