Let’s be real: January is a lot. The air hurts your face, the sun goes down at 4:00 PM, and if you live anywhere with snow, the sidewalks have basically become a minefield of that jagged blue salt.
If you’ve ever seen your dog do the "ouchy dance", where they start lifting one paw, then the other, looking at you like “Why did you bring me to this frozen wasteland?”, you know how much winter can suck for their feet.
Between the chemical burns from sidewalk salt and the way ice can actually cut into their pads, our pups’ paws take a beating this time of year. Here is how I keep my dog’s feet from falling apart before spring hits.
1. The Pre-Walk "Shield"
You wouldn’t go outside without shoes, but since most dogs act like you’re putting them in medieval torture devices when you pull out the booties, we need a Plan B.
If your dog does the "high-step" walk and refuses to move in boots, grab some paw balm (or even just plain coconut oil). Slather it on their pads before you head out. It acts like a breathable barrier so the salt and ice can’t get a direct grip on their skin. It’s not a suit of armor, but it definitely helps.
2. The "Grinch Toe" Trim
Does your dog have those adorable tufts of hair sticking out between their toes? In the summer, they’re cute. In the winter, they are magnets for snow.
That hair traps moisture and forms "ice balls" that freeze hard and rub against the sensitive skin between their toes. It’s basically like walking with a bunch of pebbles in your socks. Give those "Grinch toes" a little trim so they’re flush with the pads—it’ll save you both a lot of heartache (and icy floor puddles).
3. Dealing with the "Trapped Indoor Energy"
Some days, the temperature hits "not a chance" levels, or the salt on the ground is so thick it’s just not safe to be out there. This is when the cabin fever starts to set in, and your dog starts treating your hallway like the Indy 500.
A Quick Life-Saver: On those days when we’re stuck inside and the "zoomies" are getting out of hand, you can rely on Sea Biskitz - Calming Treats. It’s hard for a dog to understand why they can't go for their usual mile-long walk, and that frustration usually turns into pacing or barking at the window. Tossing them a couple of Biskitz helps bring the energy level down from a "10" to a "nap-on-the-rug" level. It’s a total game-changer for surviving a polar vortex with your sanity intact.
4. The Post-Walk Rinse (Don't Skip This!)
This is the most important part. That salt isn't just irritating; it’s toxic. Most dogs will try to lick the "itchy" feeling off their paws the second they get inside, which means they’re swallowing de-icing chemicals.
Keep a bowl of lukewarm water and a dedicated "paw towel" by the front door. Give each paw a quick dunk and a thorough dry-off as soon as you get in. It stops the chemical burns and keeps your rugs a lot cleaner, too.
Stay Warm Out There!
Winter is long, but it’s a lot easier when your pup isn't limping. Take the extra two minutes to prep their paws, they’ll thank you for it (probably with a cold nose to the face while you’re trying to sleep).
Wishing you calm seas and wagging tails,
The Sea Biskitz Pack
