{"id":1535,"date":"2016-12-22T09:33:00","date_gmt":"2016-12-22T09:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=1535"},"modified":"2016-12-22T09:33:00","modified_gmt":"2016-12-22T09:33:00","slug":"protect-those-puppy-paws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=1535","title":{"rendered":"Protect Those Puppy Paws!"},"content":{"rendered":"

We're taking the weekend off, so here is our weekly Sunday Dog feature on Thursday! One way to protect your dog's paws is a good pair of dog boots. We use Pawz<\/a>\"\" for Poppy.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1549<\/a><\/p>\n

While footwear certainly can help shield those paws from salted walkways, there are other alternatives. It looks like the dog in this photo has boots in this style.<\/a><\/p>\n

  \"IMG_1551<\/a><\/p>\n

Sometimes we forget that the city has dumped an unreasonable amount of salt on the streets that will sit there for months. Then we have to take other measures to ensure that Poppy does not have sore feet or get sick from the salt.<\/p>\n

\"51CyazG7JfL\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

A Good Rinse<\/strong><\/p>\n

For any barefoot walker, rinsing salt off paws when you reach home is a good habit. Jake Tedaldi, DVM, author of \u201cWhat\u2019s Wrong with My Dog?<\/a>\"\"\u201d and founder of Vetcall.com, recommends rinsing, \u201c… because the various forms of ice-melting salt can be quite irritating to dogs\u2019 paws, causing them to lick and\/or chew those paws to relieve the irritation.\u201d<\/p>\n

He went on to explain when that irritation may be a more serious matter, \u201cExcessive licking\/chewing of the paws, pads or toes, or swelling, redness or bleeding from any part of the paws would be good reason to seek a veterinarian\u2019s advice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not only will your dog\u2019s feet stay healthier, but your home will also stay cleaner. You\u2019ll be amazed at how much salt and sand you\u2019ll find hiding in those furry feet.<\/p>\n

\"712Eb9PKVYL._SL1500_<\/p>\n

Wax Those Paws<\/strong><\/p>\n

Waxes, like Musher\u2019s Secret,<\/a>\"\" are a popular alternative to foot coverings. The company calls their product, \u201cthe invisible boot.\u201d Dr. Jake says, \u201cMusher\u2019s Secret is quite safe to put on your dogs\u2019 pads. It is designed to serve as a barrier to protect dogs\u2019 paws from harsh materials, including road salt and other chemicals that might be either abrasive to or absorbed by dogs\u2019 paws.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"51FUK3i7i2L\"<\/p>\n

One More Step<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ask your building management, condo association, and neighbors to use sand in place of chemicals or to choose paw-safe chemicals if they are going to use ice melt. Explain that harsh chemicals not only hurt dogs, but will also damage sidewalks, fences, plants, and trees.<\/p>\n

Ice melts can also make your dog sick. \u201cSalt and other ice-melting chemicals can be harsh on a dog\u2019s stomach and entire digestive tract," said Dr. Jake. "Inappetence [loss of appetite], vomiting, regurgitation, diarrhea, or simply overall weakness, and lethargy could be symptoms brought on by ingestion of such substances.\u201d <\/p>\n

With more nasty weather ahead, make your paw protection plan and prep your pup for a healthy rest-of-the-winter. <\/p>\n