Finnish dog owners spend half the year dealing with mud. From October rains to April slush, paws are wet and dirty after every walk – and in winter, there are three additional burdens that aren't present in summer.
Three winter problems
1. Road salt
Salt irritates paw pads and can cause cracks. Dogs also lick their paws once inside, causing salt to get into their mouths.
2. Grit
Sharp grit gets between paw pads and chafes. Small wounds may not be visible, but the dog will start licking its paw more than usual.
3. Clumping snow
Wet snow sticks to the fur between the paw pads and freezes into hard ice balls. This is painful and causes the dog to limp during walks. This problem particularly affects long-haired breeds.
Prevention: boots
Boots solve all three problems at once. They prevent salt and grit from getting onto the paw and stop snow from clumping.
FINNERO Halla boots also have reflective stripes, so the same gear takes care of visibility. The sole material withstands temperatures down to -25 degrees Celsius. The package contains four boots.
Accustom your dog gently. The first time, most dogs walk strangely or try to kick off the boots. Let your dog walk in the boots indoors for a few minutes at a time for a couple of days before the first walk. Also, trim their nails – long nails tear seams.
Boots are also suitable for indoor use: they protect sensitive paws after surgery and prevent slipping on smooth floors, which is beneficial for older dogs.
Cleaning: why showering is not the solution
Washing paws in the shower after every walk is slow, dogs rarely like it, and in practice, it gets skipped on busy mornings. Then the mud ends up on the floor.
Rinse-free paw foam does the same in a minute in the hallway: foam on the paw, massage with soft silicone bristles, and wipe dry. No water, no shower, no waiting.
Keep the bottle and towel next to the leash in the hallway. That's the only way to maintain the routine.
When to visit the vet
Contact a vet if you notice a deep crack, blood, swelling, or if your dog is limping or constantly licking the same paw. Winter damage often looks minor but easily becomes infected.
In brief
- Salt, grit, and clumping snow are the three paw problems of winter
- Boots prevent all three – accustom your dog indoors before walks
- Trim nails before using boots
- Rinse-free foam is the only cleaning method that actually gets done every time
- Limping or constant licking → vet visit
See outdoor gear for dogs → · Read also: when does a dog need a reflector