0
0
Since Molly and I live in Kansas, we have to deal with Kansas winter’s… and sometimes, they are rigid. Molly doesn’t like cold weather any more than I do… and her little feet freeze when the temperature drops below 20 degrees.
I don’t know about you all, but Molly (my pug) will not wear shoes… or anything on her feet. So… how do you protect your pug’s feet?
Here’s a few tips:
** Look at your pug’s pads often. I check Molly’s feet whenever I give her a bath. Press your thumb on the pad and make sure it is not painful. Look for any type of lumps, cuts, and discolorations. Also check for small pebbles, foxtails, bits of broken glass and other debris. If you see any of these items, they can easily be removed with a pair of tweezers. Make sure the pad is not cracked.
** Toughen your dog’s foot pads. Walking your pug on cement or on pavement regularly toughens the pads on their feet. Doing this seems to help build up thicker skin on their feet, kind of like humans get callouses. If you change your dog’s exercise regimen and decided to walk them on a different surface, do it slowly so your dog’s feet will get accustomed to the surface.
** Keep your pug’s feet moisturized… especially if the foot pads tend to crack. If a dog’s pad is cracked and bleeding, it needs to be treated right away. There are several different moisturizing creams you can get for dog’s feet but be sure you use a moisturizer made for dogs, and not humans. Bag Balm is one type of moisturizer that is made specifically for dog’s, but there are several.
There is also paw wax available for dog’s. The wax is different from the moisturizer in that it helps protect your dog’s paws from the cold and from chemicals that they treat roads and sidewalks with. One type of wax is called, “Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax.
Here are some details from Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax product page:
- Protects paws from sand, hot pavement, ice and salt with all natural 100-percent wax-based cream
- Perfect for mushing, hunting, walking or before any outdoor activity
- Easy-to-apply formula contains vitamin E to moisturize and help heal wounds and keep paws healthy
- Available in pack of 7-ounces
** Give your pug a deep paw massage. Just like massages are good for humans, a massage is very beneficial for your pug. Gently rub your pug’s paw and in between the pads at the bottom of his paw and also rub gently between each one of his/her toes. If your dog does not like having his feet messed with, do it gently for a short amount of time and he/she will get used to it. Pugs love to be pampered and your dog will love a paw massage.
** Watch for signs. Remember… Dogs can get frostbite and hypothermia just like we can so monitor your walks when it’s cold out and keep them short. Watch your dog. If your pug starts shivering, is moving really slow or is showing signs of anxiety, it’s time to go in.
** Use pet shoes or socks. IF your pug will wear shoes or socks, they are a great way to help their feet from freezing.
** A first Aid Kit is a must. It’s a good idea to have a dog first aid kit in your cabinet at home… that way if your dog steps on some type of debris and gets a small cut, you can immediately clean it with an antibacterial wash and wrap it if needed. Deeper cuts should always be looked at by a vet.
Let’s keep our pug’s warm this winter… and protect their feet from the cold!!
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
