My dog is very long-coated, and walking in the snow is a nightmare. Balls of ice gather in the fur on his legs, and between his toes and in his pads. It is obviously quite uncomfortable for him – he starts the walk with a real spring in his step, but after a few minutes he is trudging, tail down and looking very sorry for himsel
When we get home I have to try and get rid of this ice, and it's really hard. A towel can only do so much, and I can't get a comb through the wet coat. He spends ages licking and nibbling at his legs and paws. Any suggestion please?
Sarah Edlington, Manchester
I have just this problem with my Airedales. A friend told me she has heard that combing vegetable oil through the legs before you set out would stop the snow sticking, but that sounds very messy to me! I'm sure there must be a grooming spray that could help – anyone have any ideas?
As to getting the balls of ice from the feet, the best answer I have come up with is the paw plunger – www.pawplunger.co.uk. I have to admit that we received some samples of these in the office some time ago, and one has sat in my utility room pristine in its box ever since, but in a flash of inspiration I decided to use it on those iced-up paws – result! And if you happen to live in one of those regions where they have actually salted the roads(!) it will remove that too. You'll still have to towel the upper legs I'm afraid though....
Christine Bailey, Dogs Today
A couple of the dogs I walk get this - I've been told you can use a hairdryer on a gentle setting but haven't tried this myself.
ReplyDeleteI've heard vaseline can help on paws, but might be very messy!
If you can, clip the fur shortish between his pads as that will help. Don't remove it all, as it helps to protect his pads from frozen ground.
I have this problem with my Collie X. Getting the ice balls off has meant she has lost handfuls of her coat so far as she rips it out, or it gets too tangled. Today I am going to try the hairdryer idea.
ReplyDeletePaw wise, I leave her be. She doesn't seem to hurt her paws, just licks and chews, or hops a few strides if too much gets in.
Vaseline and cooking oil sound horribly messy!
I have had Yorkies for years, live in the country and we have quite a lot of snow. The best way to get rid of snowballs is to half fill the sink or a washing up bowl with warm water and stand your dog in it. They just melt away - no need for all that messy bit!
ReplyDeleteWith big dogs, perhaps you could use a bucket - two front legs then two back legs.
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Pam Bayley