Updated October 2026

Your dog’s paws deal with a lot during a British winter.

Snow gets most of the attention, but around Finchley and North London I am far more likely to encounter wet pavements, road grit, de-icing salt, mud, frost and occasional patches of ice.

All of these can make paws uncomfortable.

After walking dogs professionally since 2011, my winter paw routine is fairly simple.

Check the paws.

Remove anything that should not be there.

Rinse them when necessary.

Dry them properly.

And if the dog suddenly starts lifting a paw, limping or licking their feet, stop and find out why rather than assuming they are being difficult.

This guide covers how to protect your dog’s paws from snow, ice, road grit, and salt; what to do after a winter walk; whether paw balm and dog boots are useful; and when a sore paw needs veterinary attention.

For broader cold-weather advice, including coats, hypothermia, antifreeze and frozen water, read my Winter Dog Care: Cold Weather, Snow, Ice and Paw Safety guide.

Affiliate disclosure

Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you buy through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

I only recommend products that fit my welfare-led approach and that I genuinely use or am comfortable recommending.

Paw balm, boots and other products can sometimes help.

None of them makes an unsafe walk safe.

Quick answer: how do I protect my dog’s paws in winter?

During winter:

check paws before and after walks
look between the toes as well as at the pads
remove loose snow, ice and grit
rinse paws with plain water after walking on treated surfaces when necessary
dry carefully, including between the toes
keep excess fur around and between the pads appropriately groomed
avoid forcing your dog across heavily gritted or icy surfaces where you have a sensible alternative
consider a dog-safe paw balm if appropriate
introduce dog boots gradually if your dog genuinely needs them
stop and check if your dog suddenly lifts a paw, limps or repeatedly licks their feet
Contact your vet if a paw is painful, bleeding, swollen, badly cracked or not improving

The important thing is not to wait until your dog has obviously sore feet.

A quick paw check after a winter walk takes very little time.

Why can winter be hard on dogs’ paws?

Dog paw pads are designed to cope with everyday walking, but they are not indestructible.

During winter they may encounter:

road grit
de-icing salt
snow
compacted snow between the toes
ice
sharp frozen ground
mud
dirty roadside slush
hidden debris
unknown chemicals or liquids

The combination matters too.

A small crack or sore patch may become much more uncomfortable when grit or salt gets into it.

A dog may then lick the paw, potentially swallowing whatever has been picked up from the pavement.

That is why I concentrate on prevention and checking rather than waiting for an obvious injury.

Road salt and grit can irritate paws

Gritting roads and pavements helps make winter conditions safer for people and traffic.

Unfortunately, the material left on the ground can cause problems for dogs.

PDSA advises that grit and salt can become caught between the pads, irritate the skin and cause stomach upset if licked or eaten.

After your dog has walked across treated surfaces:

Check each paw.
Look between the toes.
Remove visible pieces of grit.
Rinse with plain water where necessary.
Dry the paws carefully.
Watch for redness, soreness or persistent licking.

Read PDSA’s veterinary advice about de-icing products, grit and salt.

I would rather spend a minute cleaning paws at the door than have the dog spend the next half hour licking whatever was on the pavement.

What should I do after walking over gritted pavements?

You do not need a complicated paw-cleaning routine.

Plain water is often all you need.

If your dog has walked through obvious grit, salt or dirty roadside slush:

remove loose debris
rinse the paws with plain water
check between the toes
dry them gently
check the pads for cuts or soreness

I keep things simple.

A towel by the door is one of the most useful pieces of winter dog-walking equipment you can own.

If the legs or underside of your dog have also been splashed with dirty roadside water, check and clean those areas too.

Snow can collect between a dog’s toes

Snow can be great fun for dogs.

The problem comes when it sticks to the fur around the feet and forms compacted lumps between the toes and pads.

These can become uncomfortable or painful.

Dogs with longer fur around their paws may be particularly prone to this.

Blue Cross recommends keeping fur around the paws appropriately trimmed to help reduce ice balls and checking paws when you return from snowy walks.

Read the Blue Cross advice for dogs in winter.

If snow starts building up during the walk, stop somewhere safe and check.

Gently remove loose snow.

Do not pull hard at ice that is attached to fur or skin.

If necessary, return home and let it soften with comfortably warm water before gently removing it.

Should I trim the fur between my dog’s paw pads?

