As the temperatures drop and winter weather hits London, city pavements become coated with one of the biggest seasonal threat to your pet: rock salt and chemical de-icers.

Here at Paws in the City, we know a painful paw can quickly ruin a winter walk. Our goal is to make sure your companion’s paws are protected from the corrosive effects of the street. Here is our essential guide to keeping your dog's paws healthy all winter long.

The Primary Hazard: Dog Paw Salt Burn and De-icerToxicity

The products used to melt ice, from industrial-grade rock salt to commercial de-icing chemicals, are highly concentrated and abrasive. These substances cause a two-part threat to your dog's health: external irritation and internal poisoning.

1. External Irritation and Chemical Burns (Dog PawSalt Burn)

The sharp edges of salt crystals and harsh compounds like calcium chloride aggressively cut and dry out the sensitive paw pads and the skin between the toes. This leads to:

• Dryness and Deep Cracks: Salt dehydrates the skin, causing pads to become dry, cracked, and painful.
• Abrasions and Cuts: The friction of walking on rough salt crystals causes small abrasions.
• Chemical Burns: Direct contact with certain de-icers can result in painful, localised chemical burns on the paw pads.

2. Internal Risk: Rock Salt Toxicity in Dogs

The toxicity risk occurs when your dog licks their paws after a walk. Ingesting these chemicals and large amounts of sodium chloride (rock salt) can cause serious health issues:

• Gastrointestinal Distress: Vomiting, diarrhoea, and excessive drooling.
• Severe Symptoms: High sodium levels can lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances, lethargy, tremors, and in severe cases, central nervous system issues.

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Essential Winter Paw Defence Strategies

Providing your dog paw care starts the moment you prepare for your walk and ends the moment you step back inside.

1. Apply a Protective Barrier: Before heading out, apply a thick layer of a protective, pet-safe paw wax or balm. This creates a vital barrier against the salt, ice, and freezing temperatures. Reapply frequently on longer walks.
2. Use Dog Boots: Well-fitting, waterproof winter boots offer the best and most complete physical protection. They shield the paw from all contact with salt, chemicals, and street debris.
3. Rinse Immediately Upon Entry: This is the most crucial step. Use lukewarm water to thoroughly rinse your dog’s paws before they have a chance to lick them. Towel-dry completely, making sure to remove all moisture from between the toes.
4. Keep Paw Fur Trimmed: For long-haired breeds, regularly trim the hair between the paw pads. This prevents the formation of painful ice balls and stops salt, grit, and snow from getting trapped.

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Secondary Hazard: Year-Round Debris and Summer Heat

While winter paw protection dog care is top of mind right now, we always encourage vigilance against debris and heat.

• Street Debris: Sharp objects like broken glass, metal shards, and sharp gravel are a constant threat on city streets. Always check your dog's paws if they suddenly limp or begin persistent licking.
• The Summer Scorch: Once the cold breaks, remember the 5-Second Rule for hot pavement: If you can't comfortably hold the back of your hand on the asphalt for five seconds, it’s too hot for their paws and can cause burns.

Need Expert Pet De-icer Safety Advice?

If you suspect your pet has ingested rock salt or chemicals, or if their paws show signs of redness, bleeding, or blistering, contact Paws in the City immediately. Timely intervention is critical for preventing infection and treating dog paw salt burn.

We are your trusted local veterinarian in London for all routine and urgent pet care needs.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Ealing: 0204519 9857 – ealing@pawsinthecityx.com

Greenford: 020 4519 2670 – greenford@pawsinthecityx.com

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