PROTECT THOSE PAWS

Harley loves the snow. He runs in it, he jumps in it – he even tries to eat it…

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He has so much fun out there, it’s hard to deny him. Since I cannot keep him away from the snow, it is only right that I make sure I protect those paws…

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I was born and raised in New York City. I remember the winters were brutal – with snow and frigid temperatures from December through February. During those winter months my mother had a religious connection to Vaseline! She would smear my entire face with it when I went outside to play.

I  find myself thinking a lot about my mother these days, and I had a good chuckle as Doodle Dad stared inquisitively while I greased my face with Vaseline before my walk in the frigid temperatures with Harley the other morning.

I did my best to answer his informal inquisition about what I was doing, but all I knew to respond with was:

My momma always put Vaseline on my face when it was cold outside. She said it would protect my skin.

Perhaps this explains my insane obsession to protect Harley’s paws from exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow.

I waited too late in Harley’s life to introduce outdoor booties.

When I tried – he rebelled.

Truth be told – he refused to walk!

Just fell out on the floor like a child having a temper tantrum. It was such a sight I just stopped trying. #noguts #nobooties

Our area of Virginia has been slow rolling in comparison to the rest of the country when it comes to snow accumulation. However, we’ve definitely picked up the rear and still seem to be getting MORE than our fair share this late in the season.

This is our day today…

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And my little Polar Doodle Bear was in his element…

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But on days like today he gets a paw conditioning treatment to protect those paw pads from becoming dry, cracked or rough due to the elements.

I’ve become obsessed with Aroma Paws Conditioning Treatment and thought I’d tell you about it and our “paw conditioning ritual” #yeswehaveone

Aroma Paws not only smells good – all the ingredients are human grade and luxurious! I love this stuff 🙂

On days like today (almost 8 inches of snow) when we’re in for the rest of the evening, I pull out Harley’s “stuff”

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…scoop out a small amount of conditioning cream, rub it into the palms of my hand and massage his paw pads. Sometimes I dab a little on his button nose!

Then I place the booties on him because his paws are super greasy (like my Vaseline face)…

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They’re just little baby booties from the Dollar store, and they do the trick…

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In a matter of no time, between the snow, the fresh air, the fun and then the pawsage, Harley is out like a light…

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When he wakes up, he generally leaves a path of blue booties throughout the house…

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And as you can see, this paw conditioning treatment is really helping. His pads are looking pretty pawsome this winter #thanksaromapaws #thanksmomma

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To learn more winter skin and paw care tips (compliments of the ASPCA) read here.

This is not a product review. I was not contacted by Aroma Paws. Harley and I only wanted to share with you something we really like that works well here in Doodleville.

Be careful out there this weekend and as always, thank you so very much for sharing me with all your friends!

20 Comments
  • Pamela | Something Wagging This Way Comes
    March 6, 2015

    About now, I need to smear my whole body in Vaseline and put a body sock over it. 🙂

    Honey’s fur grows out between her paw pads. I’m supposed to trim them to keep them looking pretty. But I find that extra fur protects her outdoors. I let it grow a little longer in the winter and I find she’s less bothered by ice melt people put on their sidewalks.

    On the other hand, her pads don’t look as black and luxurious as Harley’s. So maybe I’ll plan some spa treatments for the spring.

    • Cathy Bennett
      March 6, 2015

      I can’t handle the less than fragrant smell that gets attached to the hair in between Harley’s paw pads. He finds all kinds of crap to walk through! I rarely sit still – so this is a good couple of minutes for us both! Too bad I can’t teach him to reciprocate – or can I? 🙂

  • Emma
    March 6, 2015

    I bet you have puppy soft paws! Thankfully we don’t have problems with dry or cracked paws. Not sure why we don’t, but so far so good. Looks like you have a good treatment down, though.

    • Cathy Bennett
      March 6, 2015

      Emma, you should request it just for the PAWsage – I’m sure you will like it 🙂

  • Sand Spring Chesapeakes
    March 6, 2015

    Very cool, love the pictures and the booties are fabulous, my gang might kick them off right away. I could use my Norman’s Kisses Hand to Paw cream on my gangs pads to keep them nice it keeps my hands smooth.

