What Can Be Put on a Dog's Paws for Street Salt?

Dog paws have five toes and four pads. The paw pads absorb shock. Even if the pads are made of fat covered by a protective layer of skin, they are exposed to various risks including blistering pavement or ice and road salt. Street salt dries the pads and they are prone to cracking and bleeding. The salt can also get caught between the paw pads and cause discomfort or even limping in your pet. Protect your pet's paws by removing the salt and moisturizing the pads.

  1. Soapy Water Bath

    • Wash your dog's feet in lukewarm water after each outing in the snow. Thoroughly check the paws and remove any debris, ice or salt particles using a pair of tweezers. Dip a soft brush in soapy water and remove the salt that gets trapped between the pads and the toes. Soak the paws in water for 10 minutes. Dry the paws in a towel and apply a lotion on the pads.

    Moisturizing Cream

    • If you fail to remove the salt that accumulates on the dog's paws, this will dry on the pads. Moisturize the dog's dry pads with petroleum jelly or a cream that contains vitamin E or lanolin. Gently massage the cream into the pads until the skin absorbs the solution. Don't let the dog lick the cream off the pads. You can also apply petroleum jelly on your dog's paws before it gets outdoors, and this will act as a protective coat on the paws.

    Antibiotic Cream

    • If your dog's pads are extremely dry and cracked, they may bleed. You need to apply an antibiotic cream to avoid an infection. Bandage the paw with sterile gauze to prevent the dog from licking the cream. Avoid taking your dog out for long walks, because stepping on the pads may be painful. Reapply antibiotic ointment and bandage daily until you notice an improvement in the appearance of the paws. If your dog tends to chew on the bandage, it needs a lamp-shade collar.

    Prevent Paw Problems in Winter

    • To prevent road salt from accumulating on the paws, use paw wax and trim the hair that grows between the paw pads. Buy boots for your pet and train it to wear the boots. Give your dog one boot and allow it to walk around the house. Reward your pet if it doesn't remove the boot. Gradually introduce the other boots as well, until your dog is comfortable with wearing all four. If your dog chews the boots, apply a safe repellent on the boots, such as cayenne pepper. When outside, check the dog's feet, because the boots may get lost in the snow. Purchase boots that are secured with hook-and-loop tape, which are less likely to fall off.