Rainy-Season Paw and Skin Care for Dogs in North Vancouver

Fall in North Vancouver often means wet sidewalks, muddy trails, damp grass and frequent rainy walks. Although many dogs enjoy exploring in cooler weather, constantly wet paws and coats can contribute to skin irritation, discomfort and secondary infections.

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Moisture alone does not automatically cause an infection. However, damp skin, trapped debris, allergies and repeated licking can damage the skin barrier and create an environment in which bacteria or yeast may multiply.

The team at Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic has prepared this guide to help dog owners protect their pets’ paws and skin throughout the rainy season.

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Why Wet Weather Can Affect Your Dog’s Skin

A healthy skin barrier helps protect the body from allergens, irritants and microorganisms. When the skin remains wet for extended periods, becomes irritated or is repeatedly licked, that protective barrier may become compromised.

Rainy-weather walks can expose a dog’s paws and coat to:

• Mud and wet soil

• Road debris

• Lawn and garden products

• Decaying leaves

• Small stones and twigs

• Sand and grit

• Bacteria and other microorganisms

• Environmental allergens

Dogs with allergies, skin folds, thick coats or a history of paw and ear infections may be particularly prone to problems.

Bacterial skin infections can cause redness, crusting, discomfort, odour, discharge and hair loss. The spaces between the toes are also common locations for painful inflammatory lesions.

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Dry Your Dog After Every Wet Walk

One of the simplest rainy-season habits is thoroughly drying your dog after returning indoors.

Use a clean, absorbent towel to dry:

• The tops and bottoms of the paws

• Between each toe

• Around the paw pads

• The lower legs

• The abdomen

• The armpits

• The groin

• Beneath the tail

• Any skin folds

• The ears and surrounding fur

Pat rather than rub irritated skin. Vigorous rubbing can cause additional discomfort, especially when the skin is already inflamed.

Long-haired dogs may need extra attention because the outer coat can feel dry while moisture remains trapped close to the skin.

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Check Between the Toes

The spaces between the toes are easy to overlook. After walks, gently spread your dog’s toes and look for:

• Redness

• Swelling

• Moist or raw skin

• Cuts or abrasions

• Embedded gravel

• Burrs or plant material

• Broken nails

• Discharge

• Small lumps

• Unusual odour

Painful nodules or draining areas between the toes may represent deeper inflammation or infection and should be examined by a veterinarian.

Dogs with heavily feathered feet may benefit from careful coat maintenance so that the paws can dry more easily. Avoid cutting hair extremely short or using scissors close to moving toes unless you are experienced. A professional groomer or veterinary team can advise you about safe trimming.

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Rinse Away Mud and Irritants

When paws are muddy, wiping them with a dry towel may not remove all of the debris. Rinse the feet with lukewarm water, then dry them carefully.

Plain water is usually sufficient for routine cleaning. Avoid repeatedly applying scented wipes, household disinfectants, alcohol or harsh soaps. These products may irritate the skin or remove protective oils.

Only use medicated shampoos, mousses or wipes when recommended for your individual pet. The correct product depends on whether the problem involves bacteria, yeast, allergies or another condition.

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Watch for Excessive Paw Licking

A dog may briefly lick its paws after a walk as part of normal grooming. Persistent licking, chewing or biting is different and often indicates discomfort.

Possible causes include:

• Environmental allergies

• Food-related allergies

• Bacterial infection

• Yeast overgrowth

• A foreign object

• An insect bite

• A damaged nail

• Contact irritation

• Joint or soft-tissue pain

• Anxiety or repetitive behaviour

Allergies are a common cause of paw licking, and chronic licking can further injure the skin and contribute to inflammation or secondary infection.

Repeated licking can also stain light-coloured fur reddish brown. The staining itself does not identify the cause, so an examination may still be needed.

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Signs of a Paw or Skin Infection

Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Persistent redness

• Swelling

• Hair loss

• Scabs or crusts

• Greasy or flaky skin

• A strong or unusual odour

• Moist discharge

• Pus

• Bleeding

• Pain when the area is touched

• Limping

• Repeated licking or chewing

• Darkened or thickened skin

• A problem that improves and then repeatedly returns

Yeast and bacterial infections can look similar, and they may occur together. Your veterinarian may recommend skin cytology, which involves examining cells and microorganisms collected from the affected area under a microscope.

Dogs with allergies can experience recurrent bacterial or yeast infections unless the underlying allergy is also addressed.

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Do Raincoats and Boots Help?

A properly fitted raincoat can help keep the chest, back and abdomen drier, particularly in dogs with long coats or low bodies.

However, rain gear must be removed after the walk. Leaving a damp coat on indoors can trap moisture against the skin.

Dog boots may help protect paws from mud, abrasive surfaces or road treatments, but they must fit correctly. Boots that are too tight can rub the skin, while loose boots may twist or fall off.

After removing boots:

1. Check each foot for redness or rubbing.

2. Make sure no moisture is trapped inside.

3. Dry between the toes.

4. Allow both the boots and paws to dry completely.

Not every dog tolerates boots immediately. Introduce them gradually indoors using treats and short practice sessions.

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Remember the Ears

Wet weather can also affect the ears, particularly in dogs with floppy ears, heavy ear hair, allergies or a history of ear infections.

After a rainy walk, gently dry the outer ear flap and surrounding fur. Do not insert cotton swabs deep into the ear canal.

Watch for:

• Head shaking

• Ear scratching

• Redness

• Discharge

• Unusual odour

• Pain when the ear is touched

• Holding one ear differently

Regular ear checks and prompt veterinary attention when moisture, redness or other changes appear may help prevent a mild problem from becoming more severe.

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Continue Parasite Prevention During the Fall

Cooler weather does not necessarily mean that fleas and ticks have disappeared. North Vancouver’s relatively mild climate can allow parasites to remain active beyond the summer months.

Flea allergy can cause intense itching and self-trauma, which may lead to moist skin lesions and secondary bacterial or yeast infections.

Continue parasite prevention according to your veterinarian’s recommendations rather than stopping automatically when summer ends.

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A Simple Post-Walk Routine

A consistent routine can make rainy-season skin care easier:

1. Remove your dog’s raincoat or boots.

2. Rinse off heavy mud with lukewarm water.

3. Dry the paws, legs and underside thoroughly.

4. Check between the toes and around the nails.

5. Brush out damp leaves or debris.

6. Hang wet equipment somewhere it can dry completely.

7. Monitor any area your dog repeatedly licks.

This routine takes only a few minutes and may help you identify problems before they become painful.

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When Should Your Dog See a Veterinarian?

Arrange an examination if your dog has persistent itching, redness, odour, discharge, limping, swelling or skin pain. Seek prompt care for a deep wound, severe swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, a torn nail or an object embedded in the paw.

Avoid treating recurring skin problems with leftover medications. Similar-looking conditions can require very different treatments, and some products may temporarily

hide symptoms without addressing the underlying cause.

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Keeping Rainy Walks Comfortable

Rain does not have to stop your dog from enjoying the outdoors. Careful drying, regular paw checks and early attention to skin changes can help keep wet-weather walks comfortable and safe.

Contact Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic if your dog develops persistent paw licking, redness, odour, discharge, recurrent ear problems or another rainy-season concern. Identifying the cause early can prevent irritation from progressing into a more painful infection.