Insights from Our Everyday Life
Many of you have asked me on social media what I do with Pepper's and Iluq's paws in winter. Questions like:
Do you have any special tips for caring for the paws of your sled dogs?
What do you do to protect their paws from injuries when you spend so much time outdoors?
These questions show that paw care in winter is an important topic for many dog owners. So today I want to give you an insight into how I handle the paws of my sled dogs to keep them healthy and injury-free through the winter.
But first, here's a picture of Pepper's paw. This is what it looks like in winter. Perfectly adapted to the prevailing conditions here and to the activities we have in winter.
As an active dog owner who enjoys being outdoors in winter, whether running, on sledding tours through the mountains, or on walks on frozen lakes, paw care is an essential part of my everyday life. Pepper and Iluq love being outside and exploring the winter landscape. But to ensure that their paws are up to the challenges of winter, I take some precautions.
Pepper and Iluq are not fans of paw boots. They are sled dogs, born for outdoor activities, and they prefer to keep their paws natural. That's why I focus on other ways to protect and care for their paws.
To protect against cold, snow, and road salt, I use special paw balms. These help keep the skin of their paws supple and protect against cracks or irritations. Especially after longer outdoor activities, I generously apply these balms and like to combine application with a relaxing paw massage. You can find a short demonstration of this massage on my Instagram account four.happy.paws.
Another important aspect is regularly checking and trimming their claws. Through our activities in winter, Pepper and Iluq use their claws intensively, leading to increased growth. While long claws provide better grip on ice and snow, they can also cause injuries. That's why I make sure to regularly check and, if necessary, trim their claws to prevent excessive growth.
There is nothing worse than having an active dog that cannot be active due to injuries to its paws. Despite all precautions, there can always be small injuries or irritations. That's why it's important for me to emphasize that every dog owner needs to individually address their dog's paws and their condition. For dogs that do not build up fur to protect their paw pads or for dogs that are very exposed to road salt, I naturally recommend dog boots. Iluq and Pepper also have some, although we have rarely had to use them so far.
Overall, paw care in winter is not just a necessity for me but also a matter of the heart. I want to ensure that Pepper and Iluq stay healthy and happy while exploring the beauty of the cold season. And with the right precautions and a little extra love and attention, I manage to achieve just that.
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