For some dogs, keeping excess fur around the paws tidy can reduce the amount of snow and ice that becomes trapped.

That does not mean taking a pair of scissors to every dog’s feet.

If you are unsure how much should be removed or are not confident grooming around the paws, ask a professional groomer.

Be particularly careful with scissors around wriggling dogs and between toes.

The aim is sensible paw maintenance.

Not shaving every dog’s feet because winter has arrived.

What about your dog’s nails?

Regular nail care matters throughout the year.

Overgrown nails can affect how a dog places their feet and moves.

If you are confident clipping your dog’s nails and know where the quick is, maintain them as part of their normal grooming routine.

If you are unsure, ask your vet, veterinary nurse or groomer.

I would not turn a snowy weekend into your first attempt at cutting difficult nails.

How can I tell if my dog’s paws are uncomfortable?

Watch the dog rather than waiting for visible damage.

During a winter walk, signs worth checking include:

repeatedly lifting one paw
hopping
suddenly limping
stopping
refusing to continue
pulling towards softer ground
licking or chewing a foot
repeatedly looking at a paw
walking differently
becoming reluctant to put weight on one foot

Stop somewhere safe and have a look.

The problem could be as simple as a piece of grit or compacted snow between the toes.

It could also be a cut, damaged nail, foreign object or another injury.

Do not automatically assume a dog stopping in winter is being stubborn.

They may be telling you something hurts.

Are cracked paw pads normal in winter?

Paw pads can become dry or cracked.

Minor surface dryness is different from a painful split, bleeding pad or inflamed foot.

Check for:

cracks
bleeding
redness
swelling
tenderness
persistent licking
discharge
unusual smell
a foreign object
difficulty putting weight on the paw

If the pad is bleeding, significantly cracked, swollen or painful, or your dog remains lame, contact your vet.

I would not experiment with a collection of creams and home remedies on an injured paw.

Does paw balm protect dogs’ paws in winter?

Paw balm can be useful for some dogs, but I do not regard it as a magic shield.

PDSA suggests that a thin layer of paw butter or another pet-safe skin cream may help protect pads from cracking.

I would choose a product specifically suitable for dogs rather than assuming a human hand or foot cream is safe for them.

Remember that dogs lick their feet.

Anything applied to the paws needs to be appropriate for that use.

How I would use paw balm

Follow the instructions for the particular product.

Depending on the product, it may be used to help keep pads conditioned or provide an additional barrier before a walk.

But I would still:

avoid heavily contaminated surfaces where practical
check the paws after the walk
remove grit
rinse when necessary
dry the feet
watch for soreness

Balm supports good paw care.

It does not replace it.

A good dog paw balm I have used on my own dogs is Pasona Paw and Nose Balm

One product you genuinely trust is more useful than a list of ten virtually identical paw balms.

Can I use Vaseline or human moisturiser on my dog’s paws?

I would not routinely recommend raiding the bathroom cupboard.

The old version of this guide suggested that some human creams could work just as well as pet products.

I am removing that recommendation.

Dogs may lick anything applied to their paws, and human skincare products can contain ingredients or fragrances that were not designed with that in mind.

Use an appropriate dog-safe product or ask your vet what they recommend for your individual dog.

If the paws are already badly cracked, inflamed or painful, I would speak to the vet rather than simply covering the problem with moisturiser.

Do dogs need boots in snow and ice?

Most dogs do not automatically need boots because it is winter.

For some dogs, however, boots can be useful.

They may be worth discussing if your dog:

has particularly sensitive paws
repeatedly struggles on treated surfaces
has a paw condition where your vet recommends protection
needs additional protection during recovery
is comfortable wearing them

The important word is comfortable.

A badly fitting boot can create its own problems through rubbing, trapped moisture or altered movement.

A winter boot should:

fit correctly
stay securely in place
allow normal movement
provide suitable grip
not restrict circulation
not rub
be checked regularly

Always check the paw after removing it.

Introduce dog boots before you need them

Do not wait for the first icy morning; put four unfamiliar objects on your dog’s feet and expect them to walk normally.

Introduce them gradually.

Let your dog investigate them.

Reward calm interaction.

Try one for a very short period indoors.

Build gradually.

Some dogs adapt well.

Others find boots extremely uncomfortable or worrying.

If your dog is distressed, forcing the issue is unlikely to improve the walk..

Boots and paw balm do not make unsafe conditions safe

This matters.

