How to Protect Dog Paws in Snow

When winter comes, and there’s snow on the ground, your doggo can’t wait to go out and play. But as much as your pup will enjoy playing in the snow, their paws are in danger during the winter months. From frosty to dangerous de-icing salts, it’s vital to protect dogs' paws in the winter.

Your dog’s paws may look tough, but they’re actually quite tender. When the temperature falls below 32°F (0°C), blood vessels under your pet’s skin end up constricting to keep blood in their core, thereby sacrificing warmth in areas like the feet. You can simplify protecting dog paws from snow and cold with easy tactics that will keep Fido safe and sound – and tail wagging – all winter long.

Do Dogs’ Paws Get Cold in the Snow?

Yes, dogs' feet in snow can get very cold, and dogs are at risk once the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. While dogs have evolved to handle various weather conditions, their paw pads don't have fur to keep them warm.

The Amazing Science Behind Dog Paws

Here's a fascinating fact: Researchers at Yamazaki Gakuen University in Tokyo discovered that canine footpads have a specialized counter-current heat exchange system, which helps regulate their temperature in cold environments. This clever biological system works through blood vessels that create a heat exchange process, similar to what penguins and other arctic animals have developed.

However, this natural protection has limits and doesn't make dogs immune to cold-weather injuries.

Here is what the dog trainer insists on:

What Happens to Dog Paws in Cold Weather?

Several risks threaten your dog's paws during winter:

Frostbite: Depending on the breed and size of the dog, when the temperature is zero degrees Fahrenheit or below, exposed tissue can get frostbite in about 30 minutes. At 15 degrees below zero, it takes approximately 15 minutes. In windy or moist conditions, frostbite can develop even faster.

Ice Buildup: Snow and ice can form painful balls between your dog's toes, irritating the sensitive skin and causing limping. This is especially common in dogs with longer fur between their paw pads.

Chemical Burns: De-icing salts and chemicals on sidewalks can cause chemical burns and irritation. If your doggy licks these substances off their paws, they may also experience digestive problems.

Some breeds do better in the cold than others. Huskies, Malamutes, and other cold-weather breeds have a higher tolerance for the cold, although any dog breed can become at risk of frostbite if they’re exposed to extreme conditions for too long. Small dogs and those with short coats are typical examples, but puppies and older canines are also at high risk in cold weather.

Quick Breed Guide: Cold Weather Tolerance for Paws

High Cold Tolerance (can handle 20°F and below): Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands

Moderate Cold Tolerance (comfortable around 32°F): Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Border Collies

Low Cold Tolerance (need protection above 32°F): Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds

Remember: Even cold-weather breeds need paw protection on treated surfaces!

How to Protect Dog Paws in Winter

Protecting dogs' paws from snow doesn't require expensive equipment or complicated routines. These nine practical tips will help you protect doggy feet in winter and keep them comfortable during cold weather.

1. Use booties

Dog booties are the best way to protect your pet during winter. These unique shoes act as a barrier between your dog’s paws and some harsher elements of winter, such as snow, ice, sharp objects, and chemicals.

Did you know? The first booties were developed for sled dogs in Alaska. Mushers observed that their dogs were developing injuries after long-distance races, so they designed protective boots. Working dogs in the military and search and rescue teams now even sport specialized snug booties!

Dog snow boots are the no-fail winter solution for protecting your dog’s paws. But some dogs need time to acclimate to the garment. Begin by having your pet wear booties inside the house for a few minutes, and giving them treats as a reward to develop positive associations. Repeat this often before heading outside.

Inspect boots every 15 minutes if your pooch is out running or playing. Take off boots right away when you’re back inside, lest your dog overheat or develop pressure sores from prolonged use. Make sure the booties fit properly; otherwise, you’ll end up losing them, especially in the snow. And they’re expensive!

2. Apply paw balm or wax

If your furball won't tolerate booties, paw balm provides excellent protection in winter. Products like Musher's Secret or beeswax-based balms create a protective barrier on paw pads.

Fun Fact: Musher's Secret was developed in Canada in 1996 by a musher whose sled dogs were competing in extreme arctic conditions. The formula became so popular that pet owners worldwide now use it for their dogs, even in milder winter climates!

