Most dogs love to play in the snow. However, ice, salt and grit can cause fine cracks in the paw pads and between the toes. “Paw injuries can become very painful for the animals”, says Martina Schnell, pet expert at FOUR PAWS. “Dogs often lick their paws clean after a walk and salt can reach the stomach where it can lead to stomach injuries.”
Therefore, FOUR PAWS recommends following preventive measures:
• Avoid uncleared paths as much as possible.
• Apply some Vaseline or a good paw protective ointment to the paw pads of your dog before taking them out for walks. This should prevent cracks in the paw pads.
• In order that no ice lumps form between the paw pads, the long fur between the toes can be removed.
• After the walk you can remove little stones, salt and ice from the paws by soaking them in lukewarm water.
What if the dog paws are already damaged? Martina Schnell says “Regular use of a good ointment or disinfectant can cleanse wounds. In order to keep the animal from immediately licking off treatments you could give them something to nibble on, such as a safe dog treat.”
Special care should be taken when walking near ice. People should never walk their dogs over frozen ponds or lakes.
Please visit www.four-paws.org.uk for more information.
