Our canine companions have incredibly tough paw pads that protect their feet while they run, jump, prance and play fight. However, these resilient groups of tissue are far from invincible, especially now that they need to navigate over many rough, human-made surfaces, including concrete, metal and gravel. Dogs with cut, frostbitten or burnt paws are at risk of developing serious infections and mobility problems, potentially subjecting them to a wide range of health complications. That’s why it’s so important for every dog owner to understand how to keep their pet’s paws safe.
At Wapiti Labs, our mission is to keep your pets happy and healthy throughout each and every stage of their lives, which is why we produce the most effective and affordable Elk Antler supplements in the industry. We also pride ourselves in providing pet owners with all of the knowledge and advice they need to keep their cats and dogs safe. So today, we’ll be teaching you how to defend your dog’s feet from the elements.
Safeguarding Paws in Cold Weather
According to Cesar Millan, canine paws that are exposed to snowy and icy surfaces are much more likely to crack, dry out, and develop frostbite or chemical burns. Fortunately, there are quite a few tricks and techniques you can use to mitigate the risk of these injuries during the winter months. Our favorite dog whisperer recommends picking up a protective balm for your canine’s paws. These ointments contain a variety of natural ingredients (like olives, sunflowers and coconut oil) that synergize to shield your pup’s paws from dangerous terrain. You can purchase winter balms for pets on most online pet stores, but it’s actually pretty easy (and much cheaper) to make your own. Vaseline is a viable option as well.
Now that you’ve picked out a balm, you’ll have to prepare your dog’s feet for application. Cesar recommends using a clipper (or a beard trimmer with a short plastic guard) to trim your dog’s paw fur until it’s perfectly even with his or her pads. The purpose of this step is to create a clear application area and ensure that your dog’s fur doesn’t make contact with any snow, preventing balls of ice from forming and damaging your pet’s feet in the process. He also recommends trimming your dog’s nails during this step because long nails will splay out your dog’s paws as they walk, increasing the likelihood that snow will find its way between their pads. Once you’ve groomed and applied a layer of winter balm to all of your dog’s paws, they’ll be fully prepared for their walk, run or bathroom break.
Last but not least, you’ll need to take a few minutes to clean your dog’s feet off after their chilly excursion. Cesar suggests using a warm washcloth on your dog’s paws to wash away any persistent snow or ice that’s clinging to them. Finally, administer one last layer of balm to take care of any potential irritation or discomfort your dog may be experiencing. Follow these steps closely and you’ll never have to worry about snow and ice hurting your canine’s feet again.
Defending Paws in Warm Weather
Hot surfaces can be just as dangerous for your dog’s feet as cold ones. Walking or running on hot sidewalks, asphalt or metal materials will burn your dog’s feet, potentially causing painful blisters and infections. Luckily, with a bit of planning, you can limit your pet’s exposure to these harmful surfaces. Try to schedule your dog’s walks or runs during times in the day when the sun’s heat isn’t beating down on the sidewalks and streets (early morning and evenings). If you and your pet have to suffer the full wrath of summer during your walk, then take a shorter route to decrease the amount of time their paws spend on the scalding pavement. Alternatively, stick to grass or dirt surfaces; they’re much cooler and safer for your dog to walk on than sidewalks and streets.
Dog boots are another fantastic way to beat the summer heat’s searing surfaces. They’re essentially shoes for dogs that add a layer of protection to their paws. Dog boots are made out of tough and comfortable materials that grip the ground to prevent slipping, which means they work pretty well on just about any surface. However, bear in mind that some dogs detest these pieces of canine apparel, so be sure to test a few pairs of them out before purchasing one.
Strength Supplements for Your Canine
Now that you’ve taken steps to keep your dog’s feet and paws healthy and pain-free, it’s time to focus on the rest of their body. After all, strenuous daily activities and exercise can put a tremendous amount of strain on your pet’s joints and muscles. Fortunately, you can use natural pet supplements to support and maintain their physical and mental performance. Wapiti Labs produces a unique Strength formula for dogs that utilizes Elk Velvet Antler (EVA) and other natural ingredients to keep your canine in peak condition. This supplement helps to maintain normal joint function, blood circulation, cartilage health and kidney and liver function. It also supports normal recovery time after strenuous activity, making it a great choice for working, hunting or agility dogs.
Note: Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before starting your dog on any new supplements regimen.
Contact Wapiti Labs Today
If you have any questions about our supplements or want to learn more about what you can do to keep your dog safe and happy for many years to come, then be sure to call or message us today! We would be more than happy to provide you with additional resources, counsel or anything else you need to care for your four-legged friend.
