Petroleum Jelly Can Protect Your Dogs Paws In Winter

Whenever winter comes around, it’s part of a dog parent’s mission to ensure that their pup is covered for the season. In regions where it snows more caution should be taken to ensure your dog’s warmth and comfortability.

Frostbite in dogs usually occurs on their ears, tails, and paws, the latter shows signs of frostbite the fastest. Read on to find out how petroleum jelly, among other things, can protect your dog’s paws against harsh cold weather.

Petroleum jelly is a jelly-like substance that comprises a mixture of mineral oils and waxes. It was originally used by oil workers to heal wounds and burns, then chemist Robert Chesebrough came along and marketed the product like Vaseline. The main ingredient in petroleum jelly, petrolatum, helps seal the skin with a water-protective barrier which allows the skin to heal and retain moisture.

When it comes to dogs, petrolatum works in the same fashion; coating the jelly on your dog’s paws relays a water-protective barrier. During winter, this barrier can prevent ice, road salt, and snow from getting in between your dog’s toes while they’re out and about and it helps their paw pads retain moisture. Notably, rock salt that is used on snowy roads can cause chemical burns on your dog’s paw pads and if they happen to lick their paw and ingest the salt, they may develop infections or sores. That being said, it’s important to wipe the petroleum jelly off their paws once they’re back indoors.

Along with petroleum jelly, you could dress up your dog’s paws in non-slip booties, especially if you’re planning on doing outdoor activities together.