Winter can be hard on dogs, especially their paws. The cold, dry air can cause their paw pads to dry out and crack, leading to pain and discomfort.
As my own dog, Thalia, is prone to these problems, I researched and tested a few home remedies to help her look after her paws.
My favorite solution is to make a homemade cream and apply it to her paw pads to moisturize and heal them. Here are two recipes I've tried and found to be very effective to improve my dog's paw pads' health.
Recipe no. 1 - Beeswax delight
A complete cream that moisturizes, helps to heal and soothes pain. I've adapted it from this one.
Ingredients:
- 5 ml beeswax
- 30 ml coconut oil or shea butter (or half of each)
- 4 drops of lavender essential oil
- 4 drops peppermint essential oil
Preparation:
1. Melt the beeswax in a bain-marie over a low heat.
2. In another double boiler, melt the shea butter or coconut oil.
3. Once the beeswax has melted, slowly stir in the melted shea butter or coconut oil until smooth.
4. Add the two essential oils and mix well.
5. Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar and leave to cool before use.
Clean your dog's paws thoroughly before applying the cream to make sure there's no dirt or debris. Gently apply the cream to the pads and massage it in. Lavender will help heal cracks, while peppermint has a pain-relieving effect. If your dog tries to lick the cream off, you can put a sock on his paw.
Recipe no. 2 - "Scraping the barrel"
Here's another recipe for those of you who, like me, don't always have beeswax or shea butter in your cupboards. This is the first cream I tried, after discussions with my pharmacist, and it also works very well.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml Vaseline (or better still a neutral cream)
- 8 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 8 drops of lavender essential oil
Preparation:
1. In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients until well combined.
2. Place the mixture in a clean glass jar and store at room temperature.
Apply this cream to the affected pads after cleaning and drying them. It soothes dry, cracked or irritated skin, and the tea tree essential oil has natural antiseptic properties that can help prevent infection. Note that Vaseline can be toxic if ingested, so make sure your dog doesn't lick his paws after applying it. You can use a sock to protect the area.
Essential oils have natural benefits, but if used incorrectly, they can cause undesirable and even dangerous side effects in puppies and older dogs. So follow the dosages and instructions carefully every time you use them. If you notice any undesirable effects, stop using them immediately and consult a vet.
Bonus
It's Sunday evening, you've just come back from a walk and you notice that your dog's paws are damaged, but you've got nothing in your cupboards... Don't worry! You can apply honey to his paw pads. Thanks to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties, it will effectively relieve your dog's pain and ensure he has healthy paw pads.
Other tips to get healthy paw pads
Apart from using a paw cream, what else can you do to protect your dog during the winter? Here are a few more tips:
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors in the cold and snow, you may want to consider making him wear dog booties.
Avoid letting your dog walk on roads that are salted, sanded or chemically treated, as this dries out and damages their paw pads. Otherwise, make sure you rinse his paws thoroughly after the walk and apply the cream you've just prepared.
Limit the time your dog spends outdoors in very cold weather.
Keep his nails short, as excessively long nails can put pressure on the pads and cause discomfort.
Look out for signs of frostbite, such as discoloured or swollen pads. If you suspect frostbite, consult a vet immediately.
In conclusion, winter can be hard on our dogs' paws, so it's important to look after them. With these tips and recipes, you're all set to keep your dog healthy, happy and comfortable throughout this period.
Remember, animal welfare isn't just about training methods or meeting your dog's daily ethological needs. Simple things like looking after its paws or ears are also important in developing your relationship and ensuring a happy dog.
Would you like more advice or tips on how to make your dog flourish and your relationship more harmonious? Leave me a comment or get in touch today.
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