Should I shave my dog's paw pads in winter?
Katarina Hintz
2025-08-30 20:36:35
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: 19
We normally can go forever in the snow without any foot problems, but he could scarcely be out five minutes without lifting his feet like a little princess. We are supposed to get a foot of snow between today and tomorrow and I want to make his experience as enjoyable as possible because he does love the snow. I trimmed his paw pad hair last week with the intention of improving his winter activities. The snow wasn't melting/refreezing and forming balls of ice, it was just touching the sensitive part of his foot between his pads and making his feet really cold. I can't help but think that if his hair were long, it wouldn't have gotten jammed in between his pads. Do you think in Waffle's case, it's better to leave his paw hair long, particularly when snow is powdery. That way, it won't have a chance to get deep between his pads. We have never had a problem with snow before, even with untrimmed paw pad hair.
Sheridan Wiegand
2025-08-17 16:08:57
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: 16
If your dog has long hair, trim the hair between the paw pads and around the paws. This serves several functions: it minimizes painful ice balls from forming on your dog’s paws; it reduces the amount of road salt and de-icing chemicals that are picked up; and it makes it easier for you to clean and apply moisturizing balm to your dog’s paws after your walks. Don’t forget to keep your dog’s nails trimmed all year round, including the winter. Long nails tend to splay your dog’s paws while walking, making it easier for irritants to get between paw pads. Thoroughly wash and dry your dog’s paws after taking them for a walk, making sure to also clean the area between their toes. Dog boots can help minimize contact between your dog’s feet and harmful chemicals. Another option is to use paw balm to create a protective layer on your dog’s paw pads. You should still wash your dog’s paws after walks to make sure your pooch doesn’t accidentally lick any chemicals left on their paws.
Seth Stark
2025-08-10 00:13:51
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: 15
If your dog has long hair, trim the hair between the paw pads, until it is even with the pads. This will prevent ice balls from developing between the paw pads and causing discomfort. The paw hair can also hold onto some of the salt and begin to irritate the sides of the paw pads. Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed is essential in the winter, as long nails can force the toes to separate, leaving the chance for snow and ice to accumulate between the paw pads.
Josiah Bayer
2025-08-09 23:54:17
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: 24
While the skin and hair on their paw pads protect them to some extent, excess fur, moisture, and frigid temperatures can all cause uncomfortable cracks, blistering, and other health concerns. Remove Fur Between Your Dog’s Toes Long-haired dog breeds often have excess hair growing between their toes that protects and insulates the paw. Use grooming scissors or automated clippers to carefully trim the fur, ensuring you don’t cut too close to the skin. This process not only prevents painful ice balls from forming but also enhances your dog’s traction on slippery winter surfaces. Despite their toughness, these pads are sensitive to extreme temperatures and rough surfaces, making cracked paw pads common in winter. Regular grooming isn’t just about your dog’s coat — it’s essential for keeping sensitive paws healthy during winter.
Brianne Aufderhar
2025-08-09 23:38:41
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: 15
If your dog has long hair on its paws, it’s a good idea to trim up that extra hair. You want the hair to be even with the paw pad to help reduce the risk of ice-balls forming between their toes, and salt and other de-icers clinging to the paw. If your dog has long hair, trim the hair between the paw pads, until it is even with the pads. This will prevent ice balls from developing between the paw pads and causing discomfort. The paw hair can also hold onto some of the salt and begin to irritate the sides of the paw pads. According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, it is important to keep the hair trimmed around your dog’s paw pads during this chilly season. Removing hair from the pads can help to stop unwanted bits clinging in between them and stop icy cold water getting soaked in. Long hair around the feet can also reduce traction on slippery surfaces, making it easier for your dog to slip and injure themselves.
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