Winter walks
How to Clean Road Salt Off Your Dog's Paws After Winter Walks
When sidewalks get icy, cities and neighbors spread rock salt and chemical de-icers. They keep people upright, but the residue ends up on your dog's paws, and dogs tend to lick their feet once they're inside.
The ASPCA's cold-weather advice is direct: after each walk, wash and dry your pet's feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals (source). Here's a routine that makes that easy to do every time.
A 60-second routine at the door
- Keep a station by the door. Cup, towel and a treat jar where you take the leash off. If it's convenient, you'll actually do it.
- Use lukewarm water. Cold paws plus cold water is an unpleasant surprise. Fill the Paw Cup about a third of the way with lukewarm water.
- One paw at a time. Insert the paw, twist gently a few times so the bristles reach between the pads, lift out.
- Dry thoroughly. Pat each paw with the towel, including between the toes. Damp fur between the pads picks up grit on the next walk.
- Check the belly and legs. Slush splashes up. A quick wipe with the towel covers it.
- Reward. A small treat after the last paw teaches your dog that the door routine is a good thing.
Other winter tips worth knowing
- The ASPCA also suggests a vet-approved paw protectant before walks, and bringing a towel on long walks.
- Keep the fur between the pads trimmed in winter so ice balls don't form.
- Look for cracks or redness. If paws are sore, bleeding or your dog keeps licking them, call your vet.
What to use
A regular towel works in a pinch. The Doorway Kit pairs a paw washer cup with a pocket towel so the whole routine happens at the door without running water.