When the sun is shining overhead and the temperature is balmy, you may be itching to get out and take your pup for a walk. But while we wear shoes to protect our feet, we must be mindful that our dogs don’t get the same luxury.

Winter is right around the corner, and for many dog owners, that means, so are ice and snow. Dogs have an amazing ability to withstand very low temperature in their feet. But that doesn’t mean that continuously walking on ice, snow and road salt won’t have an effect on their paws.

                                                            Cats are active creatures, running and pouncing on their paws at all hours of the day. The pads of their feet, made of cushioned layers of fat and keratin, are sensitive, though, and can be easily injured by scrapes and sharp objects. If you notice your cat is limping or in pain while walking, there’s a good chance something is wrong with its foot.

Both you and your pooch love going for runs and walks outside, playing in the yard or chasing each other around the house. All that leaping and bounding is supported by your dog’s paw pads—the cushiony parts of your dog’s feet.