How can you keep your dog's paws clean after walking on rock salt?

Dogs wearing clothes during winter in Poland
Dogs wearing clothes during winter in Poland / Anadolu/GettyImages
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When it comes to winter walks, there are a lot of things that we need to take into account. And when taking our dogs for a walk, there are a lot of safety things to consider, including how to keep them clean after walking through things like rock salt.

Considering rock salt can be very bad for our dog's paws or if they accidentally ingest it, knowing how to keep them clean is essential. And while it might be a good idea to try using dog shoes or booties to keep their actual paws clean, a lot of dogs will not or cannot walk with them on. So that means making sure that you know the best way to get the rock salt off of your pup's paws.

So what do we suggest for those winter walks?

Expert advice for keeping your dog's paws free of rock salt

According to Lorraine Rhoads from Dogtopia, "Before that de-icing salt is tracked into your house, or licked off the bottom of your dog’s paws, use a warm, damp cloth to rinse away that salt. Keep a stack of microfiber cloths near the door for a quick wipe down after a winter walk."

Dr. Jessica Apted from Sploot Veterinary Care also shared that, "After a walk, rinse your dog’s paws with lukewarm water to remove any salt or chemicals they might have walked through. You can also use pet-safe wipes or a damp cloth to clean their paws thoroughly. Dry their paws afterward to prevent irritation."

Honestly, these ideas make perfect sense and should be obvious. However, sometimes the obvious answers are the furthest from our mind. And getting answers from the experts can confirm that we are doing the right thing.

So if you are taking your dog for winter walks, remember to keep those cloths near the door or make sure that you head straight to the nearest sink to get them all cleaned up.

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