{"id":2043,"date":"2013-12-22T09:22:00","date_gmt":"2013-12-22T09:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=2043"},"modified":"2013-12-22T09:22:00","modified_gmt":"2013-12-22T09:22:00","slug":"7-salty-winter-tips-for-boston-dog-lovers-readers-favorite","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=2043","title":{"rendered":"7 Salty Winter Tips for Boston Dog Lovers \u2013 A Readers’ Favorite"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"CHE_0095<\/a><\/p>\n

While some aspects of winter \u2013 like playing in snow \u2013 can be fun, salt on Boston roads and sidewalks can be bad news for city dogs. It can lead to sore paws and more. <\/p>\n

Poppy has been getting a lot of attention in her little red boots. (Or, "Ruby Slippers<\/a>" as one woman on Newbury Street called them. We like that term and have adopted it.)<\/p>\n

During the past couple of weeks, we've noticed a lot of readers finding a past post on dealing with salt on dog paws, so we're rerunning the information.  <\/p>\n

Here are 7 tips for dealing with winter when you have a dog!<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip 1: Dog Boots<\/strong><\/p>\n

You're seeing photos from our little Poppy's first day wearing Pawz Water-Proof Dog Boots<\/a>\"\". She accepted them right away and gave them a good workout as she experienced her first measurable snowfall.<\/p>\n

Tip 2: Snow Rinse<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

If you are out on a walk and your dog starts favoring a paw, try to find some clean snow and use that to rinse the salt from the paws.<\/p>\n

Tip 3: Be Alert for Infections and GI Upsets<\/strong><\/p>\n

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, also can develop an upset GI system from ingesting these chemicals.<\/p>\n

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Tip 4: Wash Those Paws!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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, there are a variety of paw washers<\/a>\"\". You can also just use a bowl and dip and then dry each paw.<\/p>\n

Tip 5: Off to the Vet, if …<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Tip 6: Avoid Metal on Sidewalks<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Tip 7: Use Salt Alternatives<\/strong><\/p>\n

For those concerned with the problems caused by salt, there are paw safe ice melt<\/a>\"\" alternatives. Calcium magnesium acetate or mixtures with sand, sawdust, and kitty litter will work to keep your sidewalks safe. There are downsides with each of these in terms of expense or the mess they may track into your home, but these options are less damaging to plants, pets, and structural elements.<\/p>\n

Boot scrapers<\/a>\"\" near the entrance to your home or building are a great way to deal with the residue of sand, salt, and other de-icing materials that we track in with us in winter. <\/p>\n

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