PNW Paw Safety for Every Season
Healthy Dogs | October 29, 2025
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Try: Mystic Roots Creations Organic Paw Stick
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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
Weruva WX Phos Focused Freeze-Dried Chicken and Tilapia is a low-phosphorus, high-protein supplement made from 93% boneless, skinless chicken breast, tilapia, and egg white. It has no grains, fillers, bones, or organs.
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Due to its naturally low phosphorus content, this food is suitable for cats requiring phosphorus management, particularly those with kidney conditions. Additionally, it’s highly digestible protein helps maintain lean muscle mass.
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You can serve it dry or add water to soften the texture. Adding water can help your cat digest it more easily and boost their daily water intake. This recipe is meant as a supplement and works well as a topper or treat alongside a complete, balanced diet.
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If you want help figuring out if this is right for your cat, visit your local Mud Bay and speak with a Muddy, or shop with us online today.
#mudbay #healthypets #kidneyhealth #cats #catfood
If your pup brings the energy indoors, meet their new favorite toy. The ultra plush Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball is designed for fetch, toss, and all-out play.
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With a strong inner mesh liner and concealed double stitching, it delivers the durability Fluff & Tuff is known for in a soft, soccer-inspired design.
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Kick off the fun and shop the Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball in-store or online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogs #timetoplay #healthypets
Need to keep your dog engaged while you work, host, or help them burn energy?
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The Woof LickMat and LickMix make enrichment easy.
The textured design encourages longer licking, helping promote calm behavior and engagement. Premeasured lines make portioning easy every time.
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Simply mix the grain-free Cheddar and Bacon LickMix. It’s easy to digest, simple to prepare, and each bag provides 10 or more lick sessions. Made from 100 percent silicone, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe. Strong suction cups keep the LickMat stable for easy, everyday use.
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Enhance your dog’s daily enrichment—visit us in-store or online and bring home the woof LickMat and LickMix today.
#mudbay #woof #healthypets #dogs #petenrichment
👀 Looking for a way to slow down mealtime and keep your dog thinking? The GURU Pet Company Bobble Ball turns your dog’s food into an interactive activity.
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Simply fill it with kibble or small treats, screw the top back on, and let the wobble begin. The weighted base creates unpredictable movement that keeps dogs engaged and working for every bite.
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A great option for dogs new to enrichment or seasoned puzzle pros.
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Shop in-store or online at Mud Bay today.
#mudbay #dogs #staybusy #healthypets #dogtoys
🎉 New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are now available in-store and online at Mud Bay!
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We’re excited to offer two new formulas that are complete and balanced for both cats and dogs.
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The Digestive Support Formula has beneficial fiber from lentils and sweet potato, along with probiotic inulin from chicory root. It also includes organic apple cider vinegar for extra immune and digestive support.
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Our Hip & Joint Support Formula features turmeric, oat flour, and omega-3 fatty acids from tuna 🐟 to help support joint mobility and immune health.
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All Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated and free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. And they are convenient and easy to use as a complete meal, a treat, or a topper.
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You can find the full line—including Skin & Coat, Cognitive, Digestive, and Hip & Joint Support formulas—exclusively at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #healthypets #mealtime #pnwpets #mudbayairdriedtoppers
💫 New at Mud Bay!
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CocoTherapy Cranberry Sweet Potato Pie and Peanut Butter Blondie Coco-Charms. Small in size and low in calories, they are an ideal training treat.
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Made with 100% organic ingredients, you can feel good giving them to your dog during longer training sessions. CocoTherapy Coco-Charms are also free from grains, dairy, gluten, eggs, and preservatives, and are low glycemic.
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Shop the Cranberry Sweet Potato Pie and Peanut Butter Blondie CocoTherapy Coco-Charms in-store or online today!
#mudbay #cocotherapy #trainingtreats #dogs #healthypets
🎉 🎉 GIVEAWAY! New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers for Cats & Dogs
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We’re excited to give you a chance to win a bag of one of our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper formulas.
Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated, complete and balanced for cats and dogs, and easy to use as a topper, treat, or complete meal.
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New Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper Formulas:
Digestive Support
Made with turkey, chicken, and lentils, plus organic apple cider vinegar and chicory root to help support healthy digestion and immune function.
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Hip and Joint Support:
Made with turkey, chicken, fish, and oats, plus turmeric and omega-3s from tuna to help support mobility and joint health.
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To enter:
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We’ll pick winners at random and notify them on April 16th. Each winner will receive a bag of our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers. 🍀 🤞 Good luck!
#mudbay #foodtoppers #dogs #cats #petfood
Check out these new aquatic-themed toys for your pup from Fluff & Tuff.
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Available in-store now: Claude the squid, with tentacles that are great for tugging.
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We also have Dottie the Puffer Fish, who will keep your pup active with a nice fetch session, and, last but not least, we have Millie the Axolotl, who is an engaging option for all of the above and ready to shake up your pup’s toy selection.
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Shop these fun new Aquatic options for your pup in-store or online today!
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogtoys #playtime #pnwpets
We visited the local dog park today to share a fun spring surprise 👀🎉
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The park pups got to try our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers!
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We can’t share all the details on these new toppers yet, but here’s what we can tell you:
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Two new formulas are coming soon, and you’ll find them both in stores and online. They’ll be available in 8-ounce and 24-ounce bags.
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Just like our current toppers, these new formulas give both cats and dogs complete and balanced nutrition. You can serve them as a full meal, sprinkle them on top of their food, or offer them as a treat.
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Thank you to all the pups who came by to try them today.🐾🎉
Check back next week because we have a giveaway coming up. Stay tuned and have a great spring!🌈 💐 🌷 ☀️ ☔
#mudbay #dogpark #sneaktreat #mudbayairdriedtoppers #new
Keep your pet happy and blissfully engaged with the woof LickMat and LickMix.
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The LickMat is BPA-free, 100% silicone, and dishwasher safe on the top rack, with suction cups for stability and a design that encourages longer licking. It also features suction cups for stability and a design that encourages longer licking, while its built-in mixing bowl and measuring lines make mixing easy.
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The Bacon and Cheese LickMix is grain-free and designed for use with the LickMat, woof Pupsicle, or as a meal topper. Each bag yields about 10 LickMat sessions when used as directed.
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Treat your dog with the Woof LickMat and LickMix. Shop all woof products in-store and online today!
#mudbay #woof #dogs #enrichment #petproducts
Stock up on your dog’s favorite Bulk Biscuits and make every refill count.
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Mud Bay’s Bulk Biscuits are all-natural, with many locally sourced options, including organic and grain-free varieties. When you refill your Mud Bay Mud Bucket, you pay $4.24 per pound instead of $4.99 on every refill. That’s 75 cents saved per pound, or 15% off each refill.
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Our Mud Buckets are BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and come in two handy sizes: 2.75 liters and 8.5 liters. Designed for easy refills and fresher storage, they help make treating your dog simple and eco-friendly.
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Refill. Reuse. Re-Biscuit. Visit your local Mud Bay today to pick up a Mud Bay Mud Bucket and some tasty biscuits for your dog!!
#mudbay #mudbuckets #dogs #treats #healthypets
Shhhhh! 🤫
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Don’t tell your cats or dogs just yet, but we have two new Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper formulas landing in-store next month! We also want to let you know we`ll be offering a giveaway so that your pets can enjoy one of the new formulas.
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More details to come, so stay tuned for your chance to win a bag of our newest Mud Bay Air-dried toppers.
#mudbay #airdried #comingsoon #airdriedtopper #giveaway
