CBD oils for dogs: Natural paw protection in winter

De-icing Salt & Cold: The Biggest Dangers for Dogs in Winter

As soon as the first snowflakes fall, snow removal vehicles spread tons of de-icing salt on our roads, paths, and sidewalks to prevent icing. This pleases car owners, cyclists, and pedestrians, but it is to the detriment of many animals. When temperatures drop below 0°C, water freezes and ice forms. Salt lowers the freezing point of water, so saltwater only freezes at low negative temperatures depending on the salt concentration. For example, seawater freezes only at -1.9°C. Heavily salted roads can remain free of ice from -10°C to -20°C. Here, the quantity and chemical composition play a crucial role. The issue of human and animal skin in relation to high salt concentrations is due to the biochemical properties of salt or salt solutions. Due to the osmotic effect, “non-salt water” flows towards saltwater. If a semipermeable membrane is present between the two compartments, the water content in one decreases while it increases in the other. Biologically speaking, this is exactly what happens to a cell exposed to a salt solution – it shrinks due to water loss and can no longer maintain its functions. Everyone knows this effect from swimming in the sea or from saltwater pools in spas. Depending on the duration of stay, the skin becomes wrinkled and severely dehydrated.

Anatomy of the Dog Paw: Strains & Risks in the Cold Season

In principle, the effect of salt or saltwater on dog paws is no different than previously described. Although there are certain anatomical and obviously evolutionary differences, dog paws are affected by the use of de-icing salt. Especially in winter, after longer walks, dog owners should keep an eye on their paws. Even the thin ice flakes on crusty snow can lead to microscopic to medium-sized injuries to the paws, which, in combination with de-icing salt, is far from optimal. Although the pads of the individual toes of a paw are quite robust – the skin surrounding the pad is about 50 times thicker than the rest of the skin – they can still be affected. It’s no wonder, as these small areas not only constantly bear the weight of the dog but are also obviously subjected to extreme stress – think of sprints and sudden stops or temperatures well over 30°C in summer and well below -10°C in winter. The dog paw has a lot to endure.

Proper Care Before and After Walks – CBD Oils as a Good Alternative

To ideally protect your four-legged friend in winter , dog paws should be regularly oiled during this time. This should be done before and after walks. All fats and oils that are compatible with dogs can be used. Remember that Waldi will surely want to “try” the freshly oiled paws. Therefore, petroleum-based chemical products are not recommended. High-quality organic products are a different story. The fat forms and is also a protective barrier for the cell, primarily preventing dehydration and acting preventively. Oiling the dog’s paws after extended walks serves to rehydrate them. In recent years, much has been reported about what is best to do and which products are recommended for these applications. High on the Top-10 list are hemp products. And not without reason. Especially hemp extract CBD oils and CBD creams are increasingly used as pet cosmetics in the veterinary field. Generally, hemp seed oil, with its balanced omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and abundant vitamin E, is considered one of the healthiest oils. Thus, organic hemp seed oils are not only found in many supermarkets but are also increasingly becoming part of pet food. The active ingredient CBD has antioxidant, skin-caring, and rehydrating effects and is thus a synergistic addition to pure hemp seed oil, which contains little or no traces of the cannabinoid.

Conclusion: Paw Protection with CBD Oils – Safe Through Winter

For the cosmetic treatment of dog paws, a low-concentration CBD oil or the HANAFSAN organic paw balm with CBD is recommended. A small amount is sufficient (a few drops per paw, or a small fingertip of paw balm per paw). Alternatively, pure hemp seed oil can also be used. The best way is to simply drop the oil into your palm, rub it in, and apply the product to your four-legged friend’s paws. The oil or paw balm is immediately absorbed by the skin. Thus, nothing stands in the way of an extended walk in the snow, and Waldi comes through winter healthy and happy.

Image source: © 2020 HANAFSAN