Massachusetts winters are notorious for “The Big Freeze.” Between the icy winds off the coast and the heavy rock salt on the streets of downtown Mansfield, your pet’s paws are under constant attack.
The Hidden Danger: Chemical De-Icers
Most rock salts used on local driveways are composed of sodium chloride or magnesium chloride. These can cause:
- Chemical Burns: Direct contact irritates the skin, leading to redness and painful cracking.
- Ingestion Toxicity: When your dog licks their paws to clean themselves, they ingest these salts, which can lead to vomiting or, in severe cases, sodium poisoning.
The Best In Class Protection Protocol
- Paw Wax is Your Best Friend: Before heading out to Borderland State Park, apply a thick layer of “musher’s wax.” This creates a breathable, waterproof barrier against salt.
- The Post-Walk Ritual: Never let your dog roam the house after a winter walk until their paws are wiped. Use a warm, damp cloth to remove all white salt residue from between the toes.
- Winter Grooming Secrets: Many owners stop grooming in winter, thinking the extra fur keeps the dog warm. However, long hair between the paw pads traps snow and forms “ice balls” that act like pebbles in a shoe. Keep the hair between the pads trimmed flush.
Why Local Owners Trust Us:
At BEST IN CLASS, we treat your pet’s safety as our top priority. On every winter walk, we check for salt-heavy paths and ensure paws are clean, dry, and warm before we leave your home.