Leslie's Sled Dog Blog

Taking care of your dog's feet is an important aspect of your dog's health, comfort and performance. Unfortunately injury can occur before the problem is recognized. Unless you are a serious musher or your dog has very difficult feet issues there are some things you can try before resorting to booties. Booties can be very frustrating and even damaging when used incorrectly. Never use booties if you can avoid it but always use booties when you need to.

The most common problem is snowballs sticking to the hair between the toes. Most northern breeds have fairly short, stiff hair in between their toes that don't collect snow easily, but in certain snow conditions all dogs are at risk for foot problems. Dogs that have soft and or long, silky hair should have their foot hair trimmed even with the pads of their feet. It is a good to leave a little hair between the pads to protect the foot.

To further help prevent snow/ice balls you can apply a spray or wax to the feet. The quickest fix - a can of non-stick cooking spray! Simply spray the dogs' foot and between to toes. For longer lasting protection invest in a foot wax, "Musher's Secret" is very popular and available through some pet stores and just about all mushing suppliers. It's easier to use soft so keep it in a warm pocket! Throughly rub the wax on the foot paying special attention to get it in between the toes were the ice collects. All products will need to be re-applied as they wear off.

If your dog get snowballs, stop immediately and remove them. Take off your gloves and use the warmth of your fingers to melt the ice off the feet, or if you're a tough musher crush them with your teeth! Do not yank them off or you will pull out hair increasing the damage.

If your dog has already developed sores between the toes you will want to apply some ointment to the feet to speed healing. Often foot injuries are not noticed until later when the dog is licking their feet excessively. If the hair between the toes has turned red, the dog has had foot issues for awhile that will require close attention. Untreated foot injuries can turn into a systemic infection. "Corona", a lanolin-rich ointment can be helpful. Many mushers use zinc oxide based creams (think diaper rash product) that helps dry up oozing raw skin. A triple antibiotic cream can be mixed with the zinc oxide or used alone for cuts and deeper sores.

Check your dog's feet often, know what they look like healthy and it will be easier to recognize problems when they occur.

~ Leslie