Manor Lake Australian Labradoodles: Winter-Proofing Your Pup

When winter comes, dog owners in Jamaica need to consider the health and safety of their pets when walking outdoors. Roads are often covered with ice, salt, and dangerous chemicals that can irritate a dog’s paws and cause illness. Paws may become cracked and irritated. Manor Lake Australian Labradoodles shares practical tips on how to protect your dog’s paws in the wintertime based on their years of experience.

As Jamaica residents know, New York State has punishing winters. Road salt is necessary to keep drivers and pedestrians safe. However, ice melt can be very harmful to a dog’s paws. It can cause cracking, stinging, and painful irritation. It can also be licked off by curious dogs, causing serious illness. In extreme cases, ingesting road salt can lead to digestive and neurological problems. Road salt contains chloride salts such as sodium and potassium in addition to other chemicals and contaminants.

When possible, use a nontoxic alternative to road salt around your home. While these products are less harmful to your pets, they are not one hundred percent safe. Precautions should still be taken with their paws. Safer ice melts can be found at the pet store or ask your veterinarian what he or she recommends.

While you can control the type of ice melt used on your own sidewalks, you cannot control what goes on public roads and sidewalks. Since dogs need regular walks to stay healthy, you will need to find solutions to the road salt problem.

Road salt is not the only problem facing pet owners in the wintertime. Ice can also build up on your dog’s paws, especially with long-haired breeds with a lot of fur between the toes. This can cause irritation and harm to your pet.

One way to protect your dog’s paws is to buy special dog booties. Give your dog plenty of time to get used to these before winter comes. Some dogs will not be able to tolerate dog booties, but for those who can, they are an easy and chemical-free way to protect tender paws from the dangers of the road. Your dog’s paws will be safe from salt, chemicals, and ice buildup.

If your dog can’t wear booties, another great way to protect their paws is to rub an all-natural balm on their feet, says Manor Lake Australian Labradoodles. A foot balm will keep your dog’s skin protected and moisturized. This can also help with the damage caused by road salt. When choosing a balm for your dog’s paws, make sure that it is food-safe and non-toxic. Your dog will probably want to lick their paws.

When you take a walk with your dog, make sure to wash and dry their feet when you get home. This will remove any contaminants and prevent most irritation. On long walks and in the snow, it is a good idea to bring a towel so that you can wipe the dog’s feet and remove ice buildup.

In cold weather, remember that if it is too cold for you, it is too cold for your dog. Never leave your dog outdoors unsupervised in the wintertime. Coats and sweaters can only go so far. Smaller and less cold-tolerant breeds should be kept indoors as much as possible, though they will need to go outdoors to relieve themselves.

Manor Lake Australian Labradoodles understands that dog owners need to balance their pet’s safety with their need for exercise. This can be challenging in practice. Try to minimize your dog’s contact with winter roads using booties. If booties don’t work out, rub a soothing balm on their paws before they go out, and then thoroughly wash their paws when they come indoors. Apply the balm again after the paw washing to keep the paws moisturized.

When you pay attention to your dog’s safety and comfort in the wintertime, you can enjoy plenty of fun time outdoors without worrying about the effects of road salt and ice. A dog who plays outdoors frequently receives beneficial stimulation and exercise. Don’t let winter conditions in Jamaica keep you from enjoying the outdoors with your best friend.