Protecting your dog's paws in winter: the guide

Winters in Quebec are long, and sidewalks are tough on paw pads. Cold, sharp ice, road salt and calcium: when it comes to protecting your dog's paws in winter, a few good habits before and during the walk make all the difference. Here's how to choose between boots and balm, spot discomfort and adjust your outings.

This guide covers protection before and during the walk. For after-walk care, see our article Cleaning your dog's paws after salt and calcium.

Why winter is hard on your dog's paws

Paw pads are tough, but not invincible. In winter, three things put them to the test.

• Road salt and calcium: they irritate the skin, especially between the toes. And when your dog licks their paws, they may swallow some.
• Cold, dry air: the skin on the pads can dry out and crack.
• Ice and hard-packed snow: sharp edges can cause small cuts. Snow also sticks to the fur between the toes and forms ice balls.

Small dogs, short-haired dogs, puppies and seniors often feel the cold more. Every dog is different, so get to know yours.

How to tell if your dog's paws hurt

Your dog can't tell you the sidewalk bothers them, but their body will. Watch for a dog who:

• lifts one paw, then the other, or stops dead;
• limps or refuses to keep going;
• licks their paws for a long time once home;
• has red, cracked or bleeding pads;
• shivers or pulls to head back home.

If you see these signs, cut the walk short and head inside. If redness, limping or a wound lasts more than a day, or if your dog seems to be in pain, see your veterinarian.

Boots or balm: how to protect your dog's paws in winter

Dog boots

Boots create a real barrier between the paw and the ground. They're the best option if you often walk on heavily salted sidewalks.

• Get the right size: measure the paw while your dog stands on a sheet of paper.
• Look for a non-slip sole and a strap that stays put without squeezing.
• After the walk, check that they haven't rubbed the skin.

Paw balm

A balm made for dogs leaves a thin protective layer. Apply it before heading out, working it in between the pads. It's a good choice for dogs who refuse boots, or for trail walks. Skip creams made for people: your dog will end up licking whatever you put on their paws. If in doubt, ask your veterinarian.

Why not both?

Many families switch it up: boots in town, balm on the trails. What matters is that your dog is comfortable and still enjoys going out.

Getting your dog used to boots, stress-free

Few dogs love boots right away. Take small steps over a few days:

1. Let them sniff the boots, then reward them.
2. Put on a single boot for a few seconds indoors, then take it off.
3. Gradually increase the time, then move to two, then four boots.
4. Go for a short walk with lots of encouragement.

Small, easy-to-give treats help build a positive association. Our banana training treats are about 2.7 kcal each, so you can reward often without overdoing it. Note: they contain peanut butter.

Good habits during the walk

• Pick your route: parks, trails and clean snow rather than salted sidewalks and parking lots.
• Adjust the length: in extreme cold, several short outings beat one long one.
• Trim the fur between the pads with round-tip scissors to limit ice balls.
• Keep nails short: the paw sits better on the ground, and your dog slips less.
• Consider a coat for short-haired or small dogs.
• Remove ice balls along the way, gently, with your fingers.

Once home, rinse and dry the paws well. All the steps are in our paw cleaning guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put petroleum jelly on my dog's paws?

It can act as a barrier for a while, but your dog will likely lick a good part of it off. Choose a balm made for dogs, and ask your veterinarian if you're unsure.

At what temperature should I protect their paws?

There's no magic number. Salt irritates as soon as it's on the ground, whatever the temperature. As for the cold, watch your dog: if they lift their paws or shiver, it's time to head in.

What should I do if a paw pad is bleeding?

Gently rinse with lukewarm water, dry it and cover the paw. Then call your veterinarian, especially if the wound is deep or your dog is limping.

In short

Protecting your dog's paws in winter is mostly about habits: boots or balm, a well-chosen route, and outings suited to the cold. A few minutes of preparation, and winter becomes a great season to share again.