Cracked paws - what now?
Why do cracked paws occur?
Each of you will know it: It's getting to be winter, it's freezing and there's salt strewn all over the roads. Most people are grateful for the salt, because they do not have to expect an ice rink on the streets and sidewalks, but dogs' paws are no friends of the frost protection. Usually dogs lick their paws after a walk or the paws are brittle and cracked after a short time. In the worst case, the paws become dangerously sore and start to ache. But so that this does not happen, here are some tips for you on how you can help your four-legged friend:
- Dog shoes: Not very popular with the quadrupeds, but quite effective, are dog shoes. There are many to choose from, ranging from a type of anti-slip sock that protects against wetness, to waterproof neoprene shoes, to sturdy leather paw protection. Shoes come in every size and for every breed. The problem with these shoes is usually that dogs don't enjoy them. They usually don't move an inch or bounce around the entire walk in an unrelaxed manner. However, some dogs get used to the shoes just fine and it's not a problem to protect the dog's paws from the weather conditions this way. You can just try it out!
- Home remedies for the dog: Not only with us humans home remedies are always a good idea, also home remedies for the dog are a wonderful thing. We humans in many cases put cream on our hands when they are dry or chapped. Especially in winter, gloves or hand cream are a must for many of us. However, your four-legged friend's paws can also be protected from winter conditions with proper care.
- One such tip is to smear your paws with a greasy cream before walking so that the salt does not belong to the pads. The care can also be carried out again during walking. Vaseline is particularly good for this, like Bepanthen or marigold ointment. When applying it is important that you smear the cream on the dry paws into the spaces between the pads. Of course, you don't have to overdo it, but this is how common paws can become before salt peeking. The salt no longer penetrates the pads and the skin and their royal value increases.To take care of your paws, you can easily do a paw care yourself. You apply this care in the evening or between walks to keep your paws supple and to belong with you
Here is a recipe for you:
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp shea butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp. coconut oil
Mix all the ingredients together and apply to your pet's paws. If your dog is very active you can wrap some cling film around the paws. Wrapping the paws will also help the cream to soak in better.
3) Visit to the vet: If your dog's paws are already sore or, in the worst case, bloody, it is absolutely recommended that you visit a vet. If the paws are open, germs can quickly enter the bloodstream and cause a lot of damage. Apart from that, your dog will suffer immensely if he finds it difficult to walk. In order to prevent this, a vet should be consulted in case of serious sores.
