Winter paw care: salt, ice and cold

Paw pads are tough, but winter tests them. Road salt dries and cracks the skin, ice balls form between the toes, and cold, wet fur chills small dogs fast. A few minutes after each walk prevent most problems.

After every walk

1. Rinse the paws with lukewarm water, or wipe them with a wet cloth. This removes salt and de-icing grit before your dog licks it off.
2. Dry well, including between the toes.
3. Look for cracks, small cuts and redness. Check again if your dog limps or keeps licking one paw.

Before the walk

A thin layer of paw balm or wax protects the pads from salt and snow. Rub it in so it does not just stick to the floor at home. For dogs with very sensitive paws, or on long walks on salted streets, dog boots help. Introduce them slowly at home with treats, 1 boot at a time. Most dogs walk strangely at first and get used to them within a few sessions.

Ice balls between the toes

Dogs with long fur on their feet, such as doodles, cockapoos and spaniels, collect snow in the fur between the pads. It freezes into hard balls that hurt with every step. Trim that fur short and level with the pads for the winter. If your dog suddenly stops and lifts a paw, check for ice and melt it with your hand or lukewarm water. Never pull it out.

Does my dog need a coat

Most dogs with a thick coat do not. A coat makes sense for small dogs, dogs with short or thin fur, very lean breeds, puppies, older dogs and dogs that are unwell. Signs that your dog is too cold: shivering, lifting paws, walking slowly, tucking the tail or wanting to turn back. Shorter, more frequent walks are better than 1 long one on very cold days.

Winter dangers

• Antifreeze. It tastes sweet and a small amount can be fatal. Wipe up spills in garages and car parks. If you think your dog licked some, go to the vet at once.
• Frozen lakes and rivers. Ice can break under a dog. Keep your dog on the lead near water.
• Darkness. Short days mean walks in the dark. A light-up or reflective collar or harness makes your dog visible to drivers and cyclists.
• Wet fur. Dry your dog with a towel after rain or snow, especially the belly and legs.

Exercise when walks are short

Use the extra indoor time for training and sniffing games. A few short sessions of new skills, a food search in the living room or a game of tug burn energy without frozen paws.