Get your dog ready for a day of fun in the snow with these 3 tips
Winter is here and for many of us, that means enjoying the snow with our furry friends. However, before you head out, here are 3 tips to ensure your dog's comfort and safety.
1. Grab your (doggy) scissors or call your groomer
Something I learned the hard way is, that excess hair on the paws will cause the snow to pack between their toes. This can be uncomfortable, at the least, but most likely painful, for your dog and it's difficult to get that packed snow out.
Of course, not all breeds need to have their paws trimmed, but if your dog has hairy feet, you'll want to tackle that before heading out. Since I'm not a professional groomer, I use curved scissors with a safety tip.
Here's a quick video that shows how to tackle this yourself, or if you prefer, you can let your groomer know you'rr planning a snow day and your pup needs his feet cleaned up.
2. Wax those pads
Another thing I learned the hard way is that icy snow cuts up paw pads. It's kind of like paper cuts crisscrossing everywhere. Just an FYI, I grew up in Southern California and even though we did go to the snow a few times, I only lasted a few minutes before I was crying and completely over the cold. So this post is for non-snow experts, like me.
Also, wet pads can be delicate things that tear easily, leaving your pup in pain for 3 or 4 days, while they heal.
Luckily, there is an easy solution for this. There are several options, but I think Musher's Secret is the most popular. This will protect the pads from the icky ice cuts and also from becoming wet and tearing.
You can even make your own batch to gift to all of your dog-loving friends!
A bonus feature of the wax is that it somehow stops the snow from packing between the toes. But I still believe trimmed paws are the way to go.
3. Don't forget a coat
For yourself and for your dog. If you have a Husky or any other furry dog, you can probably ignore this last tip. This is for the dogs with barely any hair, the Whippets, Greyhounds, Dobes, hairless breeds, small breeds with short coats, and yes, even Pit Bulls. You'll want a coat that is waterproof and allows for full range of motion and doesn't restrict movement.
There are plenty to choose from, but if you're overwhelmed with options, Ruff Wear has nice coats.
This blog post is part of a pet photographer blog circle. To see more images and read more posts on this week's topic, snow fun, click the link at the bottom of each post, starting with Seattle Dog Photographer, Holly Cook explains her love of winter and how being in the snow helps her create magical, wintery images of dogs.
12 Comments
Dec 30, 2022, 11:22:40 AM
Nicole Hrustyk - It's amazing stuff! It's also great to use before going out in the rain.
Dec 25, 2022, 7:52:16 PM
Nancy - I will have to try the mushers secret
Dec 19, 2022, 8:38:28 AM
Nicole Hrustyk - Oh wow, I've never used it for anything but the snow. Maybe I need to try it for other things.
You might also want to start wrapping the stopper pads with Power Flex, before you learn that one the hard way. :)
Dec 19, 2022, 8:36:44 AM
Nicole Hrustyk - haha, he is a fun silly dude.
Dec 19, 2022, 6:07:04 AM
Tracy Allard - Great tips! I just discovered Musher's Secret because Rooney burned his pads sliding in for a disc catch on the grass. I learned that yellowing, fall grasses are much more abrasive than their soft, supple spring and summer counterparts. Now I'm a semi-expert on paw care!
Dec 18, 2022, 5:17:45 PM
Elaine - So so true about clipping feet in prep for winter activities. And the dog in the pink coat is my spirit animal! :)
Dec 16, 2022, 7:29:04 PM
Nicole Hrustyk - Let me know if you make a batch. I'm considering it, but with my strong procrastination skills, I'm not sure it's a realistic idea for me.
Dec 16, 2022, 7:28:02 PM
Nicole Hrustyk - Thank you, Darlene.
Dec 16, 2022, 2:37:15 PM
Darlene - I second the Musher's Secret! I used it for years with Kota and so protective! These are great tips - and I especially love the idea of keeping the paws clipped. Loving those bright colored coats - so much fun!!!
Dec 16, 2022, 12:55:12 PM
Erin Schwartzkopf - I love the DIY pad wax! Thank you for that link and great idea to gift other dog lovers!
Dec 16, 2022, 11:03:33 AM
Nicole Hrustyk - ohhh, I'll have to check out Bender & Axle coats. Thanks for sharing!
Dec 16, 2022, 6:01:14 AM
Cahlean - Great tips! Trimming the toe hair is something I've never thought of. (No hairy dogs for me!) Heard of Musher's Secret though I haven't used it. It gets dreadfully cold here in Minnesota which limits walks, but could be handy when we head into the transition time of spring. Coats are cool (though actually warm haha!). Blue has hand me down coats from Bender & Axle and he tolerates them, though doesn't wear them frequently. He tolerates sweaters too, though wrestling him into them is getting harder as he's getting bigger haha!