Winter walks are one of the best parts of having a dog in the UK: crisp mornings, frosty fields and a muddy, happy dog at the end of it. But cold weather is tough on paws. Gritted pavements, icy puddles and freezing wet grass can leave pads dry, sore and cracked, and many owners don't notice until their dog starts licking its feet or limping at the end of a walk.
The good news is that a few simple habits make a big difference. Here's how to look after your dog's paws from the first frost to the last of the spring mud.
Why winter is hard on your dog's paws
Paw pads are tough, but they aren't indestructible. In winter they face several problems at once:
- Road grit and salt. Councils spread rock salt on roads and pavements when ice is forecast. It's rough underfoot, and salt dries out the skin of the pads.
- Cold and wet. Constant damp followed by cold air dries pads out, much like our hands get chapped in winter.
- Snow and ice balls. Snow can pack into the fur between your dog's toes and form hard little ice balls that rub and pinch.
- Chemicals on driveways. Antifreeze and de-icers can drip onto driveways and car parks. Antifreeze is poisonous to dogs and cats, even in small amounts, so it's not something you want left on their feet.
7 simple ways to protect your dog's paws this winter
1. Wipe or rinse paws after every walk
This is the single most useful habit. Keep an old towel and a bowl of lukewarm water by the door. Dip each paw, rinse between the toes and pat dry. It removes grit, salt and anything nasty before your dog has a chance to lick it off. Avoid hot water, which can dry the skin further.
2. Dry between the toes
Damp fur between the pads stays cold and can lead to soreness. Once you've rinsed, take an extra few seconds to dry properly between each toe, especially for long-haired and fluffy breeds.
3. Use a paw balm before and after walks
A thin layer of natural balm helps keep pads soft and supple, and adds a light protective layer against cold and salt. Rub a small amount into clean, dry pads before you head out, and again after you've dried them at home. A balm with beeswax is a good choice because it sits on the surface rather than soaking straight in. Our Natural Paw & Nose Balm is made by a small UK maker with beeswax and nourishing oils, and works on dry noses too.
4. Keep the fur between the pads trimmed
Trimming the fur that grows between the pads (not the fur on top of the foot) stops snow and ice balls forming. If you're not confident doing it yourself, ask your groomer to tidy the feet at your dog's next appointment. If you'd rather do it at home, our Quiet Cordless Clippers are handy for tidying the feet, and a regular brush with the Everyday Grooming Brush helps loosen tangles and trapped grit.
5. Choose your route when it's icy
On frosty days, grass and park paths are usually kinder on paws than freshly gritted pavements. If you have to walk on gritted roads, keep that part of the walk short and give paws a rinse when you get home. And if you drive out to the fields or the beach, a Back Seat Hammock keeps wet, muddy paws off the car seats on the way home.
6. Keep your dog warm overall
A dog that's cold overall is more likely to get stiff and uncomfortable on a long winter walk. Small breeds, short-coated dogs like Whippets and Staffies, puppies and older dogs feel the cold most. A well-fitting, fleece-lined coat helps them stay comfortable for longer. Our Herringbone Dog Coat has a warm wool-blend outer and fleece lining, in sizes S to XXL. Not sure which size? Our guide on how to measure your dog for a coat takes about five minutes.
7. Stay visible on dark afternoons
From November it's often dark by half past four, so many winter walks happen in low light. A rechargeable LED collar makes your dog easy for drivers, cyclists and other walkers to spot. For extra visibility, pair it with our Everyday No-Pull Harness, which has reflective detailing.
Signs your dog's paws need attention
Check your dog's feet regularly through the winter. Look out for:
- Licking or chewing at the paws more than usual
- Limping or holding a paw up
- Pads that look very dry, rough or cracked
- Redness or swelling between the toes
Mild dryness usually responds well to regular rinsing, drying and a paw balm. But if a crack is bleeding, your dog is limping, or a sore patch isn't getting better after a few days, please speak to your vet. A balm is for everyday care, not a treatment for injuries.
Frequently asked questions
Is road salt bad for dogs' paws?
Rock salt can dry out and irritate paw pads, and dogs can swallow it when they lick their feet. Rinsing paws in lukewarm water after walks on gritted roads is the simplest way to stop it causing problems.
How often should I use paw balm on my dog?
In winter, most owners use it once or twice a day: before a walk and after drying the paws at home. Use a small amount and rub it in well so it doesn't end up on your floors.
Do dogs need coats in the UK winter?
Not every dog does. Thick-coated breeds like Huskies and Labradors usually cope well. But small, thin-coated, young and older dogs often feel the cold and can benefit from a coat, especially on wet, windy days.
Should my dog wear boots in the snow?
Some dogs get on with boots, but many find them strange at first. For most UK walks, rinsing, drying and a paw balm are enough. If your dog has sensitive feet or you walk on a lot of gritted pavement, boots are worth trying, introduced slowly at home first.
A little routine goes a long way
A quick rinse, a proper dry and a bit of balm only takes a couple of minutes, but it can keep your dog's paws comfortable all winter. Build it into your after-walk routine now, and you'll both enjoy those frosty mornings a lot more.
Getting ready for the colder months? Browse our Winter Edit for coats, cosy beds and walking essentials picked for the British winter.