Compa is available for adoption at PAWS & More.

A walk through the snow with your furry companion may break up the doldrums of winter, but there are important steps owners should take to keep their dogs happy and healthy.

PAWS & More Animal Shelter Director Amber Talbot says dog owners can tend to forget about the snowpack dogs can get in their paws once they’ve been outside, “We always like to get our sweaters and coats on them and of course those are always great to add that extra insulation layer for them on their bodies but where they really get into trouble is the ice pack between the toes are easily missed. Especially if you’ve got a long haired dog that’s got really furry feet that can really get impacted and tangled in that fur pretty easily.”

Left unaddressed, snowpack can lead to irritation and frostbite. Paw pads should also be wiped with a damp towel after a winter stroll, as salt and other chemicals found on roads and sidewalks can irritate a dog’s mouth once licked. Talbot also reminds that some dogs are more susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite than others, such as short-coated, thin, elderly or very young dogs. You can hear more about pet winter safety during today’s Halcyon House Washington Page on air and at kciiradio.com.