Winter can be a real challenge for your dog's paws. Cold, road salt, and sharp ice residues can damage the delicate paw pads – leading to cracks, dryness, and pain.

Why do paw pads crack in winter?

In winter, several factors can stress your dog's paws:

1. Cold and dryness: The cold air and contact with icy surfaces deprive the skin of moisture, leading to dryness and cracks.
2. Road salt: While road salt can help keep sidewalks free of ice, it's truly poisonous for sensitive dog paws. Salt irritates the skin, causing not only cracks but also painful inflammation.
3. Snow clumps: Snow and ice that accumulate between the pads and claws can further irritate the skin.

How can I help my four-legged friend enjoy the snow?

Paw care before walking: Before you go outside with your dog, apply a protective paw cream. This forms a film on the skin and protects against cold, road salt, and snow.

Clean paws after walking: Road salt and dirt can lead to inflammation. After every walk, thoroughly wash your dog's paws with warm water and pat them dry. Removing salt and ice protects against irritation.

Keep paw hair short: Snow clumps and ice residues can accumulate between the paw hairs. Therefore, keep the hair between the pads short to prevent snow and ice from getting tangled.

Do paw shoes help my four-legged friend feel more comfortable?

For dogs with healthy paws, paw shoes are usually not necessary for normal walks. It will also take a while for your dog to get used to the shoes. Since he won't feel the ground directly, he might walk stiffly and awkwardly at first.

To support your dog's cracked and dry paw pads, you can apply our Doderm Hydro RepairGel after the walk. The gel contains plant extracts like calendula and vitamins that stimulate skin regeneration. It also absorbs very quickly and leaves no greasy footprints, and it can be licked off without harm.  Would you like to learn more about how Doderm Hydro RepairGel can regenerate your dog's skin? Read our page on how Doderm Hydro RepairGel works. For further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to advise you!