Great balls of ice

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