MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Without salt, we’d be slipping on sidewalks and roads during Wisconsin winters.

While this helps us greatly, it causes wear and tear on many surfaces, including your pets’ paws.

Walking on ice-melting rock salt can be unpleasant and even painful for your dog.

Salt granules can get stuck between your pet’s paws, causing discomfort with every step. If your dog’s paws are already cracked from the dry weather, salt only makes it worse.

“It’s really important for pet owners to help protect their paw pads during the winter,” said Lis Johnston, owner of Serenity Pet Salon & Spas in Madison. “Ice, snow, dry air and especially salt can be very hard on their paws.”

Johnston said there are options to protect your dog’s paws this winter. For example, booties keep your dog’s paws warm, they keep salt out, and they’re durable.

“Slippers aren’t the most popular item,” Johnston said. “But they really keep the elements away from your dog’s paws.”

Paw balm or petroleum jelly are additional options if your dog has trouble keeping his booties on. Before or after walking on snow or ice, apply a balm to your dog’s paws.

Before putting on the balm after the walk, you should wipe your dog’s paws with a clean towel.

“If you’re not using booties, you should take a towel with you on your walks so you can de-ice, shovel, and desalinate your dog’s paws whenever needed,” Johnston says.

Johnston said you should also wipe your dog’s paws when you get home, so your dog doesn’t lick off the residual salt. Salt contains chemicals which, if ingested, can cause vomiting, diarrhea and nausea.

“If you really want to play it safe, give your dog’s paws a warm foot bath when you get home,” Johnston says. “A little warm water and a towel are enough to help remove as much salt and debris as possible from the tampons.”

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