Protect your pup’s paws this winter: Discover an unexpected trick

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)-- Snow and ice can be rough on your dog’s paws, but one local pet owner has found a creative solution using something you probably already have in your kitchen.

KRDO13 also spoke with a veterinarian and a Colorado Springs dog owner today to show you the safest ways to protect your pup’s paws this winter, including how a simple whisk can help remove ice buildup after walks.

Snow and ice can be tough on your daily commute, and just as rough on your dog’s paws. From ice buildup to dangerous road salt, winter walks can quickly lead to injury.

After every snowy walk, ice forms quickly around this dog’s paws and fur. Instead of pulling at it by hand, one owner gently uses a whisk to break up the frozen clumps, removing the ice without tugging on fur or hurting his pup.

"I think he thinks it's almost like a massage where he gets to sit there and I whisk him off and get the snow off and then of course it keeps the snow from being on the furniture and all over the floors and house and making things slippery and dangerous on the wood floors," said Lee Reijgers. "Take care of your pets, keep them warm on cold, snowy days like this".

But ice isn’t the only concern.

Veterinarians say freezing temperatures and road chemicals can cause serious damage if pet owners aren’t careful.

KRDO caught up with Dr. Janessa Rankin at Cook Veterinary Hospital, who said she has seen dogs in the past come in with injuries after being out in the snow.

"As soon as you get home, if you're not using the booties or you forgot to put them on or your dog hates them, just wash the feet off really well so that it doesn't get red or doesn't have any of the sloughing of the paw pad."

She also mentioned some warning signs to look for.

"Washing it out with warm water, especially if you get any of that salt in there to wash it out because that can burn the paw pads that's whenever we see a lot of that peeling and the redness in there, so getting that out of there, you'll notice that they say ouch or soemtimes you'll see them dancing a little bit."

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