In a pinch, petroleum jelly will work, too (just make sure your dog doesn't ingest large amounts by licking their paws, as it can cause stomach upset). Place the balm on your pup's paws prior to a walk, to provide a barrier of protection from salt and chemicals. Then clean the balm off once you return from the walk.
Boots are the best way to protect your dog's paws
They minimize contact with harsh salt or chemicals and prevent snow, ice, and salt or sand from getting lodged between their toes. While boots are the safest option, it may take your dog some time to adjust to them.
Consider Boots or Foot Wax
This will protect your dog's paws from cold, ice and salt. If your dog isn't a fan of boots, foot wax is another option, but it can be trickier, van Ekert says, because wax wears off and might be put on improperly.
If you're in a pinch and have some Vaseline in the house, it's fine to use on your pup's paws or nose.
Whether it's rock salt, a mixture of sand and salt or brine salt, if stepped on the saline ice remover can cause a chemical burn to your pet's feet and become even more harmful when consumed.
It's common for dogs to get yeast infections in their paws; soaking your dog's paws in ACV will relieve that too. When diluted and added to a spray bottle, apple cider vinegar is a strong disinfectant and even works as a mild flea repellent.
ACV will soothe the irritation on paws that are infected by bacteria due to excessive licking and scratching. Soak the paws of your pooch in two-part water to one part Apple Cider Vinegar bath for 5 minutes. Just pat dry the paws and do not rinse them.
If you find that your pup's paws are dry or cracked, you can use coconut oil to help soothe and heal them. Make sure to rub the coconut oil thoroughly into your dog's paws, or your dog will mistake this treatment for a snack and lick off all of the oil!
Weather extremes (too hot or too cold) can hurt tender feet – whether human or canine. Apply warm olive oil and massage onto the footpads to soften, soothe and heal your pet's paws. Treat dry skin and maintain a shiny coat. Treat your pet's dry, itchy flaky skin from the inside out with olive oil.
Their paws can become dry, sore, itchy and flaky.
Massaging some coconut oil into his paws can moisturize them, preventing itchy, flaking skin.
If your dog walks where salt or other de-icing agents have been spread, clean her paws by rinsing them in cool or warm (not hot) water. Salt dissolves in water so you won't need soap or special rinses. Simply dip her feet into a container of water, massage water into her paw pads, and dry with a clean towel.
If your dog has red and itchy paws—chronically licking or chewing his feet or foot pads—or can't walk normally on hard surfaces, he may have pododermatitis.
The Himalayan dog lick salt block is lightweight, and the rope can be hung at a height that pets can lick. It is easy to carry and store, which will not take up too much storage space.
Apply a non-stinging antiseptic solution to the area. Chlorhexidine is cheap, extremely effective, and readily available. A 2% solution limits tissue irritation, but 4% solutions are also commonly used. Povidone-iodine solution is another good option.
Musher's Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax is a wax you can apply to your dog's paws to protect them from sand, hot pavement, ice and rock salt. It is an all-natural wax-based cream that has vitamin E in it, so it also moisturizes your dog's paws.
To use coconut oil topically, apply it to the skin about once a week, and let it be absorbed for a few minutes. After five minutes or so, rinse your dog off. If he still feels excessively greasy or oily, you can follow up with a light shampoo and rinse. Alternatively, use a shampoo made with organic coconut oil.
Tea tree oil is often found in varying concentrations and high concentrations should never be used on pets. As little as 7 drops of 100% oil has resulted in severe poisoning, and applications of 10-20 mls of 100% oil have resulted in poisoning and death in both dogs and cats.
All petroleum distillates (oil products – motor oil, baby oil etc.) are dangerous to pets – just stay away.
Olive oil is a kitchen cupboard staple that does double duty for dogs. For an external treatment, apply a small amount to your dog's dry paws, noses, and ears. Be sure to rub it in completely, and remember, a little goes a long way! It's also effective as part of your dog's diet.
Unlike olive oil, coconut oil doesn't contain a high amount of omega fatty acids. While it does have some, it isn't enough for your dog to access as many of the benefits as other oils can. Coconut oil also isn't as easily digested and processed, which may render the few fatty acids that get through less helpful.
Shea butter and Vitamin E lotion moisturize and soothe cracked, dry, and blistered dog paw pads. Be sure that these products are all-natural and have no chemical ingredients or artificial scents. Oils and waxes: Beeswax, olive oil, and coconut oil also offer effective, all-natural paw protection for cracked paw pads.
As with other dog behaviors, there can be several reasons that lead dogs to lick or chew their paws. These include injuries; skin problems; environmental, parasite, or food allergies; and boredom or anxiety.
To make this solution, pour 1 cup (230 – 250ml) of organic apple cider vinegar into 1 gallon (almost 5l) of warm water. Soak your dog's paws in the liquid for 30 seconds and allow the skin to air-dry. Alternatively, make a 50/50 mixture in a spray bottle and apply it directly onto your dog's paws.