The salt trucks are already out in full force to beat the icey roads and walkways. While maintaining pedestrian and road safety, de-icing can be brutal on our dog’s paw pads. The toxic chemicals used can cause your dog’s paws to dry out, crack and even lead to chemical burns.

Here are a few ways to keep your pup happy and healthy:

1. Avoid the salty sidewalk wherever possible, try to stick to grassy areas.
2. Keep a shallow bowl of warm water and a cloth near the entrance to your home so that you can wipe his paws when coming back inside.
3. Keep inter-pad hair neatly trimmed and short to avoid retaining those nasty chemicals.
4. Keep nails trimmed, as long nails force the paw to splay out and make it more likely that snow and ice will accumulate between the paw pads.
5. Try to stick to frequent short walks rather than a single long walk.
6. Treat your dog’s paws with a balm before and after walks to prevent them drying out.
7. Use dog booties, train your dog to walk in them and if suited, this will avoid contact with the de-icing products altogether.

Keep these tips in mind and have a pawesome winter! Book now at pawkee.com for dog walks, pet sitting, grooming, pet products and more!