Dogs Get Cold Feet in Winter Too!
My-Dog.info > Dog Care
It is upsetting and often perplexing when we see our pet
experience signs of discomfort; even if it is short-lived and
intermittent. However,what you are describing is a common winter
season complaint from dog owners and is usually caused by one of
two problems (or sometimes both).
The first is the development 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 us.This is
often aggravated by the licking/chewing our pets do in an effort
to remove the snow accumulation.
The second likely cause 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
pet’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 avoidance of salt is impossible, consider the use of foot
covers or “pet booties”. Several companies make
different types that are easy to put on, durable, and most pets
accept them quite readily.
One word of caution though; 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.
Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
|
 |
|
|
Save big on quality brand name pet meds and other pet supplies!
Pet Shed is the premier source for discount pet supplies on the Internet. Heartgard heartworm, Frontline Plus flea control, Advantage flea control, Revolution flea & heartworm, and many other pet medications.
|
