Bill Mayeroff

It’s winter, folks. Even if you’ve somehow missed that fact, your dog most likely hasn’t. Winter—especially in Chicago—is as tough on pets as it is on people. While we've come up with quite a few winter hacks for humans, you can also make an often miserable time of year a bit easier on your pup with the right preparation and common sense.  Here are five things to keep in mind if you're a dog owner in Chicago this winter. Rock salt + dog paws = A bad combination If you’ve spent more than a few minutes in Chicago during the winter, then you’ve encountered the rock salt used to keep streets and sidewalks free of ice. While your feet are (mostly) protected from the salt by shoes or boots, your dog is not so lucky. Rock salt can easily get into the crevices of your dog’s paws and make walking extremely uncomfortable. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to ensure your dog’s winter walk is pain-free. Dog boots are perhaps the most obvious solution. They keep your dog’s feet warm, dry and free of salt. You can find a ton of styles—from simple, disposable rubber galoshes to insulated, knee-high boots. But not all dogs take well to boots. If your dog is one of them, you might consider a product like Musher’s Secret (I only mention that brand because it’s what my dog uses; pick whatever brand you feel is best). Put the ointment on your dog’s feet before going out. It won’t prevent salt from getting into his paws, but it will provide a barrier between the salt and the paw, making it easier for the