After your walk, wipe off the balm with a towel and reapply to keep pads hydrated. You can make homemade paw balm using natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax for a budget-friendly alternative.

3. Consider petroleum jelly

To avoid drying out and cracking pads, you can apply petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, or cooking spray (we recommend wiping it on, so the pup doesn’t become stressed with the spray) before going for walks. This forms a temporary boot to protect your pet as good, if not better than, many of the wax-based products being sold on the market, which can leave your carpets and furniture dirty!

Rub a thin layer into each paw pad before going outside. Hold onto a towel when you go back inside because petroleum jelly can be slippery on floors. Wipe and dry your dog’s pads with the product.

4. Keep your dog hydrated

Winter air is dry, and this affects your dog's skin and paw pads. Your pet's skin and paw pads need to stay hydrated, and this can be tougher in the dry, cold winter months.

Make sure that your dog always has access to fresh water inside. On longer winter walks, take water with you. Make certain that the water is lukewarm; it works like magic because your dog doesn’t have to waste energy warming up the water. Never use snow as a water source, since eating it can decrease your dog’s body temperature.

5. Keep walks short

Your doggo can get hypothermia or frostbite in less than 20 minutes in extremely low temperatures. When the weather is harsh, limit outdoor time significantly.

Balance shorter winter walks with indoor exercise, such as fetch, practicing new tricks, or even assembling obstacle courses that will not only burn energy, but do so in a safe and enriching environment.

6. Trim your dog's nails

Taking care of your dog's nails is crucial all year long, but even more so to help protect pets in the cold. Just as you have to wiggle your freezing toes in and out of shoes, so too will your dog’s cold-climate escape mean paws spread unnaturally wide apart due to long nails when they walk.

Nails that are unclipped influence your dog's weight distribution, with their weight thrust forward onto the backs of their feet; less traction loss often equals a slip on icy surfaces.

Cut extra fur between your dog's toes. This will help protect paws from snow, salt, and ice getting stuck on their feet. It’s better to visit a groomer, as this procedure is very delicate.

7. Steer clear of treated areas

De-icing salts and chemicals cause some of the worst problems for pawpads in snow. These substances can cause chemical burns, irritate sensitive paw pads, and create serious health problems if your dog licks them off their feet.

When possible:

• Choose untreated paths for walks
• Stick to natural snow-covered areas
• Avoid heavily salted sidewalks and parking lots
• Use pet-friendly de-icers on your own property.

If you must walk in treated areas, booties provide the best protection. Without booties, apply paw balm beforehand and clean paws immediately after the walk.

8. Clean paws after walks

When you get back inside from a winter walk, always clean off your dog’s paws. This eliminates ice, snow, salt, and chemicals that can irritate your pet or cause illness if licked or chewed.

This no-nonsense routine prevents chemical burns, washes away irritants, and allows you to detect any cuts or injuries early. Regular paw inspections allow you to catch issues before they become a huge problem.

9. Keep an eye on your dog's paws

Regular paw inspections are essential for protecting dogs’ feet in winter. Check pawpads before and after every outdoor excursion.

If you notice any concerning changes, contact your veterinarian. Signs of frostbite include blue or gray discoloration, blistering, cold skin, and blackened tissue. These require immediate veterinary attention.

Wrap Up

It’s very important to keep paws away from snow and cold weather so that they will be healthy and happy during the winter months. Dogs in cold weather face all kinds of danger from frostbite to chemical-based burns, but you can save your furry friend’s feet with some simple precautions.

The best approach is a combination of tactics. Employ booties or paw balm before walks, keep outdoor time brief in extreme cold, establish good paw hygiene, and regularly check on your dog’s mitts for warning signs. Also, keep in mind that small dogs, short-haired breeds, puppies, and elderly pets require extra protection during the winter months.

You and your pup can both enjoy winter by keeping these tips in mind to protect your dog’s feet. Stay mindful of the forecast, protect your dog’s paws before you leave the house, and pay attention to signs that your dog might be uncomfortable or cold.

Frequently Asked Questions