It is upsetting and often perplexing when we see our pet experience signs
of discomfort; even if it is short-lived and intermittent. However in winter, it
is common for pets to experience discomfort if their paws are not properly
cared for.
A common problem is the formation of ice pellets in the hair between your
pet’s toes. This often occurs because the warmth of our pet’s paws melts
the snow that clings to it causing the hair on the paw (especially between
the toes) to become wet, refreeze, and begin to accumulate more snow.
Eventually the ice pellet enlarges and causes discomfort during walking,
much like a pebble in the boot would do to people.This is often aggravated
by the licking/chewing our pets do in an effort to remove the snow
accumulation.
The second common issue is paw discomfort resulting from exposure to the salt commonly used to prevent ice build up
on walkways or roadways. Salt can be very irritating to the feet with excess paw hair tending to trap the salt and prolong
its contact with our pet’s paws.
Fortunately, the solutions to these problems are relatively simple. Begin by trimming excess hair from between your
dog's toes. If you feel uncomfortable doing this, enlist the assistance of a professional groomer. If possible, avoid areas
that have been salted and use alternate methods to prevent ice build-up on your own property, such as regular
shoveling and sand. Ensure that any residual salt is rinsed off or removed with a damp cloth once you are back home,
drying the feet afterwards.
If evidence of paw discomfort or lameness is persistent or seen together with skin irritation, a more severe medical
problem such as arthritis or a skin infection, may be present and a trip to the veterinarian is in order.
of discomfort; even if it is short-lived and intermittent. However in winter, it
is common for pets to experience discomfort if their paws are not properly
cared for.
A common problem is the formation of ice pellets in the hair between your
pet’s toes. This often occurs because the warmth of our pet’s paws melts
the snow that clings to it causing the hair on the paw (especially between
the toes) to become wet, refreeze, and begin to accumulate more snow.
Eventually the ice pellet enlarges and causes discomfort during walking,
much like a pebble in the boot would do to people.This is often aggravated
by the licking/chewing our pets do in an effort to remove the snow
accumulation.
The second common issue is paw discomfort resulting from exposure to the salt commonly used to prevent ice build up
on walkways or roadways. Salt can be very irritating to the feet with excess paw hair tending to trap the salt and prolong
its contact with our pet’s paws.
Fortunately, the solutions to these problems are relatively simple. Begin by trimming excess hair from between your
dog's toes. If you feel uncomfortable doing this, enlist the assistance of a professional groomer. If possible, avoid areas
that have been salted and use alternate methods to prevent ice build-up on your own property, such as regular
shoveling and sand. Ensure that any residual salt is rinsed off or removed with a damp cloth once you are back home,
drying the feet afterwards.
If evidence of paw discomfort or lameness is persistent or seen together with skin irritation, a more severe medical
problem such as arthritis or a skin infection, may be present and a trip to the veterinarian is in order.
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| Bloomington Pet Pals We Play While You're Away |
