We literally walked into the “issue”. Went for a walk tonight and found ourselves stomping through the remnants of the de-icing salt. I swiftly grabbed the boy and carried him away rumbling a few words that polite people do not put on the blog for all to see. Indeed, I was frustrated and very worried about Coop.

We had a bit of snow a couple of days ago, nothing major – we live in England, not Alaska, after all. At least that’s how most people feel about it. And clearly, there are a few others who do, indeed, sprinkle the pathetic “snow” with sand as if it’s going to make any difference.

The problem is that the only difference the rock salt makes is creating the risk of toxic exposure for the dogs. Yes, unfortunately, the little ones can suffer from it because the crystals can cause irritation and cracks on their paws and any residue – toxic poisoning if licked off.

So comes winter, we need to be prepared to deal with it by following a few simple rules.

First of all, make sure the neighbours are aware of the dangers because many people simply aren’t.

Secondly, wash your dogs paws as soon as you return after a walk and dry them properly with a hair dryer.

Thirdly, use protection and treatments. If you live in an area heavily covered with the salts and de-icers, consider booties (tiny dog boots or rubber pull-ons). If you don’t need to worry about the residue too much, treat the paws with some lovely balm once a day for the pleasure of it.

I have been using the Pawtection by the Natural Dog Company for as long as the balm became available in the UK. Made with combination of healing oils and essential oils, the balm is also free from beeswax (it contains candellila wax instead), so it can be used on puppies and young dogs under 12 months old.

It is very easy to apply because you can dispense just enough to spread over the paws before massaging it in. My boy loves it. It smells lovely, too.

The other puppy-friendly paw balm I love is the Hemp Skin, Nose & Paw balm by HOWND.

Style conscious dog parents would appreciate the goodness and look of the Dug & Bitch balm and Lila Loves It Little Paw Care. These are wonderfully nourishing and healing, but do contain beeswax, so not suitable for dogs under 12 months of age. On my wish list.

For the travellers and dog mums who, like me, carry their dogs life essentials in a huge holdall, the tins of No. 1 Pawmade protecting balm and First Aid ointment by Loyal Canine Co. are just perfect.

For the sceptics, we are not affiliated to not have been compensated by any of these companies and brands. We imply wanted to share the love and useful tips. You can shop these balms by following the links or visiting Maison Le Lou, Mungo & Maud, Dug & Bitch, Hownd, Healthful Pets  and Houndworthy.

Praise the day when Pooch & Mutt decided to create a healthier alternative to the horrid well-known dental chews! I really wanted Coop to have something, but Dentastix (ops, slipped off my tongue, pardon me!) were out of the question.

Naturally, we got the boy a couple of Pooch & Mutt Turkey chews as soon as our local Waitrose got them in stock. Size-wise, they are a perfect treat – I’d say, similar to the medium-sized Dentastix. However, this is where the similarities end. Instead of a cocktail of processed by-products and preservatives, the new chew is made of turkey (or duck, or pork), whole peas, oats, vegetable glycerine, linseed, glucose syrup and hydrolysed liver protein and is cold formed to be kind to the nutrients and flavour.

They went down a treat – no digestive issues, no problems apart from Cooper camping by the treat cupboard for hours hoping for seconds.

Granted, Coop gets them as a weekend treat rather than daily. They are 65 kcal per chew meaning that I do need to reduce his daily food quantity a bit (which would make him very-very unhappy!) So it’s little biscuit treats Monday to Friday and a lovely chew on Saturday and Sunday.

Everyone is happy. And this is NOT an ad.