Protect Their Paws This Winter: A Guide to Cold-Weather Pet Care
Winter may bring frosty beauty and fresh snowfalls, but for our four-legged friends, it can also mean harsh conditions underfoot. Ice, salt, and freezing temperatures can take a toll on your dog’s paws if you’re not careful. With a few preventive steps and the right products, you can keep your pup’s paws healthy, comfortable, and ready for snowy adventures all season long.
Ouch Prevention
Before heading outside, apply a thin layer of a petroleum jelly–based product or a dedicated paw balm to create a protective barrier against ice, snow, and salt. We recommend Paw Guard from Four Paws—its lanolin formula helps prevent damage from winter elements while keeping paw pads moisturized. If you’ll be outdoors for a long time, reapply as needed.
Don’t forget general paw care, too. Keep your dog’s nails neatly trimmed to avoid painful breaks (especially troublesome in cold weather) and carefully trim the fur between paw pads. This helps prevent ice and snow from clumping and forming painful “ice balls.” These small steps go a long way in preventing discomfort during winter walks.
Should My Dog Wear Boots?
It depends on your dog! Smaller breeds or those with thin, short, or no coats may have a harder time staying warm in freezing conditions. While dogs’ paws are great at regulating temperature, prolonged exposure to snow and ice can still lead to discomfort—or even frostbite.
Dog boots can offer extra insulation and protection, keeping paws dry and warm. They’re especially useful for extended time outdoors or when walking in areas treated with harsh ice melt products. If your dog resists wearing boots, start slowly with short practice sessions indoors to help them get used to the feel.
Best De-Icer for Paws
Many common de-icers, such as rock salt or magnesium chloride, can irritate your dog’s paw pads—or worse, cause harm if licked off later. You can’t control what products your neighbors use, but you can protect your pup on your own property.
We recommend EC Grow Winter Paw Ice Melt, a pet-safe alternative that’s gentle on paws while still effective at melting ice. Available at Spikes & Houles in both an 8 lb jug and a 20 lb bag, this is an easy switch that helps create a safer environment for your pets and family alike.
Winter Walk Tips
When heading out for a winter stroll, a little preparation makes all the difference:
- Use boots for longer walks—especially in areas where harsher de-icers may be used.
- Shorten walks on extremely cold days to minimize exposure to freezing temperatures.
- Clean paws after every walk. Wipe them with a towel to remove salt, ice, and chemicals, or wash them in warm water for a deeper clean. Always dry them thoroughly afterward.
- Inspect paws regularly for cuts, cracks, or irritation.
After a long walk, reapply your paw balm for extra protection and healing. Another excellent choice is Skout’s Honor Prebiotic Pet Balm, which can be used daily to prevent cracks or for instant relief on dry paw pads.
Extra Winter Advice
Winter care goes beyond just paw protection! Keep your furry friend cozy and happy with these extra tips:
- Warm baths after playtime outside—use a Dirty Dog Towel Shammy for quick, efficient drying.
- Dog coats for breeds with thinner fur or lower cold tolerance.
- Grooming wipes, like Earth Rated Textured Wipes, for quick cleanups after removing coats or boots.
- Plenty of fresh, room-temperature water to stay hydrated in dry indoor air.
- Extra toys and enrichment for indoor playtime—keeping them active indoors helps reduce exposure to freezing temps while still burning off energy.
Keep Them Safe, Warm, and Happy
With a little preparation and the right care routine, winter walks can be just as enjoyable for your dog as those sunny summer strolls. Protect their paws, keep them cozy, and enjoy the season together—because nothing beats watching your pup’s joy as they bound through the snow, safe and sound.
