Winter Care Tips for Your Dog's Paws: Keep Them Cozy &

Don't worry too much about your furry friend's paws in the cold. Unlike us, dogs generally aren't afraid of the chill. Their paw pads are wellequipped to handle the cold, so there's no need for excessive concern from their owners.

Special Circulatory System:

In the wild, many canids, like polar wolves and foxes, are astonishingly resilient to freezing temperatures. They can walk on ground that's minus 35 degrees Celsius without suffering frostbite. Scientists have discovered that this is due to their arteries being very close to the blood vessels in their paw pads, allowing heat to be rapidly transferred to the skin when cold is detected.

Even though pet dogs don't need to endure such extreme conditions, they've mostly inherited this ability from their ancestors. While the joy of running through the snow is more important to them, their paw pads are generally fine, especially when they're more interested in rolling around in the pristine white snow.

Shoes for Paws:

Putting shoes on your dog isn't so much about keeping them warm as it is about keeping them clean for some owners. However, this method can indeed limit their mobility and grip. But if your dog has an injury, protective shoes with waterproof features might be necessary for outdoor excursions.

How to Keep Small Dog Paws Warm:

Small dogs may have weaker thermoregulation and constitutions compared to large breeds, but it's not just their paw pads that are sensitive to the cold—it's their entire body. If they cramp up after stepping on ice, it's usually not because their paw pads are cold, but because their joints or muscles in the legs can't handle the cold.

For particularly coldaverse small dogs, it's best to dress them in longersleeved sweaters and try to keep them away from wet, cold snow as much as possible.

Large Dog Paw Safety:

Large dogs usually aren't very susceptible to the cold, especially not the breeds that are native to cold climates, like the sled dogs. However, even they should be careful when walking on snowy surfaces during rain or snow, as the hidden dangers beneath the snow can be perilous, and stepping on sharp objects like nails or glass shards can lead to cuts.

Potential Issues with Dog Paws:

While cold isn't the biggest enemy for paw pads, moisture certainly is. Keeping your dog's paws dry is crucial during winter.

Rain and snow can lead to paw pad problems:

Stepping on frozen rain in the morning or through muddy snow at night, and not cleaning the paws afterward, can lead to interdigital infections due to prolonged moisture, or make wounds more susceptible to infection.

So, after a snowy or rainy walk, always wash and dry your dog's paws thoroughly, and consider using a blow dryer to ensure they're completely dry.

Winter Hazards:

City streets often use deicing salts after snowfall, which can be corrosive. If your dog's paw pads are wet, they may inadvertently ingest some of these salts by licking them off, which can be harmful.

Antifreeze is particularly toxic to dogs, so be cautious about them stepping on or ingesting it.

Cracks in Cold Weather:

While dogs' paw pads are usually thick and sturdy, dry and cold winter weather can cause them to crack.

Moisturizing Dry Cracks:

In dry, cold weather, your dog's paw pads might develop cracks. If they're not severe, you can soften them with warm water, dry them, and then apply a moisturizing cream or gel with nourishing ingredients. Vaseline or glycerin can work, but opt for a product specifically formulated for dogs' paws.

Severe Cracks: Seek Professional Help:

If your dog's paw pads have significant cracks, large areas of bleeding, or scabs, it's time to consult a veterinarian. These issues might not just be due to dry cold but could also be caused by skin conditions, injuries, or nutritional deficiencies, and should be treated by a professional.