5 signs that de-icing salt is hurting your dog (and the 2-minute routine to avoid it)
Canadian winters are beautiful, but they hide a formidable enemy for our four-legged companions: road salt (like the Quebec salt we see everywhere on our sidewalks). While we wear boots, our dogs walk barefoot on these corrosive chemicals.
Many pet owners think that wiping their pets' paws with a dry towel is enough. Unfortunately, this often leaves invisible residue that can burn the skin.
Here's how to tell if your dog is suffering from salt and the quickest way to protect him.
Signs that your dog's paws are in danger
De-icing salt doesn't just make your floors dirty; it causes a chemical reaction that dries out and burns the pads. Watch for these symptoms:
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Excessive licking: If your dog licks its paws immediately after a walk, it's trying to remove the stinging salt. This is dangerous because ingesting salt is toxic.
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Cracked or dry pads: A rough texture to the touch is a sign of severe skin dehydration.
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Redness between the toes: This is where salt accumulates and the skin is thinnest.
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Sudden lameness: The dog lifts a paw while walking outside because the ground burns its skin.
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Hair color change: The hairs between the pads become pinkish or brownish due to constant irritation.
The solution: The "Back from a Walk" routine in 2 minutes
You don't need to bathe your dog after every walk (which would only dry out its skin even more). Here's the ideal routine recommended for Canadian winters:
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Step 1: Remove the bulk of the danger. Before entering, remove any ice balls stuck to the fur.
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Step 2: Neutralize the salt (The secret). Use a No-Rinse Cleansing Paw Foam . The foam penetrates between the paw pads to loosen salt and mud without excessively wetting the dog, while soothing the skin.
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Step 3: Wipe and dry. Wipe with a clean towel. That's it!
Why avoid alcohol in your winter products?
Alcohol dries out the skin. In winter, using a product containing alcohol on paws already chapped by salt is like putting salt on a wound: it stings and delays healing.
Protect your dog now
Don't let winter spoil your walks. Use this gentle and effective cleansing foam for healthy paws all winter long.
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