Cap Cordouin's Bernese Mountain Dog, Kiefer, loves spending time in the snow. (Courtesy of Cap Cordouin)
Dear Pets: Is it safe to walk my dog outdoors in the winter when roads and sidewalks are salted? Thank you, a dog's best friend
Dear Dog's Best Friend: We spoke to Amanda Merrill, Animal Care Director at the Lowell Humane Shelter, where many volunteers ensure dogs get daily walks and exercise. She explains that rock salt, which is “usually sprayed all over the city,” can be harmful to dogs. That's why the shelter always supplies a “pet-safe” snow melter. Usually they use the brand Safe Paw or Safe Step. Both can be found on Amazon.
“This is helpful on our property where we know dogs are walkers,” Merrill said, adding that shelter dogs are also coated with Musher's Secret ointment. . “This provides a protective barrier and keeps your paw pads from burning.”
All dog owners in the area were well aware of the dangers of rock salt both outdoors and indoors. “I take my boots off at the front door so I can't be tracked through the house,” says Jen Bragdon, whose beagle, Aria, enjoys playing outdoors. The family uses regular rock salt in the driveway, but “we use foot protectors on Aria's feet and clean them when we get home.”
Two dog owners from Lunenburg are fans of dog boots. Anna Lockwood and Marina Doctor never leave the house without their dogs. Marina bought a small pair of boots for her 9-pound Pomeranian, and she reports that Luna quickly got used to them. “I expected her to be more confused and clumsy with them, but she got the hang of it in just a few minutes. She really loves the snow!” Ta.
Heather Johnson of Acton also has boots for small dogs, but laments the salt content. “She does sand,” she explains. “The ‘melting’ of floors and feet is even worse, and I don’t like chemicals going into storm drains. ”
Fortunately, there are places other than parking lots, such as parks, forests, and woodlands, where salt is not used. Our dog, Sarge, is a big fan of Leominster State Forest and keeps his nose on the ground because the tracks he leaves in the snow make it clear he's not the only creature going outside this winter. .
Sally Craigin is the director of Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education. Text your questions to her at 978-320-1335.
