While some aspects of winter – like playing in snow – can be fun, salt on Boston roads and sidewalks is bad news for city dogs. It can lead to sore paws and more.
Tip 1: Dog Boots
You’re seeing photos from our little Poppy’s first day wearing Pawz Water-Proof Dog Boots
Tip 2: Snow Rinse
So far, Poppy is not showing any of the tenderfoot problems that bedeviled our Maggie Mae. But, we’re not taking any chances. If you’ve ever had salt in a cut, you know how that stings. Now imagine walking on salt with paws that are raw and irritated.
If you are out and your dog starts favoring a paw, try to find some clean snow and use that to rinse the salt from the paws.
Tip 3: Be Alert for Infections and GI Upsets
Salt and other melting chemicals can cause paws to become raw and irritated. If you see your dog licking his paws after a walk, that’s a warning sign. Not only can the paw become infected but dogs, especially small dogs, can also develop an upset GI system from ingesting these chemicals.
Tip 4: Wash Those Paws!
When you return from a salty walk, you should wash and dry your dog’s paws. We do it even with the boots because sometimes a dip in a deep puddle or romp in the snow will leave some salt residue. We give Poppy a dip in the sink. For bigger dogs they make a variety of paw washers
Tip 5: Off to the Vet if …
There are signs when you should check in with your vet. This would be if a paw is bleeding, cracked, or ulcerated, and in the case of vomiting or diarrhea since these symptoms may not be related to the salt.
Tip 6: Avoid Metal on Sidewalks
Salt is also one of the culprits in the stray, electrical current that has killed at least four Boston dogs in past winters. Electrical problems can occur when salt applied to roads and sidewalks corrodes electrical equipment. Salty water can serve as a conductor allowing stray current to spread to metal grates, utility covers, and even to paving material and bare ground.
Tip 7: Use Salt Alternatives
For those concerned with the problems caused by salt, there are paw safe ice melt
Boot scrapers
Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.
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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino
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