A paw product should never become an excuse to continue a walk that should be shortened or changed.

If there is widespread black ice, dangerous footing, severe cold or another genuine hazard, change the plan.

My Winter Dog Walking: When to Shorten, Change or Skip a Walk explains how I make those decisions.

Sometimes the best paw protection is simply not walking across the problem.

What about ice on pavements?

Ice creates two different concerns.

First, the dog’s paws may be uncomfortable on very cold, hard or uneven frozen surfaces.

Second, both you and the dog can slip.

I am particularly cautious with:

senior dogs
dogs with arthritis or mobility problems
dogs recovering from injury
dogs who pull hard
steep paths
shaded pavements
black ice

I would rather choose a flatter route, slow down or shorten the walk than try to maintain the usual distance on unsafe ground.

The same applies to me.

If I cannot stay safely upright while holding a dog’s lead, it is not a sensible dog walk.

Snow can hide hazards

A fresh covering of snow can make an ordinary route look beautiful.

It can also hide what is underneath.

That might include:

broken glass
stones
holes
kerbs
drains
tree roots
grit
ice
litter
discarded food

Do not assume a smooth layer of snow means smooth ground underneath.

I am more likely to keep a dog closer to me when I cannot see the surface properly.

Should I take a towel on a snowy dog walk?

For a normal local walk I do not think everyone needs to carry a towel around Finchley.

I would rather have one waiting by the door.

If you are travelling further, spending a long time outside or know your dog regularly gets wet and uncomfortable, having a towel available can be useful.

Again, buy and carry things because they solve an actual problem.

Not because a generic winter checklist says you must.

Antifreeze is different from ordinary road grit

It is important not to lump every winter chemical together.

Road grit and salt can irritate paws and may cause stomach problems if licked or eaten.

Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol is a much more serious poisoning risk.

PDSA warns that ethylene glycol can cause severe kidney damage and can be fatal.

Dogs can potentially be exposed by:

drinking a spill
drinking contaminated liquid
walking through a spill and licking their paws
getting contaminated liquid on their coat

If you know or suspect your dog has swallowed antifreeze, contact your vet immediately.

Do not wait for symptoms to develop.

Read PDSA’s advice about antifreeze and de-icing products.

If an unknown chemical or liquid gets onto your dog’s paws or fur, prevent licking where possible, wash the contamination away and contact your vet for advice.

What I do after a winter dog walk

I don’t use an elaborate paw-care routine.

I look at what the dog has actually walked through.

After a wet, snowy, icy or gritted walk I may:

Check each paw.
Look between the toes.
Remove obvious debris.
Rinse away salt, grit or dirty residue where necessary.
Dry the paws.
Check the legs and belly if there has been roadside spray or slush.
Watch for licking, soreness or limping afterwards.

Different walks need different responses.

A dry walk around clean pavements does not need the same clean-up as a walk through wet road salt and dirty slush.

Paw care for nervous dogs

Not every dog likes having their feet handled.

This is especially true for some rescue and nervous dogs.

Don’t wait until their paws are sore to discover they panic when someone touches their toes.

When there is no problem, you can gradually help your dog become comfortable with gentle paw handling.

Keep it short.

Pair touch with something positive.

Do not pin the dog down or force them through it.

Being able to calmly check a paw can be extremely useful when you eventually need to remove a piece of grit or investigate a limp.

For more support with nervous dogs, see my Rescue Dog Support in Finchley.

Paw care for senior dogs

I pay particular attention to older dogs in winter.

A senior dog may already have:

arthritis
reduced mobility
poorer balance
less muscle
greater sensitivity to cold
slower recovery after exercise

A sore paw or slippery surface can add another problem.

Watch for changes rather than simply accepting a slower or unusual gait as old age.

New lameness, pain or a significant change in mobility deserves veterinary advice.

My broader Winter Dog Care guide covers senior dogs and cold weather in more detail.

For general winter grooming and skin care, see my Winter Skin and Coat Care Guide.

Don’t forget paws in summer

Winter is not the only season when paw protection matters.

In summer, hot tarmac and paving can burn pads.

That requires a different approach.

Paw balm does not make a dangerously hot pavement safe, just as it does not make an unsafe icy winter route sensible.

My Walking Dogs on Hot Pavements guide explains what to look for during warmer weather.

Together, the two guides cover the main seasonal extremes from the ground upwards.

