Health & Safety

Winter paw care for dogs: road salt, snow and ice on your walks

Rinse, dry and check: simple winter paw care for salted pavements, snowy trails and icy mornings.

By 6 min read
Golden retriever puppy resting indoors with a blue Freezbone cup

Winter walks look very different across Europe. In Munich, Vienna and Stockholm, pavements can stay white with snow and road salt for weeks. In Dublin or Amsterdam, it is more likely to be grit, slush and the odd hard frost. In the Alps or the Pyrenees, your dog may be bounding through deep powder. Every one of these is hard on paws.

The good news is that a few small habits prevent most winter paw problems. Here is what salt, snow and ice do to your dog's feet, and how to deal with each one.

To protect your dog's paws in winter, rinse them in lukewarm water after walks on salted or gritted paths, dry them well, including between the toes, and check the pads for cracks or cuts. Keep the fur between the pads short so snow cannot ball up. Keep your dog off frozen lakes, wipe up antifreeze spills, and see a vet for limping, bleeding or constant licking.

Why is road salt bad for dogs' paws?

Road salt and grit can dry out, crack and sting your dog's pads, and the salt is harmful if your dog licks off a lot of it. Most de-icing products are salt-based, and some contain other chemicals as well.

Salt pulls moisture out of the skin. Sharp grit can lodge between the toes. Small cracks then sting each time your dog steps on more salt. Back home, your dog licks their feet clean and swallows whatever is on them, which can upset the stomach. Larger amounts of salt can cause salt poisoning.

Signs that your dog's paws are sore from salt:

  • Licking or chewing their feet after walks
  • Limping, or lifting a paw on salted ground
  • Red, dry or cracked pads
  • Redness or soreness between the toes

How do I clean my dog's paws after a winter walk?

Rinse each paw in lukewarm water, then dry it thoroughly. It takes two minutes and removes salt, grit and chemicals before your dog can lick them off.

Before the walk

  • Trim long fur between the pads, or ask your groomer to
  • Rub in a thin layer of dog paw balm if your dog's pads get dry
  • Choose a route with less salt, such as a park path or snowy grass

On the walk

  • Walk on snow or grass instead of salted pavement where you can
  • Stop and brush off clumps of snow or ice
  • Watch for broken glass or sharp ice hidden under the snow

Back home

  • Dip each paw in a bowl of lukewarm water, or wipe with a damp cloth
  • Rinse between the toes and around the pads
  • Dry well with a towel, including between the toes

Once a week

  • Check the pads for cracks, cuts or splits
  • Check the nails, as long nails slip more on ice
  • Look for redness or swelling between the toes

Freezbone tip

Some dogs hate having their feet handled. Keep a filled frozen toy ready by the door, so your dog has something to lick while you rinse and dry each paw. Soon, paw cleaning becomes the short wait before the treat.

Why does snow ball up between my dog's pads?

Snow sticks to the fur between the toes and freezes into hard little balls. These pull on the fur and press into the pads, which hurts and can make your dog limp or refuse to walk.

Dogs with long or feathery feet, such as spaniels, setters, poodles and many mixed breeds, suffer most. Keeping the fur between the pads trimmed short makes a big difference, and a thin layer of paw balm before the walk helps snow slide off. If your dog suddenly stops and holds up a paw, check for ice balls and loosen them gently with your fingers or a little warm water. Never pull them out.

Many dogs love to eat snow. A mouthful of clean snow is usually harmless, but snow along roads and pavements can contain salt, grit and antifreeze, so discourage roadside snacking.

Can dogs walk safely on ice?

Dogs can slip and strain muscles or joints on ice, and frozen water is a real danger. Older dogs, young puppies and dogs with joint problems need the most care.

  • Walk slowly on icy pavements and keep the lead short, so neither of you falls.
  • Keep nails trimmed, as long nails reduce grip.
  • Keep your dog on a lead near frozen lakes, ponds, rivers and canals. Ice can look solid and still break under a dog's weight.
  • If your dog falls through ice, do not go onto the ice after them. Call the emergency services on 112, the emergency number across the EU, and call your dog back towards the bank.

