As the winter months are upon us, pet owners must prepare their animals for frigid temperatures, snow, ice, and salt. Animal hospitals and vets may be able to offer you some advice, but even if you’re an experienced pet owner, you may find yourself stumped when it comes to protecting dog paws in winter. If you’re wondering how to make sure your pet’s paws stay healthy and happy during the colder months, then here are a few simple tips to follow.

Invest in booties

Booties can help in protecting dog paws in winter when it is cold. Not only do they keep the paws dry, but they also help to keep your pet’s body temperature at a comfortable, healthy level. The fact that it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you should neglect your daily walks with your pet. It just means it requires a little bit more preparation. Investing in booties also ensures that your pet avoids the potential damage caused by salts and other ice treatment chemicals that litter streets and sidewalks throughout the winter cold. Booties just might help you avoid a trip to animal hospitals.

Get a sweater for your pet

When the colder months approach, it’s a good idea to get the right outdoor gear for you and your pet. Dressing your pet in a sweater is a great way to keep them warm outside. The good news is that it’s never been easier to find a sweater that fits your pet, whether you own a cat, a dog, or something more adventurous. As a matter of fact, you can look at the data to see just how much people tend to spend on their pets. According to data from Forbes Magazine reports, 92% of pet owners spent the same or more on their pets during the most recent recession period. When you acknowledge these figures, it’s clear that you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a store that sells high-quality sweaters for your pet. Pet sweaters keep your pet warm on walks outside, but they also protect your pet’s skin. It helps that pet sweaters are also fun, cute, and customizable!

Always take a towel with you on walks

When you visit most animal hospitals, you will notice that most of them take your pet’s temperature. Body temperature is an important indicator of overall health. Reducing moisture is important if you want your pet to hold its body temperature, especially in the cold. One key to keeping your pet’s paws protected is to keep them dry. While protective booties can certainly take care of a lot of moisture, it’s not always a sure thing. For this reason, you should always bring a towel with you on walks. If you notice any moisture forming on your pet’s paws or anywhere else on its body, wiping it off in a timely manner can help your pet to retain crucial body heat that will ensure it stays healthy for the rest of the journey.

Watch where your pet steps outside

Be cautious of where you allow your pet to step when you go outside. In areas that receive lots of snow and ice, you’ve probably noticed that salt and other deicing chemicals are used to prevent slips and falls on sidewalks. Salts and de-icers are even more abundant on roads, especially if they are busy. While these ice treatments are necessary to keep the roads safe for vehicles and pedestrians alike, they can have harmful effects on your pet’s paws. Make sure you avoid any areas with lots of ice treatments on your next walk.

At Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center we are happy to provide a wide range of veterinary services to keep your pet happy and healthy throughout the winter months and beyond. Whether you’re looking to stay up on regular animal health visits or if you find yourself in the midst of a veterinary emergency, our team of experienced veterinarians is here to help. When it comes to visiting animal hospitals, we understand that the experience can be full of stress and worry, so we aim to make things as simple as possible. For more information, get in touch with one of our experts today.