Winter can shine with its beauty, but can also be uncomfortable. What seems idyllic outside in nature can become a problem for four-legged friends – especially city animals. Roads heavily covered with salt, gravel and sharp chunks of ice cause problems for sensitive paws in winter. We know how to protect your four-legged friend.
It is known that the stomach of dogs (including cats) suffers from the absorption of road salt. In addition, roads heavily covered with salt, gravel and sharp chunks of ice also cause problems for sensitive paws – ice chips and salt can cause fine cracks in the callus of the bunion and unpleasant chafing between the toes. Have you ever cut your finger and the wound came into contact with salt? Then you know firsthand how a dog feels every day during its winter walk.
Before the dog goes for a walk
Vaseline and milk fat help keep the bales flexible, prevent tearing and thus protect the bales against road salt. Protective boots for dogs are also a good tip, but your pet will only get to know these shoes through training. If the fur between the toes is too long and long, you can carefully cut it with scissors so that the snow cannot clump on it. Do not cut the hair completely, because the hair protects the legs from the cold.
Speaking of cold. Dog coats are not a fashionable frill! Our dogs spend most of their time in warm rooms and are therefore sensitive to cold. A warm coat helps protect your pet from colds or even frostbite. With dogs These heating accessories are indispensable for short coats and little undercoat, but also for young, old or sick animals.
Customize the tour
If possible, take a walk, especially in the woods or park. Occasionally warm the paws with your hands and remove small clumps of snow from between the toes. At temperatures below zero, it makes more sense to spread several small laps through the winter landscape throughout the day than to make one big trip every day.
After the dog walk
A must after every walk is washing the dog’s paws. All you need to do is briefly dip each paw in a bowl of lukewarm water and run your fingers through the area between the toes.
Also wipe other areas exposed to salt, such as the stomach, especially in small or heavy-haired dogs. If your dog’s paw pads are already cracked and dry, a coat of paw wax can help. To ensure that the animal does not immediately lick everything off, offer it something to nibble on (buffalo hide bones or ox whips).
Come through the winter on soft feet
For cats that are used to being outside, a ‘curfew’ is not necessary. With a mix of fresh air and warm shelters, freedom-loving cats can survive the winter well.
Your cat should be able to return to the warmth and sit outside in a protected place at any time, even for a short time. For example, on a blanket or in a box placed on a thick piece of Styrofoam for insulation. Sitting or lying on the cold floor promotes bladder infections and other infections.
Important after snow trips: check the cat’s paws for gravel, road salt, ice and snow residue, wipe them with a warm washcloth and dry them thoroughly.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
