Paws- Do you apply winter protection?

[Hazel & Chester Wayte]

Hello

 I am wondering what the Norm is for Care of Paws? We live in Canada so eventually we will get some more snow. and cold. They don't salt our roads as we are on well water.

Do I need to apply any protection to his pads?

I notice they are sometime a bit dry.

Thanks

Hazel

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Funny you ask... I just received my delivery of Musher's Secret, it is a wax that you apply to your dog's paw pads and in between toes, etc.   I walk my doodles all year round and was always worried about the salts on the street etc.  Sasha's pads seem a little dry and a bit cracked.  I saw Musher's  and heard great reviews so I bought the 1 lb. can and will be putting it on their paws tomorrow.  The product is made in Canada and is a all natural wax.  Something is better than nothing, it is also recommended for the warmer months to protect their pads/paws from heat on pavement and sand as well.  It is fairly inexpensive, the small jar 60 grams was like $14.00 and the large can 1 lb was. $17.99.  Since I have two doodles I went with the 1 lb jar which you get a better bang for your buck.

[Angela, Wheeler & Wicket]

I use Mushers as well on Wheeler! We had our 1st snow here in PA before Halloween & I was not prepared! He had huge snow balls all over his legs that he was trying to rip out of his fur! We had to take a bucket of warm water & dip each paw in it to melt the snowballs! Mushers is much better!

[Hazel & Chester Wayte]

Wow snow before Halloween! We got our first snow in Dec.

Do you apply the Mushers just to paws? or does it help with snow balls along ankles too?

[Angela, Wheeler & Wicket]

I know, we haven't seen snow that early in a while, now since then its been pretty calm & nice! Everyone decorated their snow mans with scary Halloween masks, LOL. You put the Mushers on the fur on their legs or belly to prevent the snowballs (It's almost like salve), they say this is what is used on sled dogs as well to prevent snow balls. I also use it just on his paw pads about once a week cause they are so dry & it seems to keep them moisturized more! It is non toxic to them to, in case they lick their fur.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

I use a product called 'The Skin Works'

The phone number is 1-800-748-1777

I buy it at the local dog show, but you can order it from 'Just Gifted' in Langley BC. The will mail out or you may find a supplier closer to your area.

I not only use it on their paws, but my own too. lol

There are also some creams designed for sled dogs on the market.

[Kathryn Moore]

We live in the city and have all sorts of road/sidewalk hazards - slush, salt and sometimes good ol'powdery snow. We've put booties on Ted since he was a pup and he clops along just fine. I find when he runs out in deep snow, the snow starts to ball up all over his legs and paws, especially between his toes making it difficult to walk. Nothing worse than having to carry a wet, snowy, forty-pound dog home. 

We've used Muttluks and I've seen but not tried, small, rubber booties - in different colors. 

[BG and Gavin]

We have been using a product called "Bag Balm."  It is made in Quebec and is widely available (check out your local pet store of TTC).  It is salve that turns to a bit of an oil when rubbed in.  Gavin had a bleeding pad from a crack and this really helped.  I have been putting it on once a week or so.  I have also used it on my hands - works wonders!