22 Jan Second Chance: Winter Paws!
For 30+ years, the Animal Resource Center and Shops of Second Chance Humane Society have been serving Ouray, San Miguel, and Montrose Counties. Adoption hours are from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. View shelter pets and services online at www.secondchancehumane.org.
“Connecting Pets, People, and Community While Saving Lives.”
View shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org.
Please reach out to our dog den staff with any questions about these deserving dogs. animalcare@secondchancehumane.org
Donate here or mail to: PO Box 2096, Ridgway, CO, 81432.
Go here for more options from Second Chance.
It’s cold. It’s snowy. It’s winter! Whether you’re a “get out and enjoy it” person or a “hunker down and stay warm” person, your dog still needs to go outside.
You might already have a dog coat for your pup, but what are you doing to protect his feet? Winter means pooch’s paws need some extra care.
Cold temperatures, snow, ice, and dry air can chap and crack a dog’s paw pads. That can be painful and your pup may develop sores or infections, especially if they lick or chew their paws in response.
Sidewalk de-icers can cause irritation or chemical burns on paws. Stepping on salt crystals, rocks, or other sharp objects hidden under the snow can result in cuts and/or bruises.
Before your dog goes out, coat their paw pads in paw wax or a beeswax-based moisturizer (petroleum jelly will do in a pinch.) The moisturizing balm acts as a barrier against ice and harmful chemicals. You can also use paw balm to soothe and moisturize paw pads after walks. Dip your pup’s paws into a shallow bowl of warm water, then towel dry. This will remove ice, salt, and chemicals on their paws and allow the moisturizer or wax to do its job. For breeds with long fur between their toes, trimming will help with paw cleaning and make it less likely ice balls will form.
Like you, dogs’ feet and toes can develop frostbite if they get too cold. It’s best to keep walks and outside time short when it’s really cold and snowy. That is especially true for senior dogs, puppies, dog breeds with shorter fur, and pets with arthritis or other health conditions.
Commonly used ice deicers, like calcium chloride and sodium chloride, can harm paws. Avoid de-icers and salt melt at home and on your walks. That means steering clear of very slushy or salty areas while out walking. If you’re responsible for deicing outside your home, use pet-safe ice melters, and encourage your neighbors to do the same.
Toxic antifreeze, ice-melting agents, and de-icing salt on a pet’s paws could mean another kind of trouble. If your dog licks these substances off their feet, they could get an upset stomach. Or worse, they could suffer serious poisoning.
Slippery ice can result in trauma or injuries. Pets who have conditions like arthritis may have extra difficulty keeping their footing on slippery surfaces. Trimming your dog’s nails will help with stable footing.
If your dog will wear them – yes, we’ve seen the videos – dog boots offer the best protection from the elements.
In winter, it is extra important to monitor your dog’s paws. After being outside, check the pads and between the toes for redness, cracks, wounds, discoloration, or other signs of concern. Take notice if your pup is licking their paws, limping, or holding a paw up.
DaIsy
Daisy is a gorgeous two-year-old girl, waiting for her new home. She’s high energy, smart, an escape artist, and likes to be with her people. She also loves snow. Which is pretty much the definition of a husky.
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