Why does my dog go lame in icy weather?

This time of year can be treacherous for dog’s feet especially when salt and grit have been laid on the pavements.  These particles can lodge interdigitally and cause the paws to become very sore and uncomfortable.   In snow, ice crystals can get trapped in between the toes, particularly if your dog has hairy feet.  Freezing conditions may also contribute to the pads becoming dry and cracked and will also cause lameness.  After a walk, check the paws carefully making sure that there are no foreign bodies trapped between the toes then bathe the feet in warm, salty water to ensure that they are clean and free of chemicals.  Should the pads look dry or cracked, you can massage Vaseline or Eucerin cream into them to moisturise.  Some dogs may benefit from wearing dog boots but not the fashion accessory type.  The best ones we have found are made out of neoprene with Velcro fasteners and are produced by ‘Ferplast’ although there are other makes that will do just as well.  These boots are excellent for Greyhounds that suffer with corns and find it difficult to walk on hard surfaces. Needless to say, if your dog’s feet look red and swollen or if there is blood or pus present, you should consult your vet.