The first truly cold morning of the year always goes the same way at our house. The Border Collie is at the door before we've found our socks. The Yellow Lab is ready to greet every neighbor, mail carrier, and suspicious leaf on the block. The Black Lab puppy is trying to eat snow like it's a brand-new snack. And we're standing there in a hoodie wondering how three dogs can be this excited about 28 degrees.
Winter walks are some of our favorites. But cold weather brings a few hazards that are easy to miss, especially for paws. Here's what we've learned, backed up by advice from the ASPCA and the American Kennel Club.
Quick note: we're dog people, not veterinarians. This post isn't a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If something seems off with your dog, call your vet.
Why Winter Is Hard on Paws
Paw pads are tough, but they aren't invincible. Winter throws three things at them at once:
- Ice melt and road salt. According to the AKC, common deicers like calcium chloride and sodium chloride can hurt your dog's paws, and some are toxic if your dog licks them off their feet later.
- Snow and ice balls. Snow packs into the fur between the toes and turns into little ice pebbles. Not fun to walk on.
- Dry, cold air. Pads can crack, and the skin between the toes can get red and irritated.
Before the Walk: Prep Those Paws
A minute of prep at the door saves a lot of licking later.
- Use a paw protectant. The ASPCA suggests rubbing petroleum jelly or another vet-approved paw protectant into the pads before heading out.
- Consider booties. Both the ASPCA and AKC point to dog boots for extra protection from snow, ice, and salt. Fair warning: the first time a dog wears boots, they walk like they've stepped in gum. Be patient. Short practice sessions and plenty of treats help.
- Trim the fur between the toes. For long-haired dogs, the ASPCA recommends trimming the hair between the toes so ice balls and salt have less to cling to. Just don't shave your dog down to the skin in winter. That coat is their built-in jacket.
- Think about a sweater for short coats. Short-haired dogs may appreciate a coat or sweater with a high collar, per the ASPCA.
After the Walk: The Wipe-Down Routine
This is the step that matters most, and it's the easiest to skip when everyone is cold and the puppy is already zooming down the hallway.
- Wash and dry feet and belly. The ASPCA recommends wiping down your dog's feet, legs, and belly after walks to remove ice, salt, and chemicals. We keep a towel and a shallow tub of warm water by the door.
- Pop off the boots right away. The AKC notes boots should come off as soon as you're home so you're not tracking chemicals through the house.
- Check between the toes. Look for cracked pads, redness, or leftover snowballs stuck in the fur.
- Towel-dry fast. A damp dog is a cold dog. A quick rub-down is also, according to our Yellow Lab, the best part of the entire walk.
Watch Out for Antifreeze and Ice Melt at Home
Paws aren't the only concern. Winter brings chemicals into garages and driveways that dogs should never get into.
- Choose pet-friendly ice melt for your own steps, walkways, and deck whenever you can. The AKC points out that it also helps protect neighborhood dogs who walk past.
- Pet-safe doesn't mean edible. The AKC warns that even pet-safe melts shouldn't be eaten. Some contain urea, which can cause drooling or vomiting.
- Clean up antifreeze spills thoroughly. The ASPCA notes that antifreeze made with propylene glycol is a safer choice than products with ethylene glycol.
- Store chemicals out of reach. Puppies especially will investigate anything at nose level. Ask us how we know.
If you think your dog swallowed antifreeze or another toxin, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away.
More Cold-Weather Habits Worth Keeping
- Keep the leash on. The ASPCA advises never letting dogs off leash on snow or ice, since they can lose their scent and get lost. Make sure ID tags are on and up to date.
- Don't leave dogs in a cold car. A parked car can get dangerously cold, just like it gets dangerously hot in summer.
- Go easy on baths. Bathe as little as possible during cold spells. If your dog needs one, ask your vet about a moisturizing shampoo.
- Mind the food and water. Dogs burn extra energy staying warm, so the ASPCA suggests a little extra food in winter and always fresh water. Our Labs would like this bullet point printed and framed.
- Make a cozy bed. A warm, draft-free spot off the floor goes a long way.
- Use the golden rule. As the ASPCA puts it, if it's too cold for you, it's probably too cold for your pet.
Don't Forget the Human on the Other End of the Leash
Your dog has paws to worry about. You have fingers, ears, and a neck that the wind finds every single time. Layering up makes those 6 a.m. potty breaks a lot more bearable.
This time of year, we basically live in hoodies. A few favorites for winter walks:
- Dog Mom Hoodie ($59.97) for the one holding the towel by the door.
- The Dogfather Hoodie ($59.97) for the dog dad running the morning walk crew.
- My Lab Runs This House Hoodie ($59.97), because let's be honest, they do.
Prefer a crewneck or a layer that fits under a jacket? Try the Proud Lab Mom Crewneck Sweatshirt ($44.97) or the I Thought I Got a Dog Turns Out I Got a Labrador Long Sleeve T-Shirt ($39.97). You'll find more in our crewneck sweatshirts and long sleeves.
Everything is made to order in 2–4 days and ships with tracking, and US orders over $75 ship free.
Stay Warm Out There
Winter walks don't have to mean sore paws. Prep before you go, wipe down when you get back, keep chemicals out of reach, and dress yourself for the weather too. Your dog will keep loving the snow, and you'll actually enjoy being out there with them.
Ready to bundle up? Browse our Cozy Season collection for hoodies, crewnecks, and long sleeves made for dog people, or see every style in Hoodies.
Stay warm, and give those paws a good towel rub from us.
