5 Ways to Protect Your Dachshund’s Paws This Winter
Cold weather can really wreak havoc on your Dachshund’s paws if they aren’t properly protected. Dachshunds prefer to be warm inside, but they still need to take a few trips outside for exercise and to do their duty.
As a Dachshund parent, it is important to learn how to protect your Dachshund’s paws this winter.
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My mini Dachshund, Gretta (pictured below), isn’t a fan of the big chill. The wind, the cold, the wet – it’s a Dachshund’s worst nightmare!
Do Dog Paws Get Cold in the Winter?
Yes, dogs can get frostbite or hypothermia when cold weather temperatures go below 40°F.
What Temperature Is Too Cold for Your Dog’s Feet?
Personally, I don’t take my pups for a walk if it is below 30°F. My Dachshunds love their walkies, but if the wind is bitter cold, we make outside visits very quick and play inside instead.
If it’s below zero outside, don’t take your dog for a walk. Let them out for a quick potty break and bring them right back in.
It won’t be an enjoyable walk for either of you, and it’s just not worth the risk for your little long dog.
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Winter Hazards For Dog Paws
5 Ways to Protect Your Dachshund’s Paws This Winter
Winter can be tough on your pup’s paws, with freezing temperatures, snow, and toxic de-icing salts posing real risks.
Here are some simple and effective ways to keep your long dog’s precious paws safe, healthy, and comfortable this season.
After a chilly walk, gently wipe off and dry your dog’s paws to remove any ice and salt chemicals and prevent irritation.
If your Dachshund is ‘willing’ to wear something on their paws, give these highly rated boots at try.
QUMY Dog Boots are sturdy and made for smaller dogs, like our doxies. These adorable booties have adjustable and reflective straps to ensure a comfortable fit. They are waterproof to help your pup’s paws stay dry and warm.
Note: Always remove your dog’s booties after walking. Your pup’s feet need to breath.
I use and highly recommend Paw Soother Balm to protect my Dachshund’s paws during the winter.
If your Dachshund won’t wear dog boots – I get it! Try paw balm instead.
It protects from ice and salt and contains vitamin E to keep your doxie’s paws moisturized. It can also be used to help heal dry, cracked paw pads.
Some dog owners use Vaseline to protect their dog’s paws. I would not recommend putting a petroleum-based product on your dog’s paws. Some dog’s lick their paws, and it is not safe to eat.
(This is more for your Dachshund’s whole body, paws included) Your Dachshund should be bathed less frequently during the winter season. Bathing them too often can strip away their natural oils – causing itchy, dry skin and paws.
Now, if there’s too much stink and they really need a bath, make sure to use a moisturizing dog shampoo only.
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When your Dachshund comes in from going potty outside or a walk, dry them off. Especially their belly, armpits, paws, and legs. Remove any ice balls between your dog’s toes or fur.
Tip: Don’t risk it, keep outside potty breaks and walks limited when it’s cold outside.
Inside Activities for Your Dachshund
When it’s too cold to walk, your little long dog still needs a way to burn off all that doxie energy or they will get bored and destructive!
Here are some tips to help them stay active during the winter.
Using a dog puzzle or IQ dog toy will increase their excitement to learn by including yummy treats with playtime.
Keep your pup occupied for longer periods of time and reduce destructive behaviors by including these mind-motivating dog toys – They’re Dachshund Approved!
How long has it been since you taught your Dachshund a new trick?
It doesn’t matter how young or old they are, it is a great opportunity to have some one-on-one time with your furry friend.
Teach your Dachshund how to sit, come, lay down, rollover, or shake hands.
Post You Should Read: 5 Easy Commands To Teach Your Dachshund
Play Dates: Set up some doggie play dates with your friends.
Also, check out your local doggie daycare to see if you can do a drop off a couple times per week to help your doxie stay socialized.
This will give them lots of exercise and plenty of social time during those long winter months.
Look for a local dog agility park that provides ramps, tunnels, and other obstacles to help burn off all of that pent up energy.
Here is an example called BarkPark! on YouTube.
Or you could just build your own Agility Play Center! Here are some easy Dog Agility Ideas from Zak George’s YouTube Channel.
They also have small dog treadmills on Amazon that you can have in the comfort of your own home. This is a more convenient way to keep your doxie moving and grooving through the winter.
Tip: Keep your home humidified. Dry heat can cause your dog to have itchy skin.
Serious Symptoms of Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce. This can cause a severely low body temperature due to cold exposure. If you notice any of the following symptoms, get your pup to the vet fast.
Symptoms Include:
- Strong Shivering
- Sleepy and Weak
- Decreased heart rate
- Dilated pupils
- Blue or Pale Gums
- Walking Issues
- Breathing Complications
- Confusion
- Cold Fur
Do Dachshunds Get Cold Easily?
Is It Safe to Walk Dogs in Snow?
It is OK to play and walk with your Dachshund in the ‘shallow snow’ as long as they are wrapped up in a warm, water-proof Dachshund coat, have paw protection, and aren’t standing in the snow for too long.
Don’t let your dog hang out in the snow for too long – to prevent painful splitting paw pads or frostbite.
Dachshunds are low to the ground and more exposed to the cold elements of winter. Be conscious of your doxie’s comfort level when outside.
If the temperature is too cold for you, it’s too cold for your Dachshund!
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