Winter Dog Walks: How to Protect Small Dogs' Paws from Salt, Ice and Cold
The short answer
Protect a small dog's paws in winter by putting on paw balm or booties before the walk, steering around salted and slushy patches, keeping walks shorter when it is well below freezing, and wiping every paw with a warm, damp cloth as soon as you get home. That last step matters most: it removes de-icing salt before your dog can lick it off.
City winters are hard on small dogs' feet. Sidewalks are covered in de-icing salt, slush hides grit and sharp ice, and short legs keep paws and bellies close to the cold. The good news: a simple routine before, during and after each walk prevents most problems.
Why winter is harder on small dogs
- They lose heat faster. A small body has more skin surface for its size, so it cools down quicker than a big dog's.
- They sit closer to the ground. Paws, legs and belly are right in the snow and slush, and many small breeds have short coats.
- City sidewalks are heavily salted. Salt dries and irritates paw pads, stings small cracks, and ends up in your dog's mouth when they lick their feet later.
- Ice balls form between toes. Long fur between the pads collects snow that packs into hard, painful lumps.
Before the walk
- Trim the fur between the pads. Keep it level with the pads so snow has less to cling to. If you are not comfortable doing this, a groomer can do it in minutes.
- Put on a barrier. Either dog booties or a thin layer of paw balm (also sold as paw wax). Balm will not stop everything, but it keeps salt and slush off the skin and helps prevent cracking.
- Add a coat for short-coated breeds. French bulldogs, chihuahuas, dachshunds, Italian greyhounds and similar breeds usually walk more happily with a coat once it is below freezing.
- Sort out the leash setup. If your dog wears a coat, clip the leash to a harness or collar through the coat's leash opening, so it does not pull the coat out of place.
During the walk
- Choose your path. Walk on clear, dry pavement or untreated snow where you can, and steer around white salt crust, slush puddles and the edges of driveways.
- Watch for antifreeze. Bright green or blue puddles near parked cars and garages can be antifreeze, which tastes sweet and is extremely toxic to dogs. Keep your dog well away.
- Don't let them eat snow. Snow by the road often contains salt, grit and chemicals.
- Keep it shorter and more often. Two or three short walks are better than one long one on very cold days.
- Hold the leash safely on ice. Thick gloves make it harder to grip, and a sudden pull on a slippery sidewalk can take you both down. Never wrap the leash around your fingers. A wrist loop, or a leash you can wear across your body, keeps your hands free for balance.
After the walk: the most important step
Do this every time, right inside the door, before your dog has a chance to lick their feet:
- Wipe each paw, and between the toes, with a warm, damp cloth or a pet wipe.
- Wipe the belly and legs too if your dog walked through slush.
- Dry the paws completely.
- Check the pads for cracks, redness or small cuts.
- If the pads look dry, apply a dog-safe paw balm. Skip human lotions, which are not made to be licked.
Keep a towel and a pack of wipes by the door all winter. It turns a chore into a ten-second habit.
How cold is too cold? A rule of thumb
Every dog is different: age, coat, health and how active they are all matter. As a starting point for small and short-coated dogs:
| Temperature | What to do |
|---|---|
| Above 7 °C (45 °F) | Normal walks for most small dogs. |
| 0 to 7 °C (32 to 45 °F) | Short-coated, very small, young or senior dogs may want a coat. |
| −10 to 0 °C (14 to 32 °F) | Coat and paw protection for most small dogs. Keep walks shorter. |
| Below −10 °C (14 °F) | Quick potty breaks only, with full protection. Play indoors instead. |
Wind chill, wet snow and freezing rain make it feel colder, so adjust on those days.
Signs your dog is too cold or their paws hurt
- Shivering, a hunched back or a tucked tail
- Lifting paws off the ground, limping or suddenly refusing to walk
- Whining, or turning back toward home
- Licking or chewing at their feet after walks
- Red, cracked or bleeding pads
If you see these, head home and warm up. Pale, grey or very cold skin on the ears, tail or toes, extreme lethargy, or pads that keep bleeding are reasons to call your vet.
Boots or paw balm?
| Dog booties | Paw balm | |
|---|---|---|
| Protection from salt | Best | Good |
| Warmth | Some | None |
| Getting used to it | Takes practice | Most dogs don't notice |
| Best for | Heavily salted streets, deep snow, sensitive pads | Short walks, dogs who refuse boots |
If you try boots, start indoors: one boot at a time, a treat each time, a few minutes a day. Make sure they fit snugly at the top so snow cannot get in, but not so tight that they rub.
Quick winter walk checklist
- Paw balm or booties on
- Coat on (short-coated dogs, below freezing)
- Leash clipped through the coat opening
- Plan a route with the least salt and slush
- Towel and wipes ready by the door
- Wipe, dry and check paws after every walk
This article is general information for healthy dogs, not veterinary advice. If your dog has a medical condition, or you are worried about an injury or something they swallowed, contact your vet.
More on everyday walks: all Journal articles.
Frequently asked questions
Is road salt bad for dogs' paws?
It can be. De-icing salt dries out and irritates paw pads and can sting small cracks. Dogs also lick it off their feet, which can upset their stomach. Wipe paws after every winter walk.
Are 'pet-safe' ice melts actually safe?
They are usually gentler, but the label is not a guarantee, and you cannot control what your neighbours or the city use. Treat every sidewalk as salted and wipe paws when you get home.
Do small dogs need boots in winter?
Not every dog, but boots help a lot on heavily salted city sidewalks, in deep snow, and for dogs with sensitive or cracked pads. Paw balm is a good alternative for dogs that refuse boots.
How cold is too cold to walk a small dog?
There is no single number, but small and short-coated dogs feel the cold first. Below freezing, most benefit from a coat and shorter walks; well below freezing, keep outings to quick potty breaks. Watch your dog for shivering or lifted paws.
What should I do if my dog licked antifreeze?
Treat it as an emergency and call your vet or an emergency clinic straight away, even if your dog seems fine. Antifreeze is extremely toxic to dogs and early treatment matters.
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