Best Ways to Protect Your Dog’s Paws

Dog’s paws can be just as sensitive as your own feet. The problem is that, unlike people, pups don’t slip on their shoes before they head out the dog door for a stroll in the yard. When it comes to extreme weather temperatures and even when you don’t think the temperature is extreme, it’s important to do what you can to protect your pup’s paws.

Protection from Heat

Did you know that when it is just over seventy degrees outside the asphalt is over one hundred twenty degrees? Your pup’s tender paws can suffer from serious burns even when you are not breaking a sweat. There are a couple of different things you can do to protect your pup’s paws from the heat as you take him or her on a walk.

• Give his or her paws a chance to toughen up by taking him or her for a walk on cold concrete on a regular basis. Your pup’s paws will toughen up from walking on such a rough surface over time so that when he or she accidentally steps on hot asphalt or concrete, it won’t be as hard on them.
• Walk in the grass so that your pup has a cool place to put his or her paws down. Remember that your pet can’t sweat, so it is imperative to make sure he or she has plenty of water before and after the walk. If the walk is a long one, consider resting in a shady, grassy area about midway.
• Take walks before or after the sun is up so you can avoid having your pet step in areas that are affected by direct sunlight.

Protection from Cold

In the cold seasons, your pet does not just need protection from the cold, but may need protection from the chemicals used to prevent ice. Pets lick these chemicals off their paws and can poison themselves in doing so.

• Consider putting booties, socks, or dog shoes on your pet before taking him or her for a walk.
• Immediately after they get inside, wipe your dog’s paws to get ice, snow, and/or chemicals off their paws.
• Keep nails trimmed to avoid the buildup of chemicals, ice, or snow.

Protection from Either Extreme

Waxes and balms can work wonders for your pet’s paws. Waxes can prevent things from building up on your pet’s paws so that he or she can spend more time enjoying the outdoors without being in danger. Both hot and cold temperatures can cause your dog to experience dry, cracking pads on their paws. Apply the wax before they head outside, but be sure to apply a moisturizing balm when they are inside so that your dog’s paws have a chance to start healing.

It is always a good idea to place a carpet or mat on either side of the dog door. This gives your dog a place for elements to naturally be wiped off of his or her feet. You can also monitor pup behavior to see if they seek comfort by spending more time than usual on these carpets or mats. Find out more about protecting your pet from the elements today by browsing our blog at Australia Pet Doors.