There are a few things to keep in mind so that your dog can enjoy walking in winter too. For example, the right paw care for dogs in winter. In principle, our four-legged best friends cope better with the cold and snow than us humans, but salt, snow, and ice can also spoil the joy of the winter landscape if the dog freezes or injures itself. Here you will find the most important tips for winter care for your dog!
Coat and paw care for dogs – preparation for winter
Dog breeds that have a lot of hair growth between the pads have a particularly difficult time in winter. It is advantageous to trim the hair regularly so that the paws of your furry friend are protected from environmental influences such as road salt, lumps of ice or other foreign objects, which can otherwise easily get caught between the toes. As a result, injuries, infections or inflammation can occur.
It should also be noted that your darling is exposed to large temperature fluctuations in winter, since our houses are heated in the cold season and the temperatures outside are icy. The change from warm to cold can irritate the paws of your furry friend, which in the worst case can cause cracks. For this reason, it is important not to neglect paw care throughout the winter.
The right fur care for your dog in winter
As a rule, the change of coat in dogs lasts until the end of the year. If you don’t brush out the undercoat regularly, the hair dies slowly and the new hair cannot grow back well. As a result, the dog freezes faster and matting can occur. In addition, there are a number of oils for dogs that also ensure a beautiful coat.
The optimal paw care for dogs in winter
Dog paws suffer the most when exposed to snow, ice and road salt. This can cause small tears and injuries on the paw pads. Therefore, caring for the paws is part of the winter care of a dog. Therefore, pay attention to suitable paw care that protects the pads and cares for them adequately. Make your own paw balm, you will learn how to make your own paw balm from natural ingredients.
Tip: It doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive paw care from the vet. In pharmacies and drugstores, you will find ointments with deer tallow, which are otherwise used for human foot care. But they are also great for dog paws!
Chunks of ice can form on dog breeds with longer fur between the paws. They hinder and hurt the four-legged friend when going for a walk. So that the lumps of ice don’t get stuck, you should clip your hair a little in winter!
Paw care for the dog in winter – to-dos after the walk
It is important that you examine your pet’s paws closely after an icy walk and also care for them. A simple cleaning of the paws is recommended. The paws simply have to be washed off with lukewarm water so that dirt residues cannot further attack the dog’s paws.
It is also advisable to examine the paws again, as there is always the possibility that your four-legged friend has caught a foreign object. If this is the case, it is important that you remain calm and do not let your dog run any further. The best way to remove the foreign body is to use tweezers. With a second person you can try to pull it out carefully. If this is no longer possible, you should take your dog to the vet.
Sufficient exercise and sparing with “sit”
Even if it is not directly part of winter care, exercise is extremely important for the well-being of the dog. In general, don’t cut back on walks in cold weather. However, it is important that the dog keeps moving and does not lie in the cold for too long. Dog breeds with a little undercoat or very short fur, such as a Magyar Vizsla or a Podenco, freeze particularly quickly. You should also avoid sitting down frequently in wet and cold weather. The dog can get a bladder infection much too quickly!
Too much snow causes stomach ache
Some dogs are so enthusiastic about snow that they actually “eat it”. However, care should be taken when eating snow: the low temperature and pollutants such as road salt can lead to vomiting or inflammation of the digestive tract.
After the winter walk – tips & tricks
Certain care products can be used so that your dog does not have to suffer with irritated paws in the first place. Paw wax or other care products for your furry friend’s paws can help here. You can apply the wax to the paws before going for a walk so that the dog’s paws are protected from external influences. This can also be used in the evening before going to bed so that the wax can be carefully absorbed overnight.
There are also numerous care products that can help already irritated dog paws. These are usually pain-relieving and ensure that the paws can regenerate quickly.
If your dog doesn’t mind dog gloves, you can put them on before you go outside. Dog gloves protect the paws from all environmental influences.
Helpful tips & tricks at a glance
Skip a full bath! The dog cools down too quickly. Better rub your dog dry with a towel.
Rinse off clumps of ice and road salt on the paws with lukewarm water.
Apply paw care after the winter walk.
Offer your four-legged friend a warm place by the heater or fireplace to warm up.
Very important: Does your dog tremble when you go for a walk? This is a clear sign that your four-legged friend is too cold and a dog coat is just right for him! Even if some opinions differ on the coats and blankets, the advantage for the dog is in the foreground.
