How to Protect Your Pet’s Paws This Winter

In the face of snow, sleet, or sunshine, our dogs still require outdoor time for walks, exercise, and attending to nature's call. However, with each frigid gust, their paws, elbows, and noses become susceptible to dangerous dryness, necessitating proper dog paw protection.

Never assume that your dog's fur provides complete insulation against cold weather! When a dog's skin is exposed to the elements, it can lead to painful issues. Walking on frozen ground or packed ice and snow can result in severe dryness and even frostbite on a dog's paws.

During this season, some dogs may experience paw pad hyperkeratosis, characterized by extreme dryness and cracking in the paw pads due to an excess of keratin in the body. Certain breeds are more prone to severe skin issues; for instance, French, American, and English bulldogs may suffer from extremely dry noses, while spaniels, Dobermans, and Labrador retrievers are predisposed to extra-dry paws.

Despite these dangers and your dog's individual susceptibility to dryness, maintaining healthy and supple paws, noses, and elbows is possible with a few simple changes for enhanced dog paw protection.

Natural Protection for Paws and Skin

Addressing dry paws, elbows, and noses requires extra care, and the use of synthetic ingredients can exacerbate skin dryness. This is why prioritizing natural ingredients is crucial when treating any skin-related issue.

Coconut Oil for Paw Protection

A tried-and-true remedy for dry skin problems, coconut oil boasts antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties in its medium-chain triglycerides/fatty acids (MCTs). This natural ingredient is known to alleviate eczema, heal skin allergies (such as dermatitis and itchiness), reduce odor, minimize allergic reactions, treat yeast and fungal infections, address hot spots, dry skin, hair issues, bites, stings, and promote wound healing. All Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Salves include coconut oil for its numerous benefits.

Vanilla Extract for Paw Protection

Vanilla extract emerges as another highly beneficial natural ingredient for managing skin issues. Vanilla beans contain antioxidants that aid in preventing cell and tissue breakdown, stimulating natural regrowth, and eliminating free radicals. This inspired the formulation of Nourish Full Spectrum Hemp CBD salve, which includes Vanilla Extract for optimal dog paw protection.

Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract for Paw Protection

Applied topically, full-spectrum hemp CBD extract has demonstrated effectiveness in softening rough paw pads and repairing cracked or damaged skin.

The Science Behind CBD For Paw Protection

A dog's skin, encompassing their noses and paw pads, comprises three layers, each equipped with endocannabinoid receptors. These receptors, including those in the resilient paw pad skin, enable the absorption of medicine on every level. A study conducted by the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences at the University of Bologna, Italy, revealed that dogs possess a substantial number of receptors in their endocannabinoid system, potentially surpassing humans, which enhances the effectiveness of CBD.

Each skin layer contains nerve endings, mini-organs, and blood vessels with cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) that are distributed throughout our pets' bodies. These receptors interact with CBD compounds, prompting the skin to function optimally. This interaction makes topical CBD salves highly effective in addressing various skin conditions such as redness, rashes, cracks, dry spots, lumps, bumps, and tumors.

Recent studies have shown that transdermal full-spectrum hemp CBD extract, when applied to the skin, can reduce inflammation and pain. Additionally, applying full-spectrum hemp CBD extract to the skin has demonstrated efficacy in managing skin issues like psoriasis, and it has been found to reduce the size of tumors and growths, including those on the skin.

For your dog, this implies that CBD serves as an excellent option for paw protection and relief, particularly for their paw pads and noses when conventional methods prove ineffective.

Nourish: Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Salve for Paw Care

Enhanced with coconut oil and vanilla extract, a full spectrum hemp CBD extract such as NOURISH Full Spectrum Hemp Extract Salve by CBD Dog Health delivers an added boost.

NOURISH offers a natural topical solution for your pet's skin, combining Full Spectrum Hemp Extract (CBD) with essential oils to nurture your dog's paw pads, belly, dry elbows, and ears, ensuring optimal winter dog paw protection. It's worth noting that this product is entirely chemical-free!

Containing other premium ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax, vanilla extract, and Vitamin E, this salve is crafted to safeguard your pet's skin.

For the best dog paw protection, generously apply NOURISH to the affected area as needed. Rest assured, it's perfectly safe even if your pet licks it.

Final Thoughts on Dog Paw Protection

To prevent your dog's nose and paws from becoming excessively cracked and dry, it's essential to be mindful of the time they spend outdoors. While a lengthy walk is beneficial for exercise and a change of scenery, extended periods on snowy terrain can be painful for your pup. Just as a dog's paws can burn on a hot sidewalk in the summer, they are susceptible to frostbite on frozen ground in the winter. A simple and effective practice to maintain soft and warm paws is to soak them in warm water (not hot!) after each walk. This aids in improving circulation and ensures the paws are moisturized before applying any topical treatments for dog paw protection.

Have More Questions or Need Personalized Pet Care Advice?

If you have additional questions or need personalized guidance for your beloved pet, I'm here to help. Book a call with me, and let's discuss how to best care for your furry friend. Your pet's well-being is my priority, and I'm dedicated to providing the support and expertise you need. Click here to schedule your consultation today. Together, we can ensure your pet leads a happy, healthy life.

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