Winter paw care matters in Fairport. The Rochester airport's official snowfall normal is 102 inches a season (NOAA, 1991 to 2020), and the five winters from 2020-21 to 2024-25 ranged from about 50 to 89 inches in the National Weather Service Buffalo office's unofficial table. All of it means months of salted sidewalks.
Salt and De-Icers
The ASPCA says rock salt is the most commonly used de-icer and can be harsh on dogs' paws. After each walk, it recommends washing and drying your pet's feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals.
A Winter Routine
- Keep a towel and a bowl of lukewarm water by the door.
- Wipe between the toes, where salt and ice balls collect.
- Keep nails short. If you can hear them click on the floor, they're likely too long.
- Ask the groomer to trim the hair between the pads, so less snow packs in.
Don't Shave for Winter
The ASPCA's cold-weather advice is clear: never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. If the coat is overgrown or matted, ask for a trim and a brush-out instead.
Book a winter bath and nail trim in Fairport: call (585) 844-8318, or see dog nail trimming.
Sources: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Rochester airport, NWS Buffalo Rochester snowfall, ASPCA cold weather tips, ASPCA on de-icers, AKC grooming guide.