PNW Paw Safety for Every Season
Healthy Dogs | October 29, 2025
Try: Ruffwear Hi & Light Dog Trail Shoes, River Rock Green
Try: Mystic Roots Creations Organic Paw Stick
Try: Vetericyn Plus Wound & Skin Care Spray
Many dog owners often consider dog paw protection when the temperature drops and ice and snow appear in the winter months. However, each season poses different challenges that can impact a pup’s paws, so it’s important not to overlook opportunities to prevent discomfort or injury. At Mud Bay, we know how proactive protection can help your dog avoid a painful issue. So, in the interest of helping you prepare for all seasons of our beautiful Pacific Northwest weather, here are some paw safety tricks and tips to consider.
Fall comes fast in the PNW and with this quick transition, the rain seeps its way back into the forecast. Going from dry, hot temperatures to wet and moisture outside is an adjustment period for everyone — including your dog! Going between dry and wet surfaces can be harsh on your pup’s paws and can cause them to lick excessively, and this licking can lead to hot spots!
Hot spots on your dog’s paws are never fun, they’re open sores that need to be addressed before getting worse. Moisture creates a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s important to dry off your dog’s paws after being outside in the rain. Moisture-wicking microfiber towels are an easy way to get your pup dried off in a flash, and it’s worth stashing a few in your house and car to be prepared for rainy weather.
If your dog does develop hot spots on their paws or if their pads are in need of a little extra love, an all-natural paw salve is a great solution. Salves can help restore dry, cracked paws, and Mud Bay carries several salve options that specifically help heal open wounds. Simply rub the salve on your pet’s paws a few times a day to see results. This is a great product to keep on hand in case an unexpected injury or hot spot occurs.
With this season comes cooler temperatures and of course, snow! Some PNW communities, like Bend, OR, will see a plethora of snow throughout the winter, whereas others, like Seattle, will be lucky to get a single snow day. Whether the snow is outside your door or you have to drive a little ways to find it, it’s imperative to prepare your dog for this element.
Cold temperatures and snow can have a drying effect on paw pads causing cracked, rough paws. Harsh ice can also easily cut through pads, not to mention sidewalk salt that humans use to break down ice. An effective way to prevent cuts and damage to paw pads in the winter is by using a natural paw wax. This wax forms a protective layer on the pad and helps soothe dry, irritated pads. It can also be used to help reduce balling of the snow in your dog’s paw pads with additional applications. The wax is easy to apply and safe for all types of animals including dogs, cats, horses, and chickens!
Ahhh spring, a much anticipated change in seasons for folks living in the PNW! This season brings more sunshine to follow an often rainy winter. It also brings a change in the environment — think pollen and allergies! The spring environment can affect pets in a variety of ways, but one side effect to be on the lookout for is yeasty paws.
This fungal infection can be triggered by a variety of factors, including allergies to fleas, food or the environment. Yeasty paws give off a sweet smell and are often intensified by excessive licking, making the area around the paw pad red or brown in discoloration. If you’ve noticed that your dog is experiencing these symptoms, try an all-natural, soothing anti-itch spray or paw cream made with organic plant extracts. Gentle grooming wipes can also help remove residue picked up on walks or adventures outside for instant clean paws!
The season of sunshine and warm weather! This means that pet owners should be hyper aware of paw safety, even performing daily activities like walking or running outside. Did you know that the pavement can get excruciatingly hot as the temperature increases?! A good way to see if pavement is safe, place the back of your hand on the pavement; if you can’t hold it there for more than seven seconds, this surface is too hot for your dog’s pads. Overheated pavement can severely damage paw pads, burning and injuring your dog.
