As the weather starts to get colder, it’s important that we remain aware of the potential hazards winter can bring. In this blog, we’re going to take a detailed look at pet paw care during the colder months, as many don’t realise just how harsh the winter environment can be on our pet’s sensitive paws.
Why is Winter So Harsh on Our Pet’s Paws?
So, what is it about winter that puts our pet’s precious paw pads at risk?
First of all, snow and debris can easily get caught in your pet’s paws, especially if they are a long-haired breed. This can cause balls of snow and ice to form in and around your pet’s paw pads, which can be incredibly painful. It can even result in trauma to the affected area.
Ice also brings plenty of hazards. Not only is there the risk of slips and falls, but the ice can also cause cracking of the paw pads. In extreme cases, even frostbite could be a possibility.
However, one of the biggest risks that winter presents isn’t from the ice or snow. Instead, it comes from the salt that is laid out on the pavement and roads to help melt ice. This rock salt can burn the skin on their paw pads, causing severe inflammation and pain. This salt can also cause vomiting, lethargy, extreme thirst, and even kidney damage if it’s ingested. As our pets like to lick their paws when they are irritated, your pet can experience a double whammy of irritated paws and an upset stomach!
How to Care for Your Pet’s Paws During Winter
With all these potential hazards out there during the colder months, it’s important that we do our part to help protect our pet’s paws.
To start, trimming of the hairs around the paws can help prevent any snow and ice becoming stuck within them. The aim is to prevent long hairs from coming into contact with the ground, as this is what can lead to the issue. You can simply do this with a small pair of scissors, but be careful to not catch their paw pads and nails, especially if they are fidgety!
For dogs, it can be helpful to use paw balm before taking them out on a walk. This can help provide a layer of protection against the elements. If its snowy and icy outside, your safest bet is to find a route that exposes your pup to as little salt and ice as possible.
Once they are home, you can give their paws a good wipe down with a warm and wet cloth, removing any salt, snow, ice and other ice-melting substances. Make sure the paws are thoroughly dry. After that, you can provide them with another layer of paw balm to help further soothe and hydrate their paws.
If you own an outdoor cat, it may be prudent to limit their time outdoors, especially if it is particularly icy. It can be a good idea to apply paw balm before they go outside, even if the weather doesn’t seem too bad. Once they return, you can give their paws a bit of a wipe down and apply another layer of paw balm. Have a look at Wild Cat Balm.
Have a read of our blog Tips for Winter Grooming for further information.
Paw Care Products Available at Healthful Pets
To help keep your pet’s paws free of irritation, you should make use of some of our quality paw care products! We have great products for both dogs and cats that can soothe and protect their paws during the harsh winter months. See below for a list of our recommended products!
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4-Legger Dog Nose & Paw Pads Balm – This paw balm doesn’t only protect your dog’s paws; it also helps your dog’s nose and elbows! As these can also be dried out and irritated by the winter weather, this paw balm is a great way to keep your pup fully protected.
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The Natural Dog Company Paw Soother – This doggie paw balm is a fantastic vegan option. It is a 100% natural blend of butters and special plant oils. It deeply heals, nourishes, and hydrates your pet’s paws, resulting in a significant effect after just one use!
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The Natural Dog Company PawTection – Like the above, this is a vegan and 100% natural product. It’s been formulated to form a barrier on your dog’s paws, protecting them from the ice, salt, and snow. Use in conjunction with the Paw Soother for the best effect!
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Wildcat Balm – If you’re looking for an option for cats, you can do no better than the Wildcat Balm! It can soothe and nourish your cat’s paws, nose, and skin, making it perfect for keeping your kitties paws in tip-top condition during the winter.
Here is a link to the full range of paw and nose balms.
Minor Paw Injury First Aid
In the case that your pet’s paws do become irritated or suffers a minor injury, there’s some first aid measures you can take to help promote healing and prevent infection.
If your pet’s paw pad is slightly torn or cut (with a minor wound), the first thing you should do is to try and clean it. You can do this by swishing the paw within lukewarm water. Keep an eye out for any debris in the wound. You can attempt to use tweezers to remove any foreign material – however, if the debris is deep in the wound, leave this to the vet.
Once you are sure the minor wound is free of foreign material, look at using a product like Leucillin or Colloidal Silver spray These are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral and will help reduce the potential of infection. Or look at a product called Lucaa+ Probiotic Dermo Care Spray for pets to promote healing.
If necessary, control any bleeding by applying pressure with a clean towel. In the case that the wound is still bleeding after 10-15 minutes, this is an emergency and you need to take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Once the bleeding has stopped, you can attempt to bandage the wound with gauze padding. The gauze should help cushion their feet and absorb blood. You should then use a pressure bandage to help contain the wound. Ensure that you can fit at least two fingers between the bandage and the leg; the bandage should not be too tight.
Once all this has been taken care of, notify your vet and describe the injury. They will give you your next steps!
Let’s Keep Our Pet’s Paws Well-Cared For!
Winter certainly can be a hazardous time for our pets and their paws! But with the right know-how and quality products, we can keep our pets safe and happy during the colder months.
Remember, we have plenty of products that can help protect your pets during the winter months, including our paw balms! Be sure to take a look.
We hope you and your pets have a fun and safe winter!
