Falling temperatures also signal the return of road salt and similar ice-fighting products. This can quickly become a problem for the paws of dogs that spend a lot of time in urban areas. A dog’s paws should be checked and cleaned (with warm, soap-free water) after a walk. Afterwards, they should be thoroughly dried. Vaseline, bag balm or a special salve can be used to treat dry, rough paws. Moisturised paw pads are also more resistant to cold, salt and the penetration of stone chippings and foreign bodies. If your dog has an abundance of hair between its paw pads, the hair should be cut regularly with a rounded pair of scissors. This will reduce the chance of dirt and chunks of ice becoming trapped between the paw pads.