There are several ways to be proactive in order to prevent your pet’s paws from burning. One way to do this is by using a paw wax to protect paw pads. Applying a layer of wax to your dog’s paws creates a semi-permeable barrier that helps protect the pad. Another way to ensure protection is to use dog booties. Dog booties act like shoes and are both protective to paws and give your dog extra grip. Not only can booties be used for everyday activities, they are also ideal to use during outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
Paw safety can be easily overlooked, but it’s important to think about when creating a healthy lifestyle for your dog. Every season in the Pacific Northwest is different, and each one has its own unique set of challenges when it comes to healthy paws.
Updated 10.15.25
Adventure-ready and made for the water, the Ruffwear Float Coat helps keep your dog comfortable during every swim.
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The Float Coat offers a secure, telescoping neck closure that adjusts to fit a variety of dog sizes, while the lightweight foam panels support natural movement and buoyancy in the water, keeping them comfortable and safe.
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Plus, it offers a super handy, low-profile handle that makes it easy to lift your pup out of the water, and reflective accents that add extra visibility for long days at the lake, beach, or river.
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Bring your pup in-store or shop with us online for the Ruffwear Float coat today!
#mudbay #summer #adventures #ruffwear #doglife
🌞 🎆 🎉 Summer brings celebrations, late nights, travel and events that can leave your pets feeling uneasy.
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Mud Bay is here to help, offering products that bring calm and comfort to your cat or dog when things get noisy.
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We carry calming collars, tinctures, treats, and pheromones to help your pets handle everything summer brings—Shop Mud Bay in-store or online to find the right calmatives for your pets.
#mudbay #summer #keepcalm #healthypets #calming
Fluff & Tuff`s #IGIVEAFLUFF is Coming Soon!
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Starting June 8th, National Best Friends Day, our friends at Fluff & Tuff are once again kicking off #IGiveAFluff to help put toys in the paws of shelter and rescue dogs who need them most.
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And we want you to be a part of it, and it couldn`t be easier to participate!
Here`s how it works:
📸 Snap a photo of your dog with their favorite Fluff & Tuff toy.
📱 Share it on social media using #IGiveAFluff.
🐾 Fluff & Tuff donates a toy to a shelter or rescue dog.
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Since 2015, with the support of pet parents like you and the generosity of Fluff & Tuff, over 22,000 toys have been donated to shelters and rescue dogs. Want to participate, but you need a Fluff & Tuff toy? Take a tip from Frank and stop by your local Mud Bay or visit us online. Click the link in our bio to learn more about #IGIVEAFLUFF
Canagan canned cat food is grain-free and made with your cat in mind, using high-quality protein from chicken, salmon, tuna, and more.
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It’s inspired by what cats are naturally built to eat, with a focus on animal protein and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
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It’s also an easy way to add moisture to your cat’s routine—something many cats don’t get enough of—which can help support your feline friend with kidney and urinary-tract health.
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🛍️ Shop Canagan Complete Cat Food in-store or online at Mud Bay.
Summer is coming, so be like Goose 🐕 and stay cool 😎 ❄️ on every outing with the Swamp Cooler Harness from Ruffwear.
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Whether she’s out on a trail or enjoying a long walk or run, this harness is built for warm-weather adventures, offering cooling comfort and secure control in one breathable design.
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Shop in-store or online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #adventures #pnw #dog #summeriscoming
Mud Bay Memorial Day Hours ⏰
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Today, Monday, May 25, all Mud Bay locations will be open from 10 am to 6 pm.
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Delivery orders placed after 2 pm on Sunday will arrive on Tuesday. Store pickup and Instacart will still be available. 🐈 🐕 🚚
#mudbay #holidayhours #healthypets #mudbaydelivery #pets
🐾🌷The Ruffwear Front Range Flex Collection
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Meet Harley, out in the tulip fields and ready for her next outing in the Front Range Flex Harness, Collar, and Leash.
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Whether it’s a walk through the neighborhood or your next PNW adventure, this collection is designed for everyday use and changing conditions:
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Lightweight and built to handle wet conditions
Easy to clean, just hand-wash and air-dry
Made with durable materials for every outing
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Harley picked her look… now it’s your turn.
