Our dogs’ paws are usually overestimated in their ability to keep our pups’ warm and protected from the elements of nature. The Winter season is especially brutal on our dogs’ paws so to keep their paws healthy, we need to assist them in taking care of them.
Even for a Northern breed (Spitz/American Eskimo) that is accustomed to the cold, Alaska still gets cold feet on our walks. On top of wiping down her paws with paper towel soaked with warm water or a cleansing wipe, I use an all-natural paw balm that is made with hydrating oils and butters like coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe.
There are various products on the market for paw protection, from boots to ointments. How do you know what is best for your pup? Below are some of my personal recommendations for Winter and year-round paw protection.
PawZ Waterproof Booties
My favorite dog boots for Alaska are PawZ by Top Paw. They are made of stretchy rubber that fit over your dog’s paws and the tight balloon shape ensures that they stay on. They are also effective in preventing snow, sidewalk salt, and ice balls from getting stuck in paws. As much as Alaska loves romping in the snow, I always want to make sure her paws are protected. The only caveat is because PawZ are thin, non-insulated rubber booties, they will not provide any warmth. I do notice that the PawZ booties feel extremely cold to the touch when worn and I’m pretty sure Alaska’s paws are too. PawZ are available on Amazon and at most major retailers (i.e. Petco, PetSmart).
My Busy Dog Dog Boots
My Busy Dog’s trail shoes are thicker and more durable than PawZ. Think of these like actual winter boots for your dog. My Busy Dog’s booties are more suitable for dogs that spend more time outdoors and thus more susceptible to the winter elements. These shoes feature waterproof anti-slip bottoms that provide traction on slippery surfaces, and the thin velcro strap helps the boots stay on your dog’s paws. A range of sizes for small and large dogs are available on Amazon. I have a pair in Black for Alaska and while these provide more insulation and protection, they tend to fall off easily when Alaska does her ‘zoomies.’ And when there is a lot of snowfall, snow can get into the opening of the boots.
Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Balm
I’ve tried several different paw balms and waxes for Alaska and this paw balm from Natural Dog Company is the top contender. It is specially formulated to heal rough, chapped, dry dog paw pads. Made with all natural, vegan ingredients, it is formulated with ultra nourishing ingredients like Calendula Extract, Jojoba Oil, Hempseed Oil, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter and Natural Vitamin E. These ingredients by themselves are amazing for your dog for treating the skin and fur. Alaska tends to lick her paws after she’s been outside which could be a sign that they are causing her discomfort, and so these natural ingredients give me a peace of mind knowing they are totally safe if ingested. I also love that the applicator is hassle-free – just pop the cap off and apply directly to your dog’s paws. You can also make it more effective by massaging it in. You can purchase this directly on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
By being proactive with your dog’s paw health and using the right protection, you can make a big difference in avoiding any issues caused by paw injuries. Using a paw balm regularly year-round will add a protective layer to the skin that acts as a barrier and will strengthen the paw pads as a defense mechanism. So if your dog’s paws were to get damaged in any way, the better off they would be to naturally heal and regenerate the skin.
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this blog are my own. I am not in any way an expert on this topic. I am simply sharing my genuine thoughts and feedback on these personal recommendations of products I’ve tried with my dog. Please use your best judgment when treating your dog, and consult a professional if needed. The links in this article are not affiliated to me in any way.
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