It doesn’t matter if it’s raining, snowing or dusty outside, we have to walk the dog.

In the winter, that can mean sidewalk salt can irritate them, so cleaning their paws well after you return from a walk is a must. “Some dogs’ feet are very sensitive to the cold, salt and all the elements,” says Helen Adler, a member of the National Dog Groomers Association and owner of Pet Specialists, a New York-based company that offers home grooming services.

Cleaning up your paws for the rest of the year will not only protect your floors, but will also allow you to see paw problems that need attention and prevent other problems from developing. Clumps on dirt can hide wounds, and chronically dirty feet can cause inflammation and abrasions.

Here are six tips to help make cleaning your dog’s paws easier and more effective.Do some minor cleaning with a wet towel

If your dog gets a little dirt on his paws, all you need is a wet towel – as long as you’re using pet-safe cleaning wipes. Adler says: “Many wipes or wet wipes used by humans contain harmful chemicals such as alcohol, petrochemicals and perfumes, all of which are harmful to your pet’s health.”

To be on the safe side, Adler recommends using veterinarian-approved, all-natural grooming wipes to wipe away dust between baths.

Adler says: “Soaking a paper towel or washcloth in warm water is the perfect way to clean your pet’s hind feet after a walk, saving both time and money.” If the paws are particularly dirty, you can pat them down with dog shampoo on a towel, making sure to wipe them down thoroughly.”Thorough cleaning of dirty paws

Kathy Lopes, owner of Raleigh Grooming Academy in Raleigh, N.C., says if there’s mud or debris between the pads or on your feet, you may really need to clean your feet. She says: “The easiest way to do it is with a sprayer in the sink or in the tub.”

For particularly dirty paws or paws that may have been exposed to tar or other sticky substances, you need to wash them thoroughly, Adler said.

“For small dogs, you can wash their feet in the sink or put a dish of water by the door,” she said. “For larger dogs, or dogs with a lot of hair on their feet and ankles, you’ll just have to use a spray with some dog shampoo to wash them off.” Scrub the soiled areas thoroughly, then rinse off the shampoo and debris thoroughly with warm water.Clean around toes and nails

When cleaning your paws, don’t forget the toes and nails.

Some dogs’ feet are extremely sensitive to their environment, especially in the winter. Adler says: “You definitely don’t want your dog licking his paws after being exposed to salt or other melting ice.” If your pet licks salt or melted ice paws, it can lead to mouth sores, irritation and even gastrointestinal distress.

She says: “It’s very important to wash/wipe between the toes and the footbed: that’s where the nasty stuff can build up.”

To clean the area, gently turn your dog’s paws toward you and carefully clean or wash the area between the pads, Adler suggests. She adds, “Be sure to keep each of your dog’s paws separate for proper cleaning.” Finish with a dry towel; you certainly don’t want your dog running around the house with wet feet or slipping while his paws are still wet.”Dry paws with a towel

If your pet’s feet are wet, but no dirt, salt or chemicals are touching them, you can dry them with a towel, Lopes says.

“Make sure your paw area is dry,” she says. “If your pet is all wet from the winter weather, squeeze each foot a few times with a clean towel to get most of the water off.”

Dry your feet with a towel after a walk or bath on a rainy day so your dog doesn’t get water all over the house.Trimming foot hair

For long-haired breeds, Adler recommends keeping the hair between the foot pads and around the sides of the feet short to prevent debris buildup.

Adler says: “I don’t recommend trimming your own dog’s matting because the skin there is very delicate and you don’t want to scratch the matting.” “If the owner is comfortable and their dog is obedient, it’s OK to trim around the feet or legs, but don’t trim the pads and let a professional do it.”

One thing to keep in mind:Shaving the hair around the toes and pads of the feet is not a good idea. “Shaved paws can be directly exposed to corrosive salts on bare skin, causing irritation that induces dogs to lick their paws clean,” says Ming Liddle, owner of Cut Above Pet Stylists in New York.Use boots whenever possible

If your dog is welcome to use dog boots, this is the best precaution to ensure no salt or debris gets on their paws. However, when the snow is more than an inch thick, snowballs will usually form above the boots, so a soapy water solution will be the primary remedy.

If the snow is deep, remember to take your boots off as soon as you get back to the house so you can dry out your fur. And have multiple pairs of boots, because they come in handy when one of them gets buried in the snow,” Liddle added.Clearance Reduction

After a walk, be sure to check your dog’s paws for cuts, scrapes and blisters. While they may start out as small wounds, they can quickly develop into infections if left untreated,” Payne says.

If the wound is severe or shows signs of infection, you should consult your veterinarian. It is recommended that if the problem is minor, you can fix it at home by first washing the paw with warm water to make sure all debris is removed. This will also help you to see any small cracks or scrapes. Then wash with a diluted antiseptic.

After cleaning, dry the paws and apply a small amount of antibacterial spray or lotion, marked for your pet’s use. You can cover the wound with a pad, but remember that the pad will not stay stuck to the wound when your dog runs around or goes outside again.