Hi Ali's Mom, and welcome to Pet Talk. I'm a relative newbie myself and seem to have become addicted.

If the air is very dry, you might want to try a small humidifier. Just one of those table top things that you'll probably have to add water to every day, or maybe just run when you're home. Even a little more moisture in the air might be better for Ali's paws, and sounds like it might be better for you too. It's worth a try. i don't know how expensive they are in Canada, but I know you can get pretty cheap ($20.00 or so) ones here in the USA.

Good luck and let us know how she does.