When the temperatures drop and the real cold and snow arrive we must learn to protect our dogs.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himWhen the temperatures drop and the real cold and snow arrive we must learn to protect our dogs. There are some tricks and natural remedies to protect the dog's paws from the cold and snow.
Winter can become a difficult time for dogs, especially when snow and icy roads are encountered outside the home.
Exposure to snow and cold can cause dog paw problems, with cuts and discomfort. Not only the snow but also the antifreeze salt it can cause some problems.
Here are some simple tricks to make winter walks with your dog safer.
Read also: HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG WARM EVEN IN WINTER
Index
Shorten the hair on the paws
The American Kennel Club suggests that you shorten the hair on the legs giving frequent snacks to prevent dogs from collecting snow and ice during the walk. The hair must still cover the legs well but it would be good to shorten it so that it does not end up under the fingertips, especially for long-haired dogs.
Bring a towel with you
During your walks with the dog bring a towel with you so that you can remove snow from paws more easily when needed.
Clean the paws well
Clean your dog's paws well with a cloth When do you come back home to remove any traces of snow, ice or antifreeze salt.
Wash the paws with warm water
One way to make it easier for dogs to clean their paws when they come back from the walk is to place a basin with hot water immediately after the entrance door in order to immediately perform this operation which helps the dog not only in cleaning but also to warm up. Dry the dog's paws thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Read also: HOW TO HELP STREET CATS TO OVERCOME THE COLD OF WINTER
Check the paws well
Do not forget the importance of checking the paws of dogs in every place before leaving the house and on the way back because without your knowledge there may be cuts.
Shorter walks
If you know your dog can't stand the cold for long during the winter take shorter walks e choose the cleanest streets.
Read also: 5 REASONS TO TAKE YOUR DOG OUT EVEN IN RAIN, COLD AND SNOW
Beware of antifreeze salt
The antifreeze salt it can be toxic to pets. Think that traces of it can remain on the paws with the risk that dogs will ingest it by licking. All the more reason to wash your dog's paws well after a walk.
Apply natural ointment
Before going out for a walk and returning home, after cleaning the paws well, you can apply a natural ointment to soften them.
Read also: THE WOMAN WHO MAKES SWEATERS TO PROTECT ABANDONED DOGS FROM THE COLD
How to make an ointment to protect the dog's paws from the cold
With someone natural ingredients you can prepare an ointment per protect the dog's paws from the cold. To make it, you will only need four simple products.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of olive, sunflower or sweet almond oil
2 tablespoons of coconut oil
1 tablespoon of shea butter
1 teaspoon of beeswax (or vegetable wax)
Preparation
Pour all the ingredients into a saucepan and melt them in bain-marie placing it in a larger pot where you will have poured boiling water.
Wait for all the ingredients to melt well and mix them.
Carefully pour the still liquid ingredients into small containers. You can retrieve the metal boxes of lip balm or candy, or the empty tubes of lip balm.
Read also: BOILING ASPHALT: HOW TO PROTECT THE PAWS OF DOGS
Let the preparations cool in their containers until they have solidified.
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Apply the ointment on the paws of the animals as a preventive treatment or to soften both the pads of the paws and the nose when they are dry.
This ointment made from natural ingredients is harmless to animals.
One drawback: some dogs may be tempted to lick the ointment that you have applied to their paws, with the risk of removing it.
Marta Albè