With the cold weather upon us, you may be asking yourself, “Do dogs get cold paws?”. You might also be wondering if you need to purchase some booties for your pup. There is new research available that helps answer this age-old question.
While some dog’s paws are sensitive to cold weather, a newer discovery by researchers in Japan has found that a dog’s paws often stay warm due to a specialized circulation system. Your dog may not need to wear boots after all.
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Do dogs get cold paws?
According to a Japanese researcher whose study was published in the Journal of Veterinary Dermatology, a dog’s paws contain an internal circulation system that prevents their paws from freezing in the winter. Dog paws work differently than human feet in that the dog’s circulatory system will transfer heat from their internal body to the paws by flowing blood through their arteries.
How the Study was Conducted
Dr. Hiroyoshi Ninomiya of the Yamazaki Gakuen University in Tokyo, Japan led a team of scientists in a study that tested the theory of whether or not a dog’s paws would resist freezing. In the past, there have been myths that a dog’s paws can resist freezing temperatures as low as -35C. Dr. Ninomiya and his team wanted to see if the theory pans out.
To conduct this theory, the team used electron microscopes to study the feet of domesticated dogs. They found that within the footpad on the dog’s paws were veins that were close to arteries. This allowed heat to be transported from the circulatory system and into the paw to keep it warm. The unique circulatory system ensures that the paws stay warm, even in freezing temperatures.
Is This Discovery Unique to Dogs?
This discovery is not unique to dogs. In fact, this specialized circulatory system has been found in other animals, particularly animals living in colder climates. One example of this is in penguins. Their beaks have a specialized circulatory system that prevents them from freezing. It is also present in the paws of wolves and bears.
How To Protect Your Dog’s Paws
Although a dog’s paws will not get cold in freezing temperatures, your dog may still experience cold feet, especially if your dog is a smaller breed or the ground is colder than the air temperature. You still need to exercise extreme caution when letting your dog outside during cold weather. Don’t leave them outside for too long and booties may be a good idea to protect their paws from ice and salt.
If your dog is prone to getting cold feet, here are three things you should be doing to protect their feet from the cold.
Wear Booties or Socks
The best way to protect a dog’s feet from the cold is by making them wear booties. They work by keeping in the heat and providing a warm layer between their paw pads and the frozen ground. Booties or socks are inexpensive and can purchased at most pet stores. Try to choose booties that have an adjustable cuff so they don’t fall off while your dog runs and plays. The best dog boots will have a non-slip surface to stop the dog from slipping on the ice.
Use Pet-Friendly Ice Melt
Prevent ice from forming on your walkways, front steps or sidewalk by using a pet-friendly ice melt. Walking on ice can quickly freeze a dog’s paws so it is a good idea to remove it using an ice melt. Traditional salt is rough on a dog’s paws and can be ingested when the dog licks his or her paws. Choose a pet-friendly option that isn’t harmful if it accidentally gets eaten.
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Place Rugs or Runners Over Concrete
Placing a rug or runners over concrete steps or sidewalks can offer another layer of protection for your dog’s paws. You can even purchase heated mats that will melt the snow and keep your dog toasty warm when they go out to play.
Final Verdict: Can Dogs Get Cold Feet (Paws)?
Can dogs get cold paws? The answer is complicated. Due to a special circulatory system in their paws, dogs can’t get cold feet as humans can. They can still get cold paws if they walk on frozen ground for an extended period. You should always protect your dog’s paws when they go out in cold weather. The best way to do this is by making them wear boots, keeping your walkways ice-free and putting down non-slip mats on concrete surfaces.