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The Ruffwear Front Range Flex Collection is now available at Mud Bay. Shop in-store or online today!
#mudbay #ruffwear #adventure #dogwalk #pnwdogs
This cheese-flavored 🧀 💊 pill wrap helps make giving medicine easier for both dogs and cats. 🐕 🐈 Simply tear, wrap, and serve. It’s quick and mess-free.
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The soft texture can be torn to fit any pill, and the cheese flavor makes each dose easier to give. Now with pumpkin, and always free from grain, gluten, and soy.
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Stashio’s is a woman-owned company from Minnesota that creates simple solutions for daily pet care.
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You can find Stashio’s wrap-ups at Mud Bay, both in-store and online.
#mudbay #stashios #wrapup #healthypets #pnwpets
Let your dog relax 💆 and unwind with a Puptail.
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After a walk, run, hike, or just because, this brunch-inspired Puptail is a fun way to help your pup slow down and take it easy. It’s easy to make and flexible, so you can mix and match to make it your own.
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Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Green Juju Golden Blend
- 1 tbsp blueberries
- 1 tbsp banana slices
- 1/2 cup Primal Raw Goat’s Milk Cranberry Blast
- Swell Dog Gelato Banana and Peanut Butter (for topping)
- Wagster Banana and Toasted Coconut Biscuits
- Green Juju Freeze Dried Vitality Blend
- Furvor Concentrated Beef Bone Broth (for ice cubes)
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Optional Extras 🐕 🐶
Blueberry and bone broth ice cubes
Wag and Bright Supply Co. Spirulina and Beef Collagen dog chew
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Directions
1. Add Green Juju Golden Blend as your base
2. Layer in blueberries and banana slices
3. Pour in goat’s milk between layers
4. Repeat layers as desired, then freeze or serve as is
5. Top with gelato, biscuits, and freeze-dried blend
6. Add ice cubes and extras for a cool finish
#mudbay #treatyoself #pup #summeriscoming #puptail
Furvor bone broth is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is up to 30 times more concentrated than regular broths. It provides protein, collagen, amino acids, and important nutrients to help your dog’s gut, joints, skin, coat, and overall health.
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The 20 oz bottle provides more than 20 servings, making it an easy way to add beneficial nutrition to your dog’s daily routine at home.
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If you’re out and about, Furvor’s single-serve pouches will help keep your dog hydrated, with a pep in their step wherever you go. They’re great for summer, hikes, walks, or days by the water.
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Just tear open, squeeze, and serve. You can mix it with water, pour it over kibble, or give it on its own. You can buy them one at a time or in a pack of six.
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Shop Furvor Bone Broth in-store or online today! 🛍️ 🐾
#mudbay #furvor #healthypets #pnwpets #bonebroth
Capstar Oral Flea & Tick Treatment
🐾When fleas show up, it helps to act quickly. Capstar is an easy-to-use oral treatment that starts working in about 30 minutes and can kill most fleas within the first few hours. It’s a simple way to bring fast relief and can be used alongside your dog’s regular flea and tick routine.
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Vetality Flea & Tick Monthly Topical Treatment
🐾 For ongoing protection, Vetality Avantect offers vet-quality coverage at a great value.
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These broad-spectrum topicals kill and repel fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and mosquitoes, while also targeting all stages of the flea life cycle. It also helps repel biting flies and kill lice. Available in four weight ranges and a four-month supply for continued protection.
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🛍️ Shop in-store or online today.
#mudbay #fleaandtickseason #healthypets #dogs #fleafree
We have all the treats, toys, and zoomie-inducing catnip options for your cat, both in-store and online at Mud Bay.
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So whether you have a cat who likes to bite, rabbit-kick, or lie back and relax with a nice treat and some catnip, we have what your feline friend needs to keep them happy, healthy, and engaged.🐈
#mudbay #cats #cattreats #catnip #cattoys
