Protecting Dogs Feet In The Snow and Ice
By EvrWonder
@EvrWonder (3571)
Canada
December 15, 2008 6:46pm CST
What do you do to keep your dogs feet protected from the cold of snow and ice when you are taking them out for a walk or to go to the bathroom?
My dog wont wear boots and she is only 6lbs. I don't want her to get frost bite on her pads, nose or ears so I only take her out for potty and let her on the ground for only a few minutes so that she does not get too cold.
I keep the hair on her feet trimmed parallel to her pads so ice doesnt build on her paws.
The snow is going to start again and the wind is up to 90 miles per hour. My dog will not go potty in the house on a pee pad or a litter box. I cleared an area for her under the trees outside.
She wears her snow suit when she goes out.
What do you do to protect your dogs paws from the cold of ice and snow?
2 people like this
4 responses
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
19 Dec 08
Do they feel it like humans do? I know my dog's pads are ultra tough and she can walk and run on stuff much rougher than I can. It hailed here recently...her first time to experience this phenomenom. She didn't seem to notice the sharpness of the ice on her feet yet I was walking bare footed and the ice was sharp and so cold it felt like it burned.
I'd keep the area under the tree cleared and hope she can go when you take her. I'm trying to housetrain a puppy and I can get her to pee outside okay but I can't catch her at the right time for the other. It's fine if I leave her outside with my other dog but it's summer here and never snows so I can't really help you.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
20 Dec 08
Thank you for your response.
As for my little dog, she has no under coat and hair like us, not fur. So, when I feel cold, she likely does also. When I feel hot, so does she. Her breed can not tolerate cold temps or extreme heat either.
I do keep the tree cleared and she is getting used of it but restless as she is used to going out side walking everyday and we haven't since all the snow, below zero temps and ice. The wind makes it seem much colder.
I can not seem to have my dog use pee pads in the house. She will not go inside.
I would like to have her use the pads or littler box. Perhaps one day.
Enjoy the summer. Such a nice time of year.
1 person likes this
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
22 Dec 08
Aww, well, she loves the snow and enjoys playing in it and eating it. I just have to make sure she isn't in the snow for more than three minutes max if the temps are below zero. I did once, allow her to stay longer, walking in it. When I brought her inside, she started whining, which was not her norm. I reckon her paws had gotten too cold and were beginning to un-thaw once inside and it hurt. It only lasted les than a minute, but still. I know better now. She does love the snow. Temps are suppose to come up this week so I hope we can go play in it a bit longer, other than just to go potty.
Thanks for your comment btw. Mwrry Christmas to you and yours.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
21 Dec 08
Oh the poor little dog. I guess he/she is totally unsuited to the climate there...what a shame the poor little mite has to suffer so. It's like people here who want to own a husky. With their thick coats the Australian summer must be practically unbearable for these dogs from a cold climate to have to endure...
@Isabellas2007 (192)
• United States
16 Dec 08
I have tried using little booties on my dogs feet to protect them and he chewed them up and wouldnt walk with them on. So I gave up on trying to protect his feet and pads because he would just chew them up. To protect the rest of him though I had to get a little sweater for his back and sides because he would go out and just shiver the whole time!
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
18 Dec 08
Yes, I have read that we ought to cover them from the neck down, paying attention to the chest. She wont walk in booties.
I wish she would. I am considering trying again.
I don't want her to get frost bite. So is why I am concerned. Thank you for your response.
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
16 Dec 08
That is very kind of you to be so concerned for your dogs feet! I don't do anything for their feet because they don't need any thing as long as they have shelter to come in to. They know how long they can stand it and will let you know too. When it snows, be sure to shovel an area all her own so she doesn't have to go in other areas and sink and basically disappear. Dogs are a little tougher than we give them credit for. She'll be fine. Just don't let her stay out too long but once she's finished with her business then you can bring her back in providing she's finished doing all her duties. lol
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
16 Dec 08
Thank you for your response. I do bring her in as soon as she is finished and do not let her stand in the snow too long. I did shovel a spot for her under the trees and she goes there. I noticed there are spots clearing on the grass from snow, so she heads over there also. I don't let her stay out too long nor does she want to in 80 mile hr winds. More snow and minus temps. She has all her toys out inside and cardboard rolls she has shredded everywhere. Her favorite blankets all lined up and her own lazy boy chair with a heating pad so she stays nice and warm inside.
Thanks again for stopping by.
2 people like this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
16 Dec 08
oh how sweet. your a good mommy. im lucky i guess i havent had her in really cold snowy, icey weather ever, shes always been in either AZ like now or in florida.
