The "salt" used on roads, driveways and paths should not be confused with harmless table salt. The snow-melters and de-icers commonly used are chemical compounds, many of which cause painful burns to dogs' feet, as well as to their tongues and mouths as they lick their paws clean.

The sand put on icy roads also contains chemicals to melt ice and snow. If you want to sand your own pathway, buy the sand sold for kids' sandboxes. Kitty litter or wood ash will also provide safe footing. A large door mat will protect your floors. When you come in after a walk on chemically treated streets or sidewalks, wash your dog's feet and brush out the underside of a long-haired dog. If the hair is wet or feels gritty, it has picked up the salt or sand and should be washed in warm, soapy water. Follow the washing and rinsing with a brisk towel rub.

Consider buying a sweater for your dog. It will keep all his long tummy hair from dragging in the snow, sand or chemicals. Sweaters are easy to put on dogs once you get the hang of it.


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