As a professional dog walker, the health and safety of your canine clients is your top priority. During the winter months, one often underestimated hazard is road salt. While essential for de-icing roads and pavements, road salt can pose serious risks to dogs’ paws and overall health. So what should you be doing?
Table of Contents
Understanding Road Salt and Its Composition
Road salt, typically made from sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, or magnesium chloride, is used to lower the freezing point of water, preventing ice formation on roads and walkways. While effective for public safety, these chemicals can be harmful to dogs upon contact or ingestion.
The Risks of Road Salt to Dogs
1. Paw Irritation and Injury
When dogs walk on surfaces treated with road salt, their paw pads can become dry, cracked, and painful. The salt acts as a desiccant, absorbing moisture and dehydrating the skin. Sharp salt crystals can also cause cuts and abrasions, increasing the risk of infection. Signs of paw irritation include limping, excessive licking or chewing of the paws, and visible redness or swelling.
2. Toxic Ingestion
Dogs may ingest road salt by licking their paws or fur after walks. Even small amounts can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea. In severe cases, excessive consumption can result in salt toxicity, characterised by symptoms like excessive thirst, lethargy, tremors, seizures, and, in extreme cases, death.
3. Skin Irritation
Road salt can also irritate areas of the skin with less fur coverage. Prolonged exposure can lead to dermatitis, causing redness, itching, and inflammation. This discomfort may lead to scratching or biting, potentially resulting in secondary infections.
The Benefits of Washing Dogs’ Paws After Exposure to Road Salt
1. Prevention of Paw Damage
Regularly washing dogs’ paws after walks removes residual salt, reducing the risk of dryness, cracking, and injury. Clean, well-maintained paws ensure dogs remain comfortable and active.
2. Reduction of Toxic Ingestion
Thoroughly cleaning the paws minimises the chance of dogs ingesting harmful salts through licking. This simple step helps prevent gastrointestinal issues and the risk of salt toxicity.
3. Early Detection of Injuries
Washing and inspecting paws allows for early identification of cuts, abrasions, or signs of irritation. Early detection enables prompt treatment, reducing the risk of infections and promoting faster healing.
Best Practices for Cleaning Dogs’ Paws
1. Immediate Post-Walk Cleaning
After each walk, rinse paws with lukewarm water to remove salt and debris. Gently pat the paws dry with a clean towel, ensuring no moisture is trapped between the toes, as this can lead to fungal infections. Alternatively use something like a Mud Daddy to really get that salt off properly.
2. Use of Pet-Safe Wipes
For quick cleaning during walks, pet-safe wipes can effectively remove contaminants. Ensure the wipes are free from harmful chemicals and designed specifically for dogs.
3. Application of Paw Balms
Before heading out, apply a protective paw balm to create a barrier between the paw pads and the salt. This helps prevent salt from adhering to the skin and reduces irritation. Reapply the balm after cleaning to soothe and moisturise the paws.
4. Consider Protective Booties
Dog booties offer comprehensive protection against road salt and cold surfaces. While some dogs may need time to adjust, booties prevent direct contact with harmful substances and provide added insulation in cold weather.
Potential Risks of Washing Paws and Mitigation Strategies
1. Skin Dryness from Over-Washing
Frequent washing, especially with harsh soaps, can strip natural oils from a dog’s skin, leading to dryness and irritation. To avoid this, use lukewarm water and mild, dog-specific shampoos only when necessary. For routine cleaning, water alone or pet-safe wipes are often sufficient.
2. Stress and Discomfort
Some dogs may find paw cleaning stressful. To ease anxiety, introduce the routine gradually, using positive reinforcement like treats and praise. Ensure the water temperature is comfortable and handle the paws gently to reduce stress.
Additional Preventative Measures
1. Avoiding Heavily Salted Areas
When planning routes, choose paths less likely to be treated with heavy amounts of road salt. Parks or trails that use pet-safe de-icing alternatives are ideal.
2. Educating Pet Owners
As a professional, sharing knowledge with pet owners about the risks of road salt and the importance of paw hygiene is crucial. Provide guidance on at-home care to reinforce the practices you implement during walks.
Conclusion
Washing road salt from dogs’ paws is a vital practice for maintaining their health and comfort during winter. By understanding the risks and implementing effective cleaning routines, you can protect your canine clients from harm. Incorporating these practices into your professional services not only ensures the well-being of the dogs in your care but also reinforces your reputation as a responsible and knowledgeable dog walker.