Bad weather? Give your dog the boot

The next time your dog clamors for a walk in the snow, watch out for de-icing salts on sidewalks and driveways.

Such treated salts can irritate the canine's feet, and dogs who lick their paws may ingest the chemicals.

Dr. Bruce Weiner, a Boston-based veterinarian, recommends that a dogs' paws be washed and dried immediately following outdoor activity in winter.

One approach to counter the effects of the salt is to rub Vaseline on a dog's paws before their walks. A more effective solution is a pair of dog boots with Velcro straps, available at many pet stores. Whether Fido will put up with this fashion statement is questionable.

Compiled by Joshua S. Burek and Stephen Humphries

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