How to Protect Dog Paws in Winter

For humans, winter can be a tough time of year. Between freezing temperatures, patches of black ice, and the havoc caused by road salt, even stepping outside can feel like a monumental task.

Now imagine how hard winter is for our furry best friends. Dogs can’t simply throw on another coat or crank up the thermostat when the weather changes. Your pup—and their paws in particular—are exposed to the elements all year round.

That’s why, as a dog owner, it’s important to keep your pet’s paws warm and safe in the winter. After all, healthy paws are essential for mobility.

Learn how to protect dog paws in winter with simple, vet-approved ways to keep your canine companion comfortable all season long.

If you live in a colder climate, you already know that winter is no walk in the park. For your dog, it’s arguably worse.

Sure, your pet may not have to shovel the driveway or scrape ice from the windshield. However, they also lack thermal boots or wool socks to keep them warm.

With that in mind, several factors can put your pup’s paws at risk. These include:

• The cold, dry air – Although they feel rugged, paw pads are still made of skin. In the presence of crisp, low-moisture air, this exposed skin can crack or otherwise become irritated—much like our lips during the winter months. If not treated properly, cracked paw pads can bleed or, in severe cases, become infected.
• Abundant de-icers – When the mercury drops, cities cover their roads in salt and chemical de-icers. While these solutions keep us humans safe from slips and falls, salt and dog paws don’t mix—they pose problems for our dogs’ paws. The ingredients in road salt—which include calcium chloride (CaCl2), potassium chloride (KCl), and other chemical additives—are toxic to dogs.¹ Not only can de-icers burn and irritate paw pads, but they can also lead to gastrointestinal issues if ingested.
• Sharp ice and debris – Unfortunately, avoiding salty streets is a double-edged sword. Your pet may not be exposed to road salt, but they’ll have to contend with ice and frozen debris instead. Even small ice crystals can solidify in jagged formations that may cause cuts or discomfort.

All together, these hazards turn a quick walk to the corner into a canine obstacle course. Without proper attention to these risk factors, your dog’s paws can face injury.

Fortunately, protecting dog paws in winter is fairly straightforward. As long as you have the right supplies and a few minutes after each walk, you can confidently handle winter weather.

Let’s look at a handful of strategies for protecting those precious paws.

1. Use Protective Booties

The number-one way to keep dog paws safe and comfortable is to buy protective booties. After all, you wouldn’t want to walk in the cold barefoot. Why should your dog? 

A set of dog-friendly boots defends those sensitive paw pads from the cold, ice, and chemicals. (As a bonus, you won’t have to wipe your dog’s feet when you come in from a winter walk.)

When shopping for protective booties, look for options that are:

• Waterproof
• Non-slip
• Snug-fitting
• Durable

And because dogs can be funny about wearing clothes, consider buying your winter booties well before the first snowfall. Training your pet to walk normally in their new boots may take time, so be patient.

2. Try Bootie Alternatives

Booties are probably the most dependable choice. But if you know your dog won’t wear snow boots, don’t stress—you have some other wearable alternatives, such as:

• Disposable paw covers – These temporary foot covers, made from plastic or thin rubber, offer moderate protection from salt and ice. Though they won’t insulate the paws, they’re perfect in a pinch—and easy to put on, too.
• Dog socks – These are exactly what they sound like. Dog socks are washable fabric coverings that act as a barrier between ice and paw pads, providing some additional warmth in the process. However, most aren’t waterproof, so be prepared to wrestle your pup for a soggy sock after each walk.
• Paw wraps – Unlike booties, these “shoes” are wound around the foot, not pulled on like a sock. It’s a subtle difference, but it may be enough of a change for those picky pups. Wraps come in various materials, too; look for waterproof, insulated options for the winter.

3. Apply Paw Balms or Waxes

For a lightweight protectant, turn to pet-safe waxes and balms. When applied directly to the pads, a paw ‘n snout balm creates an effective barrier between skin and snow. Moreover, balms keep paw pads moisturized, helping to prevent painful cracking and irritation throughout the season.

If you apply a balm or wax, watch for any paw-licking behavior. While these products are safe to ingest, they won’t do much good inside your dog’s stomach!

4. Support Paw Health From Within

Something that can help your pet from the inside out, however, is a canine health supplement. By giving your dog a proper dose of nutrients year-round, you can keep their paw pads healthy and hydrated. That way, when winter comes, their pads will be more resilient to temperature changes and icy debris.

Whether your dog wears booties, balms, or nothing at all, we highly recommend supporting their well-being with vet-approved supplements.

5. Clean and Dry Paws After Walks

Aside from the pre-walk precautions, there are more ways to protect your dog post-adventure. After every trip outside—even a quick jaunt to the mailbox—clean and dry your pet’s paws. A thorough rinse helps remove any built-up road salt, chemicals, or other debris.

Once their paws are clean, be sure to dry them as best as possible. Moist environments favor bacterial growth, so drier is always better. Don’t forget between the toes.

Because you’ll probably be washing and drying your pet’s paws every day in the winter, use that time to feel the paw surfaces for any cracking or swelling. The sooner you catch paw damage, the faster you can act to remedy it.

6. Trim Paw Fur

Complete those trips to the canine salon with a regular trim. Cutting away excess fur in and around the paws can prevent snow, ice, and salt buildup between the pads. Ask your groomer to do this. If you do it at home, use the right tools and technique. Cuts on or between the pads are a problem.

7. Limit Time Outdoors

Sometimes, your best bet is to minimize your outdoor time. During severe cold snaps or winter storms, the weather may be too extreme for your dog—or you—to venture outside for long. Even under normal circumstances, exposure to cold temperatures and road salt can be bad news for dog paws.

With that in mind, you may want to take shorter, more frequent walks when the mercury drops. You can also make your time outdoors more paw-safe by:

• Driving somewhere with more shelter from the elements
• Shoveling paths in your yard to minimize exposure
• Using a pet-safe de-icer on your porch and driveway

Regardless of walk length, remember to follow all of these tips for optimal winter paw pad protection.

Investigate indoor doggy daycares in your area. They offer playtime, exercise, and socialization without the road salt.

Paw pad irritation can often be managed at home with dog care products. If the cold-weather damage seems mild, you may not need to schedule a vet appointment.

However, some situations may call for professional attention. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs:

• Limping – Moderate paw pain can cause your dog to walk with a limp or favor one side. Limping could be a symptom of more serious cuts, cracks, or other injuries.
• Ongoing swelling or bleeding – Any redness or bleeding that lasts longer than a few hours should be checked out by a vet. Cracks that won’t heal may also require veterinary attention.
• Signs of infection – If, in addition to redness and swelling, you notice pus, discharge, or heat emanating from a paw wound, your dog may have an infection.
• Persistent licking or chewing – When dogs chew or bite at their paws, there’s a good chance something’s not right—especially if they won’t let you look at their feet. Continued licking or chewing means it’s time to see the vet.

Of course, if you ever have any questions about your pet’s health, talk to your vet right away—it’s always better to be overly cautious when it comes to caring for paw pads.

Sources: 

1. ASPCA Pro. Ice Melt Toxicity in Pets. https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/ice-melt-toxicity-pets