My adventure dog, Finn, is finding winter conditions to be hard on his sensitive paws. When I rescued him, the pads on Finn's feet were as silky smooth as baby skin. That is because Finn had never been outdoors. Recently, during a walk at the park, Finn stopped moving and started whimpering a bit. After quickly checking his feet, I realized he was communicating discomfort related to an ice ball that had formed between the toes on a front foot. Not long after that incident, Finn let me know that he could not tolerate any small amount of the chemical de-icer that was present on city sidewalks and roads. What to do?
As I considered possible solutions, such as dog booties and paw wax, or hibernating until June, I came across a highly rated organic paw balm called Ruff Relief. The key factor that sold me on this particular pet product had a lot to do with the fact that it is rated at a human grade food level (the first time I have seen that). Given that dogs frequently lick their feet, it was really important to me that anything Finn put in his mouth was natural, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic (along with made in the USA). The fact that Ruff Relief has earned a USDA certification sealed the deal for me.
You may be wondering about the ingredients. That was the first thing I wanted to know. Here they are:
- Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Organic Coconut Oil
- Organic Beeswax
- Organic Carnauba Wax
- Jojoba Wax
- Non-GMO Vitamin E
These natural ingredients are safe to use on paws, noses, and other skin hot spots. Though I think of winter as the toughest time to keep my animals' skin protected, summer presents its own challenges (think burning hot pavement and concrete). Ruff Relief provides year-round protection from ice, snow, and heated surfaces. If your pet ever suffers from cracking, chapped, or dry skin, you may wish to give Ruff Relief a try. There's really no risk given that the company provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You have 30 days to test drive this product. If you aren't happy with the results, simply request a full refund.
Since I have just started using this balm on Finn's paws, I'll have to keep you posted about our longer term results. I am fully expecting good outcomes given all of the positive online reviews. Stay tuned for updates.
Before closing, I thought I would share some fun facts I discovered while searching for information about dog feet.
Fritos Feet
What is that corn chip smell?? Why do dogs have feet that smell like Fritos, Cheetos, or popcorn? Actually, that is totally normal. The smell comes from natural bacteria that grow on canine paws (mixed with a dog's unique paw sweat gland odor).
Did You Know?
Some dog breeds, think Greyhounds, Dobermans, and Akitas, have "cat feet" (smaller feet with high arches). These features, along with the lightness of their feet, enhance their endurance.
Pop Quiz
Does your dog have webbed feet? If so, you should ace this quiz. In the comment section, please name a breed of dog with webbing between the toes/pads.
Finally, have you had to treat your pet's feet at certain times of year? If so, what worked well for your four-legged friend?
Did You Know?
Some dog breeds, think Greyhounds, Dobermans, and Akitas, have "cat feet" (smaller feet with high arches). These features, along with the lightness of their feet, enhance their endurance.
Pop Quiz
Does your dog have webbed feet? If so, you should ace this quiz. In the comment section, please name a breed of dog with webbing between the toes/pads.
Finally, have you had to treat your pet's feet at certain times of year? If so, what worked well for your four-legged friend?
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