Walking your dog during the winter isn’t without obstacles: On a freezing day, the ground is full of potential hazards, such as ice shards, rocks, and road salt. It can be challenging to check your dog’s paws for these substances, but family-owned pet boarding and dog grooming facility, Robinwood Kennel, knows all the best techniques. Offering old-fashioned country hospitality in their Highland Heights, KY, facility since 1970, the local dog kennel is always glad to share their advice.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s safety this winter, follow these helpful tips for protecting and inspecting your beloved pet’s toes:

• Prepare Paws Beforehand: The best protection against sharp road objects is good winter dog grooming. The hair between the paw pads should be trimmed, nails should be clipped, and in some cases, a moisturizing balm should be applied to the pads to keep them from drying and cracking. Dog boots can also help, especially against slippery surfaces.
• Recognize Changes In Your Dog’s Gait: While taking your dog for a walk, do you notice any changes in the way they move? If so, stop the walk and take a look at their paws. A small limp or change in gait could indicate discomfort, possibly due to foreign objects or coarse ground texture. If it’s the latter, remember that it takes time for young dogs to get used to rough concrete—but, with proper winter dog grooming and gradual transitioning from smoother roads, their pads will eventually toughen up.
• Check Between Toes: After walking outside, thoroughly inspect your dog’s toes for rocks, ice, and injuries by grasping your dog’s paw and pressing down gently, but firmly, on the pads. This shouldn’t be painful by itself, but if your dog shows signs of discomfort, there may be hidden skin trauma or foreign objects. Abrasions should be treated by a veterinarian.

Need help prepping your pup’s paws for those icy winter walks? Robinwood Kennel proudly offers their quality dog grooming services. To schedule an appointment or make an inquiry, give them a call in Highland Heights, KY, at (859) 781-2352. More information is also available on their website.