Oh, it’s getting cold out there! Good job we’ve got a thick pair of boots on when we go out for a walk.

Protecting paws in winter

Spare a thought for our pets though! Not only do they have to brave the cold on their paws, without protecting paws in winter, there’s other things that can affect them too.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the issues your pet can face in the winter months, and what you can do about them.

De-icing salt

The salt that local councils use to keep the roads and pavements ice free can cause chemical burns on dogs’ paws.

Sometimes, keeping your dog away from de-icing salt can be impossible. If they’re in contact with de-icing salt for a short period of time it should be OK, but here’s a few things you can do to reduce the risk of any pain.

• Keep your dog away from salted areas and if possible aim to keep them on the snow or grass instead
• Wipe your dog’s paws when they come back into the house to remove any salts and prevent them ingesting the salt when they lick or clean their feet

Paw ice balls

If it’s really cold and your dog is out for a long time, it’s possible for ice balls to form in between the pads and toes of dogs with hairy paws.

• Keep their pad hair trimmed and short
• Check there’s no ice balls harbouring de-icing salts when you get home
• You can bathe their feet in warm water after a walk to melt the ice and remove any salts

Anti-freeze and de-icer

As cars start to freeze during the night, more and more people will be using de-icer on their windscreens before they go out. This can be harmful to your pets if they ingest it.

• Take extra care when using de-icer if you know there’s lots of cats and wildlife in your area
• Try to only spray as much as you need, and keep it away from any fences or walls that an animal might come into contact with
• Avoid any spills or leaks. Sometimes the liquid can drip off your car and make a small puddle on the ground, pets can then lap this up – causing them a lot of harm.

If you notice your pet is particularly struggling with the cold weather, or you know it’s going to be cold for a long time, it might be worth purchasing a soothing cream for their paws after walks.

We like the Oatmeal Paw Butter from Pet Head. Designed specifically for dogs, its natural ingredients helps soothe paws, and we’ve found it also doubles up as a great way to keep their paws smooth in the summer months.

If you’re looking for an extra level of protection, you’ll probably want to pick up a pair of Hurtta boots. They’ll keep your pooch’s paws safe from the elements and are perfect for walks across varied terrain.

Don’t forget, we’ve got a great range of winter coats, reflective wear and supplements to help your dog fully enjoy their winter walks this year.