Winter means snow, ice on sidewalks, and the ubiquitous use of de-icing products that help keep roads and walkways safe for humans. Yet, these very products that make life easy for us can pose a serious threat to our canine friends. De-icing salt and other similar products are well-known irritants to a dog's skin and paw pads, and when ingested, can cause burns or even poisoning. For dog owners, understanding these risks and taking proactive steps to protect your pup is important during the colder months.
Why De-icing Products Irritate Dogs
De-icing products include salt and chemical ice melts that essentially break down ice and snow. Unfortunately, most of these products contain harsh chemicals that have the propensity to burn and irritate your dog's sensitive paw pads. When your poor dog walks on the surfaces covered with these products, the results include cracked, dry, and inflamed paws that can be very painful and may even invite secondary infections.
With all this, if your dog licks irritated paws to soothe the discomfort, they will also be ingesting the harmful chemicals in the de-icing products. Ingestion can result in mouth burns, upset stomach, vomiting, or poisoning. It is, therefore, very important to protect your dog during those winter walks.
How to Protect Your Dog from De-icing Products
Clean Your Dog's Paws After Every Walk
Simple yet efficient steps include cleaning your dog's paws after each outdoor walk. Take a warm, moistened cloth and gently wipe their pads, cleaning off the salt, chemicals, or debris stuck in them. To be sure, use some pet-friendly paw wipes, which can be found in almost any pet food and accessory store.
Apply Protective Paw Waxes or Boots
Protective paws waxes create a barrier between the sensitive skin of your puppy's paws and the harmful chemicals in de-icing products. You may also try high-quality dog boots that completely protect their paws from irritation. These are available in a number of different sizes, so even for those puppies with very small paws, the right fit is there.
Use pet-friendly de-icing products
If you have used de-icing products at home, replace them with pet-friendly ones. These are specially made not to irritate pets. Go for natural or non-toxic labelled products, and read the labels carefully to make sure they are truly safe for dogs.
Reward Your Dog with Healthy Treats After Paw Care
Caring for your dog's paws can be an excellent bonding experience, even more so if you reward them with delicious dog treats afterwards. Treats and chews of higher quality, such as bully sticks or chicken jerky, help maintain your pup's overall health and provide a special reward.
What to Look for in Dog Treats
Here are some tips for buying dog treats that will help you find the best for your furry friend:
Natural and Single-Ingredient Treats
Seek natural dog treats with minimal processing and no artificial additives. Treats containing only one ingredient, such as chicken jerky, beef liver, or turkey sticks, are very nutritious and easy for your dog to digest.
Sustainably Sourced Ingredients
Treats manufactured from sustainable ingredients will not only be better for your dog but also for the environment. Generally, companies that take sustainability seriously tend to have better quality dog treats with lower environmental impacts.
Odour-free options for indoors
If your pup goes nuts for bully sticks, there are odour-free options available. Many shops offer odour-free bully sticks that one can use indoors without the pungent smell.
Positive Reviews and Trusted Brands
Read the reviews first, prior to making a purchase. Check out some trusted brands that specialise in premium dog treats and chews. Also, look for products made in the USA, since such products often meet the more stringent safety and quality standards.
The Benefits of High-Quality Dog Treats
High-quality dog treats do much more than just make your pup happy; they add to their health and well-being. Here's why this investment in premium treats is worth it:
Good for Dental Health: Chewing on sticks or bully sticks can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, keeping your dog's teeth clean and strong.
Wholesome Treats: Chicken, turkey, or fish-based rewards will be rich in protein, thereby enabling the development and maintenance of good health in dogs.
Great for Training: Training your dog is much easier with tasty rewards. Use small healthy training treats to reinforce good behaviour.
Safe and Digestible: Single-ingredient treats are often easier to digest, which helps dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Why Choose American-Sourced Dog Treats?
When purchasing dog treats, choose only those made in the USA to ensure high-quality and safe products. Often, treats from America come from farms following safety and manufacturing guidelines that are quite strict. Many companies also prioritise sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring that the treats are not only good for your dog but also for the planet.
Popular varieties include chicken jerky, turkey chews, and beef liver bites. Many of these treats are single-ingredient foods and are great options to give your dog as a healthy snack.
Keeping Your Dog Safe and Happy During Winter
Winter can be quite a difficult season for both pet owners and their furry friends, but all it really takes is proper care and attention to keep your dog in perfect health and spirits. Here's a quick rundown of what we've covered:
Protect Their Paws: Clean your dog's paws after walks, use protective waxes or boots, and switch to pet-safe de-icing products.
Reward Good Behaviour: Using high-value dog treats, such as bully sticks, chews, or chicken jerky, can be given as a reward for paw care.
Read Labels Carefully: When shopping for treats, choose natural, sustainable sources with uncomplicated ingredients.
Shop Smart: Opt for American-made treats that have great reviews and are odour-free for indoor use.
Learn More and Shop for Dog Treats
If you are ready to explore the world of high-quality dog treats, several online shops offer convenient options with free shipping. Be sure to read reviews, compare brands, and check their privacy policy and terms before purchasing. You can also find detailed tips on choosing the best treats for your pup in our other blogs.
Contact us today for any further concerns. We are here to guide you in choosing what is best for your furry companion.
Conclusion
De-icing products are a fact of winter, but with a few proactive steps, you can keep your dog safe from the associated dangers. From cleaning their paws to rewarding them with healthy treats, a little extra care goes a long way. Remember, always choose natural dog treats that don't contain harmful additives and are made from high-quality ingredients. Whether your pup loves chicken jerky, bully sticks, or turkey chews, you'll find plenty of options to keep them happy and healthy all winter long. Keep them safe, and happy season to you and your fur buddy!
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