Three Winter Paw Safety Tips

Winter weather is officially here for most parts of the country, and temperatures are plummeting. Did you know that dogs can get frostbite in their paws when temperatures drop below 32°F? Frostbite occurs when dogs are exposed to cold temperatures for extended periods. To conserve body heat, the dog’s blood vessels constrict, and tissues farther from the core begin to freeze. Smaller and short-haired breeds are particularly susceptible to frostbite, but other factors such as wet fur, a dog’s age, or underlying medical conditions can increase the risk.

Table of Contents:

• Dangers of Frostbite, Ice Cuts, Snow Packing, and Chemical Burns
• Choosing the Right Winter Boots for Dogs
• How to Protect Your Dog’s Paws from Frostbite
• How to Dry and Clean Your Dog’s Paws After a Walk

Paws are one of the most vulnerable areas for frostbite, but that’s not all. Winter weather brings several dangers to your dog’s paws, including:

Frostbite

When a dog’s paws are exposed to cold temperatures for extended periods, the blood vessels in the paws constrict to conserve body heat. This can lead to freezing of the tissues in the outer parts of the paws, including the toes and pads. These areas are especially vulnerable because they’re farthest from the body’s core, and prolonged exposure can cause significant tissue damage. In extreme cases, frostbite can result in necrosis (tissue death), which may require amputation.

Signs of frostbite include:

• Pale or bluish skin on the paws
• Swelling
• Coldness to the touch
• Pain or reluctance to walk
• Blisters or blackened skin in severe cases

Ice Cuts and Snow Packing

In addition to frostbite,ice can cause cuts and abrasions on the dog’s paw pads, especially if your dog is running or playing in icy conditions. Snow can also pack between their toes, forming hard, painful balls of ice that may be difficult to remove. These packed snowballs can create discomfort, leading to soreness or injury.

Chemical Burns

Many roads and walkways are treated with salt or antifreeze to melt the ice. While these products are helpful for humans, they can be harmful to your dog’s paws. Salt can cause irritation and burns, and when dogs lick their paws after walking in these chemicals, they can ingest toxic substances, such as antifreeze, which is deadly if ingested.

In this blog, we’ll cover three simple tips to help keep your dog’s paws safe during the cold winter months.

Protective Dog Boots

The easiest and most effective way to protect your dog’s paws during the winter is by using protective dog boots. Boots will shield your dog’s paws from ice and snow, prevent direct contact with cold surfaces, protect against ice melt chemical burns, and help retain body heat by providing insulation against the outside temperatures.

Dog boots come in many forms, materials, and styles. One of our best-selling dog boots is the Lewis Dog Boots, available in two different designs and sold as a set or individually. The Lewis Dog Boots are offered in both vented and non-vented versions. For winter protection, we recommend the non-vented version to prevent water and snow from entering the boots and to help retain body heat.

Another option to consider is the Kurgo Blaze Cross Shoes, designed for active dogs in winter conditions. The double ankle closure system ensures a secure fit, while the soles mimic the structure of your dog’s paw for a more natural feel. Made with water-resistant nylon mesh and breathable synthetic leather uppers, these boots are lightweight and comfortable. Reflective accents add visibility for walks after dark, making them suitable for all-day use in winter environments.

Dog Paw Balms

Boots are the best solution for protecting paws during the winter months, but not all dogs are comfortable wearing them. If your dog isn’t a fan of boots, the next best option is to use a paw balm to coat their paws and protect them from the harsh elements.

We highly recommend Vermont’s Original Bag Balm in the 8-ounce tin, a trusted choice for over 100 years. It provides a strong protective barrier against snow, ice, and ice melt chemicals, while also keeping paws soft and supple to prevent cracking during the winter months. Another excellent option is Mushers Secret, developed in Canada for sled dogs. It’s designed to protect paws from harsh conditions and helps prevent snow from packing between your dog’s toes. For more information, staff reviews, and customer testimony on Musher’s Secret, check out our blog: Musher's Secret - All Season Paw Protection.

If you’re looking to toughen up your dog’s paws to better withstand cuts and scrapes from ice and snow, Tuf-Foot is a great choice. It’s designed to toughen the paw pads, making them more resistant to injuries during walks in icy or rough conditions. Tuf-Foot also works wonders for healing any abrasions or cuts from previous walks, helping your dog’s paws stay healthy and protected.

For those needing a more restorative treatment, Pad Kote is another fantastic balm. It’s perfect for healing and promoting recovery from paw damage caused by ice, snow, and salt. Pad Kote helps soothe and repair paw pads while providing protection for future walks.

By applying paw balms generously over your dog’s pads and in the webbing between their toes, you’ll create a protective barrier against snow, ice, and chemicals, preventing further damage and making each winter walk safer for your dog.

Keep a Towel Handy

This last tip focuses more on prevention rather than direct protection, helping to reduce stress or potential damage to your dog's paws. Keeping a towel handy after walks or outdoor activities is a simple yet effective way to remove ice, snow, or any other debris that may have accumulated. By wiping down your dog’s paws, you minimize the risk of further damage caused by ice, salt, snow, or even dirt.

As mentioned earlier, snow-packed paws can cause harm to the dog’s toes, tendons, and nerves, so it’s important to clear out any packed snow as soon as possible. If you’re concerned about exposure to ice melt, consider having a bucket of lukewarm water ready for a quick paw dip before drying them off with the towel. This will help remove any harmful chemicals that could cause irritation or burns. For more information on protecting your pet from ice melt, check out our full guide on the dangers of ice melt.

Conclusion: Keep Your Dog's Paws Safe This Winter

Just as we take great care of our feet, don't forget to protect your dog's paws. Following these tips will help ensure your dog's paws stay safe and comfortable in colder temperatures and wintery conditions. It’s also a good idea to limit walks and outside activities during inclement weather and extreme cold, especially when it’s icy.

We hope you found these tips useful and that you and your dog have a fun, but safe, winter season. What’s your method of choice for protecting your dog’s paws during the winter months? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below – we’d love to hear what works best for you and your furry friend!

Thank you for reading!

Michael Cassatt, LCS Director of Marketing