My simple winter paw checklist

Before the walk:

Look at the weather and ground conditions.
Consider where roads and pavements have been gritted.
Check whether your dog’s paws are already sore.
Use an appropriate dog-safe paw product if your dog genuinely benefits from one.
Change the route if there is an obvious safer option.

During the walk:

Watch for paw lifting.
Notice limping or changes in gait.
Check if your dog suddenly stops.
Look for compacted snow.
Avoid unknown spills and chemicals.
Do not push on simply to complete the normal route.

After the walk:

Check all four paws.
Look between the toes.
Remove snow and grit.
Rinse contaminated paws where necessary.
Dry carefully.
Watch for persistent licking or soreness.

It takes a couple of minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Should I wash my dog’s paws after walking on grit?

Yes, if your dog has walked through road grit or de-icing salt, check the paws and rinse them with plain water where necessary. Dry them afterwards and check between the toes.

Is road salt poisonous to dogs?

Road grit and salt can irritate paws and can cause stomach upset if licked or eaten. Clean contaminated paws and prevent your dog from licking large amounts of residue. Contact your vet if you think your dog has swallowed a significant quantity or becomes unwell.

Antifreeze is a separate and potentially much more serious poisoning emergency.

How do I remove snow from between my dog’s toes?

Gently remove loose snow. Do not pull hard at frozen clumps attached to fur or skin. Once home, comfortably warm water can help soften snow and ice before you gently remove it.

Should I put paw balm on before a snowy walk?

A dog-safe paw balm may help some dogs, particularly where pads are prone to dryness or cracking. It should be an additional measure rather than a substitute for checking, rinsing and drying the paws.

Can I use human hand cream on my dog’s paws?

I would use a product specifically suitable for dogs or ask your vet for advice rather than assuming a human skincare product is safe when licked.

Do dogs need snow boots?

Most dogs do not automatically need boots. They can help particular dogs, but they must fit correctly, be introduced gradually and not interfere with normal movement.

Why does my dog keep lifting a paw in snow?

Check the foot. Snow or ice may have become trapped between the toes, or the paw may be cold, sore or injured. Do not simply encourage your dog to keep walking without investigating.

Can I walk my dog if their paw pad is cracked?

A minor dry pad and a painful deep crack are very different things. If the pad is bleeding, painful, swollen, significantly cracked or causing lameness, contact your vet before continuing normal walks.

What should I do if my dog walks through antifreeze?

Prevent licking, wash contamination from the paws or coat and contact your vet immediately for advice. If you think your dog has swallowed antifreeze, treat it as an emergency.

Winter paw care doesn’t need to be complicated

Most dogs do not need a cupboard full of paw products to get through winter.

What they need is an owner who notices what they have walked through.

Check their feet.

Remove grit and snow.

Rinse when necessary.

Dry them properly.

Watch for changes.

Use protective products when they genuinely help.

And be willing to change the walk when the ground conditions are unsuitable.

Walking dogs professionally around Finchley since 2011 has taught me that some of the most useful routines are also the simplest.

A towel by the door and thirty seconds spent checking four paws can be more useful than a basket full of winter gadgets.

Winter Dog Care: Cold Weather, Snow, Ice and Paw Safety

Winter Dog Walking: When to Shorten, Change or Skip a Walk

What to Wear for Winter Dog Walking

Walking Your Dog at Night

How Weather Affects Dog Walks

Walking Dogs on Hot Pavements

Seasonal Pet Safety in Finchley

About my dog walks

I provide calm, one-to-one dog walks around Finchley and surrounding areas.

My walks start and finish at the dog’s home. I walk locally on foot rather than collecting groups of dogs in vans or crates.

That means I can adapt an individual walk when conditions change.

If a pavement is heavily gritted, we can change route.

If the ground is icy, we can slow down or choose a flatter route.

If the dog starts lifting a paw, we stop and check it.

And if conditions aren’t suitable for the normal walk, I would rather change the plan than push on just because an hour has been booked.

You can find out more about my Solo Dog Walks in Finchley and Muswell Hill.

Veterinary disclaimer

This guide provides general information about winter paw care and does not replace veterinary advice.

Contact your vet if your dog has a painful or badly cracked pad, bleeding, swelling, a suspected foreign object, persistent licking, significant lameness or another paw problem that concerns you.

Suspected antifreeze ingestion requires urgent veterinary attention.