How to Protect Your Dog's Paws in Winter
Winter is Billie's favorite season. From snowy hikes to zoomies in fresh powder, playing in the snow is hands-down his favorite thing, and with his big Aussie coats, he's always ready for cold weather adventures.
Although winter is fun, the winter weather can be tough on your dog's paws. Cold temperatures, ice, snow, and road salt can cause dryness, cracking, irritation, and even injury. While we bundle up before heading outside, our dogs reply on us to protect their paws during cold weather walks.
If your dog is anything like my Australian Shepherd and loves being outside year-round, these simple dog paw care in winter tips will help keep their paws protected, healthy, and ready for every snowy adventure this season!
Why Winter Paw Care for Dogs Is Important
Your dog's paw pads are designed to handle rough terrain, but winter introduces unique risks:
- Freezing sidewalks and icy surfaces
- Chemical ice melt and road salt
- Dry air that leads to cracked paw pads
Without proper care, winter conditions can cause pain, infections, and long-term paw damage.
When to go Inside:
Before diving into winter paw care tips, it's important to know when cold weather is becoming too much for your dog. Even pups with thick coats and high energy, like Billie, can experience pain or discomfort in freezing temperatures. Paying attention to your dog's behavior during winter walks can help prevent paw injuries and ensure it's time to head back inside before issues arise.
Signs it's time to take your dog inside:
- Lifting or holding up one or more paws
- Limping or slowing down during walks
- Refusing to continue walking or stopping frequently
- Whining, shivering, or showing signs of discomfort
- Licking or chewing at paws due to irritation from ice or salt
Recognizing these signs early helps protect your dog's paws from cold-related injuries and keeps winter outings safe and enjoyable.
Tip #1: Protect Dog Paws from Salt and Ice Melt
Road salt and ice-melting chemicals are one of the most common causes of winter paw irritation in dogs. These substances can burn paw pads and are harmful if ingested during licking.
How to protect dog paws from salt:
- Avoid heavily salted sidewalks when possible
- Wipe paws with a damp cloth after every walk
- Rinse paws with warm water if exposed to ice melt
- Dry thoroughly, especially between toes
Tip #2: Use Dog Paw Balm for Winter Protection
Cold weather dries out your dog's paw pads, increasing the risk of cracking and bleeding.
Benefits of dog paw balm in winter:
- created a protective barrier against ice and salt
- Moisturizes dry, cracked paw pads
- Helps heal minor damage after walks
Apply a dog-safe paw balm before walks for protection and after walks for recovery. Avoid human lotions, which may contain unsafe ingredients.
Our favorite is Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax which is made with 100% Natural Food-Grade waxes and oils. It is water resistant (perfect for the snow and icy weather) and it is scent free.
Shop Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax at Walmart!
Shop Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax on Amazon!
Shop Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax on Chewy!
Tip #3: Consider Dog Booties for Cold Weather Walks
Dog booties are one of the best ways to protect paws from ice, snow, and salt during the winter.
Dog booties help by:
- Preventing direct contact with freezing surfaces
- Blocking salt and chemicals
- Reducing ice buildup between toes
Start with short walks and allow your dog time to adjust. While booties may look funny, they are extremely effective for winter dog paw protection.
Tip #4: Trim Fur Around Paw Pads
Excess fur between your dog's toes can trap snow and ice, forming painful clumps.
Winter paw grooming tips:
- Keep fur between paw pads trimmed
- Check paws during walks for ice buildup
- Gently remove snow and ice after walks
This small grooming step makes a big difference in cold weather comfort.
Tip #5: Limit Time Outside in Extreme Cold
Even with protection, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be uncomfortable or dangerous.
Signs your dog's paws are too cold:
- Lifting or favoring paws
- Limping or stopping frequently
- Licking paws
- Whining or refusing to walk
Shorter, more frequent walks are safer than long outings in extremely cold weather.
Tip #6: Do a Post-Walk Paw Check Every Time
A quick paw inspection after walks helps catch issues early.
Check for:
- Cracks or bleeding
- Redness or swelling
- Salt residue or ice between toes
Early detection prevents minor irritation from becoming serious injury.
Final Thoughts: Healthy Paws All Winter Long
Proper cold weather dog paw care doesn't require a lot of extra work, just consistency. By protecting your dog's paws from ice, salt, and dry air, you'll keep them comfortable and confident on winter walks.
At Good Boy Billie, we believe that healthy paws lead to happy, adventurous pups. No matter the season!
For more tips on keeping your dog happy and healthy year-round, check out our other Good Boy Billie blog posts.
7 Grooming Tips Every New Dog Owner Should Know Blog
10 Safe and Healthy Foods for Your Dog Blog
5 Ingredients to Avoid in Your Dog's Food Blog