Now that it's snowy and they lay salt on the road, my dog's feet really get bothered...?

Question

He's a Boston Terrier, 8 years old. We just adopted him this past summer.

I have taken him on long, 2 mile, walks when there was snow on the ground because his old owner said he loved the snow. He seemed fine then. But just taking him out for potty breaks now, almost every time now he ends up hoping on 3 paws and keeps trading off between lifting up one of his two back legs.

I tried boots before the snow even came...they were adorable but he wouldn't even walk! He stood in the same spot in the house for like 20 minutes before I gave up. We did get him to walk a couple steps and he did this crazy funny thing where he lifted his feet real high in the air and then spread his legs out far. He did NOT like the boots.

I am thinking of trying different boots though, since now there is snow and maybe if he has to go potty bad enough he won't mind wearing the new footware?

Any ideas? I looked and between his toes looks fine! I rinse them after walks in case salt gets in.

Thanks for the concern but 2 miles isn't too long for him to walk. He is 23 pounds of tough-guy and without our daily walks he gets really restless. He practically sleeps the rest of the day! I don't do the walks that long since it has been cold...mainly we did all summer and fall long and just when there was a dusting did I take him that long and he loved it. But only a concerned pet owner might mention that so that is why I am replying!

Thanks everyone. I never thought of putting vaseline or a gentle moisturizer on his little feet!

Answer 1

That salt stuff hurts. Keep trying with the boots, and use Mushers' Secret to help with the feet. That's like a thicker Vaseline and will keep off the salt burn.

Answer 2

I have 4 dogs-2 Wonderful Labs, an English Springer and a Yorkie (had to Brag) I always rub a bit of Vaseline on their paws before I take them out. It helps keeps the chemicals as well as salt off of their pads. Also keeps them from getting so dry. It will protect them from the chemicals in the runoff as the snow starts to melt also. Ive been doing this for years, and works great. As far a trying different boots, Mine will not wear them either, and I have given up on that idea.

Answer 3

convinced it would properly be risky interior the destiny. attempt to stroll the canine in factors that do not have a lot salt. i ought to bathe the canine ft off some cases a week (searching on how in many cases you're strolling the canine on salt). If lengthy hair you go with to really be careful and get the salt off the fur and paw pads.

Answer 4

Salt from the roads can damage the dogs pads. Good that you rinse them. Put moisterizer on them too. Not too much you dont want the dog slipping around. Most dogs dont like boots.

Answer 5

Two miles may be too long for a Boston to walk - that's a LONG way for such a small dog. Could be that his little feet are a bit sensitive now after those long walks.

Answer 6

salt burns a dogs paws