    • Cathy Bennett
      March 6, 2015

      I thought Harley would kick his off quickly too Joann (especially since he hates boots) but perhaps the massage puts him in a tranquil state because he never fights me at all!

  • Jan K
    March 7, 2015

    That stuff looks great, and what a routine you have with it! That is very good thinking to do it right before Harley has a nice nap. It’s kind of funny, our beagle Kobi hated having anything put on him, even his harness, but he would put up with having booties put on!
    Since we’re trying to get Luke used to paw handling, he might enjoy a little paw-sage! BTW, I love Harley’s coat too! Where did you find that….I never see one with long sleeves like that, and Luke’s fur on his legs is very thin.

    • Cathy Bennett
      March 11, 2015

      Harley really enjoys the pas-sages when the weather is extreme. I believe it makes his paws feel better, because he is always so accommodating. LOL I bought those blue snowsuits so long ago I have no idea where. I’m sorry.

  • DashLilly
    March 8, 2015

    Harley you are one lucky guy!!! Dash would probably love a little paw-sage. Right now he is lying on his back waiting for a belly rub and making lots of grumbling noises at me. Better go!! Hope you all have survived your snow storm. We have sunshine here now! Hooray!

    • Cathy Bennett
      March 11, 2015

      Deirdre, the snow is finally going away. We’ve had a bunch of rain and now the temps are rising. Most of the sand is gone also – so hopefully we are headed for better weather. Hope Dash enjoys his belly rub as much as Harley does his paw-sage.

  • Jackie Bouchard
    March 9, 2015

    Well, his paws sure look great! And he looks so cute in his booties! Luckily we don’t have to worry too much about the cold here. 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      March 11, 2015

      Jackie, between the snow, freezing temps, sand and deicing I worry about how the pads must hurt. I must not be too off with that thought because when I get everything out – I have no resistance from Harley. He loves it.

  • 2 Punk Dogs
    March 10, 2015

    Getting Harley tired before the pay treatment is a great idea. 🙂 His pads look perfect!

    • 2 Punk Dogs
      March 10, 2015

      Ack, that should have said paw treatment!

      • Cathy Bennett
        March 11, 2015

        True Punk Dogs – True!

    • Cathy Bennett
      March 11, 2015

      Why thanks Punk Dogs, I try 🙂

  • Cara from Barkocity
    March 13, 2015

    Wow. What a fantastic job you’ve done with Harley’s paws! We currently live in NYC and my Mila’s paws could use some pampering. I tried using Mushers Secret and applied it to her paws almost every time we went outside. However, if I didn’t apply it between her paws the rock-salt still got in between and irritated them. We had to get her some booties, but she hates them and tries to get them off. How did you get Harley to keep on these little socks? So adorable!! 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      March 13, 2015

      Hi Cara – I actually discovered if I used the conditioning cream at the end of the day (more towards his bedtime) and sat with him in front of the TV, I would watch a show and massage his feet – wait until he looked intoxicated with sleep and then slip them on. Over time, he’s gotten used to the regimen and now he’ll sit with me for a little bit and then get up (with socks on) and walk himself straight to his bed. I sometimes take the remaining two or three off of him before I turn in, because I don’t want him to slip on the hardwood floors in the middle of the night should he go downstairs for water or something. Try it in the evening! Hope that helps!

      • Cara from Barkocity
        March 25, 2015

        Hi Cathy!

        Thanks for your response. I just wanted to let you know how it’s working for us. I massage her little paws for a bit in the evening then apply the cream. Once she’s sleeping I slip the little socks on and she wakes right up and bites them off! I’ve tried it for 3 night in a row and I’ve gotten the same results all 3 times! 🙁 Although, her paws do look better because I’ve been applying the cream more frequently, but I’m unsure the socks will work for her. However, I will keep at it! Consistence is key, right? LOL Have a nice day Cathy!

        • Cathy Bennett
          March 25, 2015

          Cara – sounds like you’re doing all the right things, but when all else fails I turn to treats! Put a sock on and then give her a small treat. But if that doesn’t work then ditch the socks. As long as the paws are looking good, don’t sweat the sick stuff LOL Keep in touch, and thanks so much for reading.