Why is antifreeze so dangerous for dogs?

Antifreeze is one of the most dangerous winter poisons for dogs. Many types contain ethylene glycol, which tastes sweet and can cause fatal kidney failure, even in small amounts.

Drips under cars, spills in garages and puddles in car parks are the main risks. Store antifreeze and screenwash sealed and out of reach, wipe up spills straight away, and stop your dog from drinking from puddles in car parks or at petrol stations. If you think your dog has licked antifreeze, go to a vet immediately. Do not wait for signs, because early treatment matters most.

Do dogs need boots or a coat in winter?

Some do. Dog boots protect paws from salt and ice, and a coat helps small, short-coated, thin or older dogs stay warm. Thick-coated breeds such as huskies usually cope well without one.

If you try boots, introduce them slowly indoors with treats, and check they fit snugly without rubbing. Most dogs walk strangely in them at first, so start with a few minutes at a time.

Winter problemWhat to do
Salted or gritted pavementsRinse and dry paws after every walk. Walk on grass or snow where possible.
Snowballs between the padsTrim the fur between the pads. Loosen ice balls gently with warm water.
Dry or cracked padsUse a dog paw balm. See your vet if cracks bleed or do not heal.
Icy pathsWalk slowly on a short lead. Keep nails trimmed.
Frozen lakes and pondsKeep your dog on a lead near frozen water.
AntifreezeStore it sealed. Go to a vet immediately if your dog licks any.

What if the weather means shorter walks?

On days when the pavement is a sheet of ice, shorter walks are fine. Make up for it indoors with sniffing games, training and frozen toys. Our guide to indoor enrichment for short winter days has plenty of ideas, and sniff walks for city dogs shows how to make a short walk count.

“Layla loves this ! She spends a good 30 minutes with it in the afternoons when she doesn’t get her second walk of the day .”
Lisa D., verified buyer

Driving to the mountains for a ski break? Our road trip guide for dogs covers stops and settling in, and our list of Christmas dangers for dogs covers the other big winter risks at home.

When should I see a vet about my dog's paws?

Most dry or salty paws improve with rinsing and balm. See your vet if you notice any of the following:

  • Bleeding, deep cuts or splits in a pad
  • Limping that lasts more than a day
  • Swelling, heat or pus between the toes
  • Constant licking or chewing of one paw
  • Vomiting, wobbliness or heavy thirst after licking salt or drinking from a puddle (go straight away)

A towel by the door, a bowl of lukewarm water and a quick look between the toes is all most dogs need to get through winter on happy feet.

General information, not veterinary advice. If you're worried about your dog, talk to your vet.

Frequently asked questions

  • Road salt can be harmful if a dog eats or licks off a lot of it, causing vomiting, and in larger amounts salt poisoning. A small amount licked from the paws usually causes no more than a mild upset. Rinsing your dog's paws after walks stops them swallowing it in the first place.

  • It is better to use a balm made for dogs. Your dog will lick their paws, and some human creams contain ingredients that are not meant to be swallowed. Ask your vet if your dog's pads stay dry or cracked.

  • It depends on the dog. Small, short-coated, young, old or unwell dogs feel the cold much sooner than a thick-coated breed. In freezing weather, keep walks shorter, consider a coat, and head home if your dog shivers, lifts their paws or slows down.

  • Yes, whenever you have walked on salted, gritted or slushy paths. A quick rinse in lukewarm water and a good dry removes salt and chemicals before your dog licks them off. It also lets you spot small cuts early.

  • A little clean snow is usually fine. Snow beside roads and pavements can contain road salt, grit and antifreeze, so stop your dog eating it there. Eating a lot of snow can also chill the stomach and cause vomiting.

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Written by Freezbone Team

We design freezable, refillable natural-rubber chew toys and test every fill and routine on our own dogs before we write about it. Freezbone Limited ships across the European Union from Ireland.

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