Salty paws alert!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Saw this post and thought I would share:

      Be cautious of where you walk your dog in winter weather. If they suddenly lie down flat on a walk       or start to "hot-foot", they may have rock salt/ice melt between their pads (not the "pet-safe" kind,         and it's burning them. Soaking the paws asap in warm water should solve the problem but of               course see your vet if it's severe or the discomfort does not seem to be going away.

And those of you south or west from us Northerners, please refrain from rubbing in the fact that you are basking in sunshine!  It's supposed to be around 50 degrees here in NY on Sunday so all this dirty snow will melt soon! 

[Miss Ellie]

Good advice Lori...wish there would be more consideration and they would use the pet-safe kind...animals health & safety definitely needs to be more of a priority!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

We don't even have sidewalks in our area, but our roads are sanded AND salted.  We use the safety salt on our driveway. 

[Jen W]

Thanks for posting.  All of the sidewalk salt is driving me crazy, some people seem to use it instead of shoveling.  Twice in recent weeks I've had to carry my dog home b/c she got some in her pads.  I bought boots for her, but trying to get those on her has proven to be a sisyphean task.

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Try using the boots as a training exercise.  That's what worked with Haley when I first put boots on him.  He is very food motivated and will do just about anything for a treat.

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

Oh my goodness, this happened to our Oliver last week! We were on our way into a nursing home to make a therapy dog visit when all of a sudden he started to lift up his paws, started to cry, and tried to flop down on the ground. I dropped my bag and tried to lift him up. He was too heavy so I kind of dragged him into the door. He continued to cry until I wiped his paws off with paw wipes. I felt so bad that I didn't have some type of covering for his toes. Today I went to PetSmart and bought some disposable booties that are water resistant so I think that he will be able to use them several times before I have to dispose of them. I suppose I could put some duct tape on the bottom to make them a little more waterproof. I looked at the rain and snow boots but they seemed so big and clunky. I only plan to use them when we make therapy dog visits. I wish that all of the salt used by everyone would be safe for animals. Great reminder for those of us that are experiencing cold, snowy winter weather!!

[Donna K & Quincy]

We are lucky that we have lots of places to walk and don't walk on the streets in winter.

Kathy, They have a tendency to poke their nails through those rubber boots but a pair of socks underneath solves the problem and actually makes them easier to put on.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Good info, Lori, thank you for sharing. 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

:}

[Pat and Traveler]

Thanks for the info==this isn't something I would have thought about!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Although this isnt an issue here, it does make sense. I would never be one to rub it in, as Arizona has it's very own kind of "HOT-FOOT" reaction when it's 115 degrees outside and you can bake cookies or tender paws on the sidewalks. We have to be just as careful with that as you do with salt. Good post Lori, as the winter is just really getting into full swing there

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Sure is not "hot foot" season here, but hot tar is no fun either.  I guess shoes have a purpose! 

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

Thanks so much for the advice, Donna! I will try your idea and put socks on him before I put the disposable booties on. I stood there in the pet store for the longest time and couldn't decide if I should buy the hard soled boots or the ones that would feel more like socks. He has worn a sock on his foot when there was a sore between his toes so I knew there was a chance that he would wear the disposable ones. We are lucky that we have DK and that the members are always willing to give advice to others. Sharing our experiences definitely saves time and frustration for others. Thanks again!!