Winter Care for Your Dog

With the cold winter months still upon us, it’s important to take extra care of your dog. Cold temperatures, ice, snow, and salt can all lead to discomfort or injury if precautions aren’t taken.

Paw Care and Protection

Your dog’s paw pads can become irritated or cracked in cold, dry conditions. This can be painful and may lead to infection. Irritation can also occur from de-icing salts, with white rock salt being particularly harsh.

Signs of paw discomfort include:

• Limping

• Lifting or holding up a paw

• Licking or chewing at feet

  
  

Ways to protect your dog’s paws:

• Dog booties or traction boots help protect against ice, snow, and sharp surfaces

• Paw wax or balm can be used if your dog doesn’t tolerate boots

• Wipe paws after walks to remove salt and chemicals

  
  

Musher’s Secret Paw Protection Natural Dog Wax is a commonly used option. It helps moisturize and protect paw pads from ice, salt, and chemicals, and is safe if your dog licks their feet. Keep in mind that paw wax does not protect against sharp ice—boots are recommended in those conditions. Musher’s Secret is widely available online, including on Amazon, or can be found at your local Global Pet Foods stores, it typically retails in the $25–$33 range.

A budget-friendly alternative are the Pawz rubber dog boots, often available in packs of 12 online or at your local pet stores.

Cold Weather and Temperature Guidelines

Some dogs tolerate cold better than others. Puppies, senior dogs, small breeds, and short-haired dogs are more sensitive, while dogs with thick double coats such as Siberian Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Samoyed breeds to name a few generally tolerate cold better.

General temperature guidelines:

• Above 7°C: Comfortable for most dogs, small or thin-coated dogs may feel cooler

• 0°C to 7°C: Most dogs are fine, but some may start to feel cold

• -7°C to 0°C: Risk increases, limit outdoor time for smaller or short-haired dogs

• Below -10°C: Dangerous for most dogs, protective coats and booties recommended

• -15°C to -20°C: Too cold for most dogs, high risk of hypothermia

  
  

Walk Duration in Cold Weather

Once temperatures drop below 0°C, most dogs should be outside for 10–15 minutes.Below -7°C, limit exposure to around 10 minutes or less, especially for puppies, seniors, small breeds, and short-haired dogs.

Hypothermia and Frostbite

In extreme conditions, dogs can develop hypothermia or frostbite.

Signs of hypothermia include:

• Slow, shallow breathing

• Weakness or lethargy

• Loss of consciousness

  
  

Move your dog to a warm, dry place, wrap them in a towel or blanket, and seek veterinary care immediately.

Frostbite commonly affects:

• Ears

• Tail

• Feet

• Areas with little fur

  
  

Signs include pale, bluish, or gray skin that feels cold or brittle. Bring your dog indoors immediately and contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.

Final Thoughts

By taking simple precautions during cold and icy conditions, you can help make winter safer and more comfortable for your dog. A little extra care goes a long way toward keeping your furry companion healthy and happy all season long.