The dogs love skiing but we have one little problem — they get snow stuck to the fur between their toes and it ices up in hard little balls that really bother them — and because the ice balls hurt, the dogs stop and lick them, which only makes them worse. Owen, my puppy, also has problems with snowballs adhering to his feathers, especially in the back. He’ll be running along with tennis-ball sized snowballs hanging off his ass, which looks really funny, but doesn’t make him happy.
So, what’s the solution? Pam cooking spray! Who knew? They didn’t like getting sprayed so much, but it really works … we skiied all the way up Suce Creek (a mile and a half) and back down and they only had little tiny snowballs between their toes — and no hanging snowballs off their feathers. They were happy, and because their feet weren’t bothering them so much, everyone was much safer (dogs stopping to lick their toes when you’re flying downhill on ice can be dangerous for everyone).
*No*Kidding* (boggle!) I have a friend in Colorado whose life (and that of her dog) will be revolutionized by this tip. Absolutely amazing! Thanks, Charlotte 🙂 (The things ya learn from the internet these days.)
If you can’t get them to sit still for the spraying, I just read (wish I could recall where) that rubbing some Vaseline on their feet works, too. I doubt you want to try that on Owen’s back-end, however!
Vaseline is too gloppy — and who wants to stick your fingers in your glove liners all sticky? Bill swears by vaseline, but too goopy for me .. I’m sticking to Pam at least for the meantime ..
🙂 I hear ya! As long as the dogs hold still for the Pam, you’re golden!
Thanks Charlotte! – we’ll have to try that. Not only has Harrison been struggling with the snowballs between his toes, today he must have slipped on the ice and he broke one of his front nails totally down to the quick – I’m so glad he’s gentle- he was quivering like crazy but sat sitll while I cleaned it up and disinfected it.
Excellent tip! My dog Zeus and I thank you…