Winter walks can be magical—fresh snow, crisp air, and an excited pup bouncing along beside you. But while winter looks beautiful to us, it can be surprisingly harsh on your dog’s paws. Ice, road salt, and chemical de-icers are some of the most common (and overlooked) causes of paw irritation and injury during the colder months.

Let’s break down what’s really happening under your dog’s feet—and how you can protect them.

Why Dog Paws Are Vulnerable in Winter

Your dog’s paw pads are tough, but they aren’t invincible. Pads are made of fatty tissue and thick skin designed to absorb shock and provide traction. In winter, however, they’re exposed to:

• Freezing temperatures

• Sharp ice edges

• Dry air that causes cracking

• Chemicals meant to melt ice—not protect skin

Repeated exposure can lead to irritation, pain, and even infection.

The Problem With Ice

Ice may seem harmless, but it can cause several issues:

• Micro-cuts and abrasions: Rough or jagged ice can scrape paw pads.

• Ice balls between toes: Snow and ice can clump in the fur between toes, pulling painfully on the skin.

• Cracked pads: Cold temperatures reduce moisture, making pads dry and prone to splitting.

Dogs may suddenly stop walking, limp, or obsessively lick their paws—often the first signs something is wrong.

Road Salt: Small Crystals, Big Irritation

Traditional rock salt (sodium chloride) is one of the biggest culprits behind winter paw problems.

Why salt is harmful:

• It dries out paw pads, leading to cracking

• Sharp crystals can cut into the skin

• Salt residue can cause redness and chemical burns

• Dogs often lick their paws, ingesting salt and irritating their mouth or stomach

If you’ve ever noticed your dog lifting their paws repeatedly on a walk, salt is often to blame.

Chemical De-icers: Not All Are Dog-Safe

Many ice-melting products contain chemicals like calcium chloride or magnesium chloride. While effective at melting ice, these substances can be even more irritating than salt.

Possible effects include:

• Burning or blistering of paw pads

• Allergic reactions

• Toxicity if licked or ingested in large amounts

Even products labeled “pet-safe” can cause mild irritation, especially with frequent exposure.

Signs Your Dog’s Paws Are Hurting

Watch for these common symptoms after winter walks:

• Limping or favoring one paw

• Excessive licking or chewing at feet

• Redness, swelling, or cracking

• Reluctance to walk or go outside

If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s best to check with your veterinarian.

How to Protect Your Dog’s Paws in Winter

The good news? A little prevention goes a long way.

Simple, effective tips:

• Rinse and dry paws after every walk to remove salt and chemicals

• Use dog booties for extra protection on icy or heavily salted sidewalks

• Apply a paw balm or wax before walks to create a protective barrier

• Trim fur between toes to prevent ice buildup

• Stick to pet-safe de-icers at home and avoid heavily treated areas when possible

Keeping walks shorter during extreme cold can also reduce exposure.

A Little Care Makes Winter Walks Safer

Winter doesn’t have to mean painful paws. By understanding how ice, salt, and de-icers affect your dog—and taking a few proactive steps—you can keep your pup comfortable, healthy, and happy all season long.

After all, winter walks should end with a wagging tail, not sore feet.

When the temperature drops and the wind picks up, it’s not just us humans who feel the chill—many dogs do too. Keeping our four-legged friends warm, safe, and comfortable is just as important as making sure they get their exercise and love. Let’s explore why some breeds need extra protection in winter, which breeds are especially vulnerable, and how to keep your dog cozy and healthy when it’s cold outside.

Why Some Dogs Need Extra Protection

Coat type, size & body fat

Dogs with short coats, minimal under-fur, little body fat or a slim build lose heat much faster than bulkier, thick-furred dogs. For example:

• Dogs with short, single-layer coats lack the insulation of double-coated breeds.

• Small dogs have a higher surface-area-to-mass ratio, so they lose heat faster than larger dogs.

• Dogs with long legs or bodies close to the ground (like a dachshund) may get colder sooner because they’re nearer cold surfaces or snow.

Activity level and time outside

Even a dog with a thicker coat can get chilled if they sit still in the cold for long, or if there is wind, rain or snow. On very cold, windy or wet days, a walk that’s enjoyable for a hardy breed can be tough for a short-coated dog.

Age, health & environment

Puppies, senior dogs, dogs with health issues, lean-built dogs, or dogs living in drafty places may need extra warmth. Indoor vs outdoor time, wind exposure, and whether paws get salt/ice also matter.

Breeds That Often Need Extra Clothing or Protection

Here are some specific breeds (or types of breeds) that owners should pay special attention to when winter comes:

1. Slender, short-coated breeds

These dogs have little insulation, and tend to get cold quickly.

• Greyhound – very lean, short coat, minimal body fat.

• Italian Greyhound – like a mini version, even more vulnerable.

• Whippet – same idea: sleek, short-haired, minimal insulation.

• Dachshund – short legs, body closer to cold ground, often shorter coat. 

Due to size, coat or lack of fur, they often need extra layers.

• Chihuahua – tiny size + short coat = fast heat loss.

• Yorkshire Terrier – tiny body, not large-enough to withstand long cold exposures.

• Chinese Crested Dog – mostly hairless, extremely vulnerable to cold.

3. Short-coated medium/large breeds

Just because a dog is bigger doesn’t mean they automatically tolerate winter best. If their coat is short or thin, they may still need help.

• French Bulldog – short coat, brachycephalic (flat face) which can make breathing cold air harder; not built for cold. 

• Boxer – short fur, lean build for a large dog, vulnerable to cold.

• Miniature Pinscher – very short coat, small build; another that “needs” a winter coat. 

Tips for Keeping Cold-Susceptible Dogs Safe & Warm

Here are some practical tips to implement:

• Pick the right gear. Look for coats or jackets with insulation, water-resistance, good coverage of belly and chest (especially for dogs closer to the ground) and good fit (not too tight, not too loose).

• Protect the paws. Ice, snow, salt, and slush can damage paws. Consider booties or paw wax. 

• Limit exposure when needed. For dogs vulnerable to cold, keep outdoor sessions shorter and stay active so they generate body heat. If you see shivering, lifting paws off cold ground, or general discomfort — go inside.

• Indoor comfort matters too. Make sure your pup has warm bedding, a draft-free resting spot, and the chance to get out of wind or cold floors.

• Watch for signs of cold. Shivering, reluctance to walk, lifting paws, heat-seeking (cuddling under blankets), lethargy.

• Know when extra layering isn’t needed. Some dogs with very thick double coats (e.g., guard or sled breeds) may overheat if you add layers. Tailor your approach to your dog’s build, coat type and health. 

Final Thoughts

While no dog automatically “needs” a coat just because it’s winter, many dogs do benefit from extra protection depending on their breed, build, coat, and the conditions they face. 

If you have a breed listed above (or one similar) and live in a cold climate, investing in a good dog coat, protecting paws and limiting exposure when cold conditions strike is a smart move. Your dog will thank you with warm cuddles and comfortable walks.