In Pakistan during winter, there are extreme cold temperatures, cold winds and wet pavement, along with frost and icy surfaces. Pets are affected by these elements because their paws are very sensitive. Snow, ice and cold air can cause damage to the skin on your pet's paws, including irritation, dryness, cracking and even infections. The most important thing you can do to protect your cat or dog paws from injury is to provide them with proper care and use the correct products.
Protecting Your Pet’s Paws in Winter
Pets' paw pads have sensitive skin, which is why cold weather is hard on them. When they walk on ice, snow or frozen tiles, their paws lose moisture from the natural environment. The drying effect of the cold causes the paw pads to crack. Ice crystals can also cause abrasions or cuts on the paw pad, and most pets are exposed to additional irritants, such as salt and chemicals used in salt-treated areas. In the winter months, many pets spend considerable time on cold concrete, rough roads or wet grass surfaces. These surfaces can be very cold, especially at night and early in the morning. A short walk can result in serious discomfort to your cat or dog.
Signs That Your Pet’s Paws Need Attention
Although pets do not speak about their troubles, the condition of their paws can indicate where other problems may have occurred. Redness is the first clue that there may be a problem with the paws. When you notice dryness or cracking (or bleeding) of the paws, you will also see signs of injury or irritation. Limping after a walk may be because of pain from walking on too cold a surface. They generally lick their paws whenever they become irritated. For these reasons, you should seek veterinary attention to treat problems with the paws early to prevent infection and delay healing. Also, by regularly inspecting your dog's paw pads, you will prevent any further damage and allow you to administer treatment prior to requiring veterinary attention.
Best Tips to Protect Your Pet’s Paws from Winter Effects
Keep Paw Pads Moisturized During Winter
It is incredibly important to provide moisture to your dog's paw pads during the winter months. The cold weather in Pakistan is marked by a decrease in natural oils in the dog's paw pads, resulting in dry and cracked paw pads. Therefore, applying a moisturizing or protecting cream (paw crème) to your dog's paw pads after walking them and before they go to bed is essential for keeping the pads moisturized and soft. To ensure the cream is absorbed properly, make sure you massage the crème into the paw pads. The paw crème acts as a barrier, allowing the paw pads to remain protected and safe from injury, even when subjected to extreme outdoor elements. It will help to stop your dog's small cracks from becoming large, painful wounds. If you provide constant moisture to your dog's paw pads, they will remain flexible, soft, supple, and healthy throughout the entire winter.
Use Paw Protection Before Outdoor Walks
It is easier to prevent damage to your dog's feet than it is to treat it after the fact. When you take your dog for a walk, protect their feet with a balm to provide a barrier between the hard ground and the pads of their feet. In areas with snow or where there is a tendency for frost, use rubber booties to keep your dog's feet warm and dry and to protect them from coming into contact with chemicals. Booties are especially beneficial for puppies and older dogs with sensitive skin. In the early morning hours following freezing temperatures, limit outdoor walks; try to take walks during the day when the surfaces are warmer.
Clean Your Pet’s Paws After Every Walk
It is very important to clean your dog's feet after every outside excursion, regardless of the duration. Dirt from snow, mud, salt, or chemicals gets trapped under the pads of your dog's feet, causing irritation and potential infection when your dog's feet remain in contact with the irritants. When cleaning your dog's feet, use lukewarm water with a soft cloth, removing any dirt, and keep them thoroughly dry. Removing moisture prevents the growth of fungus. If your dog has been walking on salted roads or tiles, cleaning his feet is imperative, as you need to be certain that all hidden irritants have been removed, and using a small amount of moisturizer after cleaning adds an additional layer of protection for your dog's feet.
Trim Excess Fur Around the Paws
If you have a fluffy breed of dog, you will notice a lot more fur growing up in between each of the four paw pads. During the winter, this extra fur collects snow and ice, as well as dirt and moisture, causing knots and ice balls that can be painful to your dog. It is important to trim your furry friend fur regularly to help keep paws free of debris and to minimize the amount of fur that collects there. Regular trimming can be done every other week and should not be done any closer to the skin than necessary. When trimming your pet's paws in cold months, you should go inside every few steps to let your pet get warm. Your dog's paw infections and walking problems can be reduced by keeping the paw clean and trimmed regularly.
Choose Nice Weather to Walk Your Pet
Walking your dog on cold surfaces, such as cold tile, cold metal, frozen roads, and cold cement, can damage your dog's paws. The cities of Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, and portions of Pakistan will have much lower temperatures in December than during the other months of the year. A dog that is walked outside during the hours just before sunrise will likely experience severe pain in its feet. The best times to walk your pet will be during warmer hours and in grassy areas that are not iced over. You should use soft mats to protect your dog from the colder flooring while inside. Better warmth reduces the pain in your dog's feet and will keep them healthy throughout the winter months.
Choose Shorter but Frequent Walks
Cats find it difficult to walk longer in cold weather; they feel it is uncomfortable. If you need to walk, make shorter distances, which will help to reduce exposure to cold surfaces. You can also monitor the cat's condition with close attention. If you feel any sign of discomfort, you should return home immediately with your cat to provide her comfort.
Keep your Pet Hydrated
You must take care of hydration on winter days to keep your cat healthy and active. Make focused attention to keep your cat and dog hydrated on cold winter days, especially in snowfall. Remember that a hydrated cat is more nutritious and has fresh skin with better community power, so it will also have softer paw pads. Take care that they drink water properly.
Build a Warm Resting Spot Indoors
Your pet needs a warm and cozy resting environment in winter. Cold floors affect paws even when pets are resting. Make use of warm matting, raised beds, and cozy blankets. Keep the resting area away from doors and drafty windows. A warm environment keeps paws healthy and aids the body in maintaining its natural moisture levels. During the winter, comfort indoors promotes long-term paw health.
When to Visit a Vet for Paw Problems
If your pet’s paws remain red, swollen, or cracked despite care, a vet visit is necessary. Severe cracks or bleeding need medical treatment. Persistent licking indicates pain or infection. Long-term issues are avoided with prompt medical care. Vets may prescribe ointments, antibiotic creams, or soothing balms. Prompt action keeps your pet comfortable and guarantees safe healing.
Best Paw Care Products to Use in Winter
Winter paw care becomes easier with the right products. A strong paw balm protects the pad surface from cold. Pet-safe moisturizers keep pads soft. Booties offer complete surface protection. Antibacterial wipes aid fast cleaning. Soft brushes maintain fur around the paws. To prevent irritation, always select veterinarian-approved products. Premium-quality products ensure safe winter care.
Protect Your Pet’s Paws with Petsemporium
For Pets' winter, Petsemporium provides high-quality paw care products. From moisturizing paw balms to protective booties, you will find everything needed to keep your pet comfortable. Cleaning is quick and efficient thanks to their winter-safe grooming supplies and wipes. For every season, Petsemporium guarantees the best quality pet care products, prompt delivery, and trustworthy pet care solutions. This winter, give your pet the coziness and security it needs with Petsemporium.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my pet’s paws safe in winter?
Use paw balm, clean paws after walks, avoid cold surfaces, and use booties for added protection. Buy pet products from Petsemporium at best price in Pakistan.
Why do my pet’s paws crack in cold weather?
Cold air reduces natural moisture. Walking on ice, snow, and cold tiles increases dryness and causes cracks.
Can I use human creams on my pet’s paws?
No. Human creams contain chemicals unsafe for pets. Use pet-safe balms only. Shop online balms for paw care from Petsemporium.
Are paw booties necessary in Pakistan’s winter?
Booties are helpful in frost-prone areas or during very cold mornings, especially for sensitive pets.