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

Updated July 2026

Winter affects dogs in very different ways.

Some dogs become excited as soon as they see frost or snow. Others step outside, feel the cold and decide that returning to their bed would be a much better plan.

A thick coat does not automatically make every dog comfortable in low temperatures. Age, health, body size, coat type, wind, rain and how active the dog remains all matter.

Winter dog care is therefore not about following a single temperature rule or doing the same walk every day. It is about watching the dog in front of you and adjusting the routine when conditions change.

This guide covers cold-weather walks, coats, paws, grit, antifreeze, frozen ponds, darker evenings, older dogs and the warning signs that may require veterinary help.

For my broader approach to changing walks in heat, rain, wind, and cold, read “How Weather Affects Dog Walks.“

Quick winter dog-care checklist

During cold, snowy or icy weather:

• check the forecast before leaving
• consider your dog’s age, health and coat
• use a suitable coat when your dog needs one
• choose safer, better-lit routes
• avoid frozen ponds and lakes
• keep your dog away from antifreeze spills
• avoid heavily gritted surfaces where practical
• check paws during and after the walk
• remove snow, ice and grit from between the toes
• towel-dry wet dogs when you return
• provide a warm, draught-free resting place
• shorten or adapt walks when conditions become unsafe
• contact your vet if your dog shows signs of hypothermia, poisoning, pain or illness

The aim is not to prevent your dog enjoying winter.

It is to make sure the activity remains comfortable and safe.

Which dogs feel the cold most?

Every dog is an individual, but some are more vulnerable to cold conditions.

These can include:

• puppies
• older dogs
• small dogs
• thin dogs
• dogs with very short or fine coats
• dogs who are unwell
• dogs recovering from surgery
• dogs with arthritis or mobility problems
• dogs who become wet and remain wet
• dogs who are inactive outside

Greyhounds, whippets, lurchers and other thin-coated dogs often benefit from an additional layer. However, breed alone should not decide whether a coat is needed.

A dog who tolerated winter well when younger may begin feeling the cold as they age.

PDSA identifies young, small, elderly, thin and unwell pets as being at greater risk of hypothermia because they may struggle to regulate their body temperature. Blue Cross also advises that short-coated and older dogs may need additional protection in cold weather.

How cold is too cold for a dog?

There is no single outdoor temperature that is safe for every dog.

The number shown on a weather app does not tell you:

• how strong the wind is
• whether the dog will become wet
• how long they will remain outside
• whether they are walking or standing still
• whether the ground is icy
• whether they have an appropriate coat
• whether they are young, old or unwell
• whether they are enjoying the walk

A dry, active dog may cope comfortably in conditions that make a wet, elderly or short-coated dog uncomfortable.

Wind and rain can also make a relatively mild winter day feel much colder.

Instead of relying on a single temperature, consider the overall situation and your dog’s behaviour.

Signs that your dog may be too cold

Watch for:

• shivering
• slowing down
• repeatedly lifting a paw
• stopping or refusing to continue
• turning towards home
• hunching their body
• tucking their tail
• seeking shelter
• whining
• appearing unusually quiet
• trying to climb onto you
• becoming stiff or uncomfortable

Do not wait for severe symptoms before changing the plan.

A dog who begins lifting their paws or trying to return home is already telling you that the walk is no longer comfortable.

Return to warmth, dry them properly and reassess whether a shorter route or indoor activity would be more suitable.

Does your dog need a winter coat?

Some dogs benefit from a well-fitting coat, while others remain comfortable without one.

A coat may be helpful for:

• short-coated dogs
• thin dogs
• small dogs
• puppies
• older dogs
• dogs with reduced mobility
• dogs who become cold quickly
• dogs recovering from illness
• dogs who struggle in wet and windy weather

Blue Cross advises considering winter clothing for dogs that struggle with the cold, including short-coated breeds, while recognising that dogs with dense natural coats may not need additional layers.

Read my guide about dogs and winter coats

Choosing a suitable dog coat

A winter coat should:

• fit securely without being tight
• allow normal shoulder movement
• leave enough space for toileting
• avoid rubbing beneath the front legs
• work safely with the dog’s harness
• remain clear of the dog’s eyes and mouth
• be easy to remove
• suit the actual weather
• be introduced gradually

Check the fit while your dog is:

• standing
• walking
• sitting
• turning
• lowering their head
• toileting

A coat that looks attractive but restricts movement is not a good choice.

Remove a wet coat once you return home. Leaving a dog to rest in damp clothing can make them colder and may irritate their skin.

Introduce coats gradually

Do not place an unfamiliar coat on your dog immediately before a long walk.

Let them investigate it first.

Begin by placing it lightly across their back, reward calm behaviour, and remove it again. Gradually introduce fastening it and taking a few steps indoors.

Stop if your dog:

• freezes
• tries repeatedly to escape
• bites at the coat
• refuses to move
• appears frightened
• cannot walk normally

The aim is to improve comfort, not create another source of stress.

Protecting paws during winter walks

Winter surfaces can affect your dog’s paws.

Possible problems include:

• compacted snow
• ice between the toes
• grit
• road salt
• sharp frozen ground
• cracked pads
• hidden debris
• irritation from unknown substances

Check paws during longer walks and again when you return home.

Pay attention to:

• between the toes
• around the pads
• beneath long paw hair
• nails
• any cuts or redness

A dog who suddenly begins limping or lifting a paw may have ice, grit, a cut or another foreign object lodged between the toes.

Do not assume they are simply being reluctant to walk.

Snow and ice between the toes

Snow can form compacted balls around the fur between a dog’s toes.

These may pull on the hair and make walking painful.

When your dog begins:

• stopping suddenly
• biting at a foot
• lifting one paw
• hopping
• refusing to continue

move to a safe place and check the paw.

Gently remove loose snow and ice. Do not pull hard at ice attached to fur or skin.

Use clean, lukewarm water at home if necessary, then dry the paws thoroughly.

Regular grooming around the paws can make checks easier, but avoid cutting hair extremely short without advice from a competent groomer or vet.

Are dog boots useful?

Dog boots can help some dogs, particularly when paws are sensitive or a vet has recommended protection.

They should:

• fit properly
• have a secure fastening
• provide grip
• remain comfortable
• stay in place without restricting circulation
• be introduced gradually

Blue Cross advises introducing boots slowly indoors and not forcing a dog who is uncomfortable wearing them. (Blue Cross)

Check the paws after removing the boots.

A boot can hide rubbing, trapped moisture or grit, so it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the feet.

Rock salt and road grit

Councils and property owners may use salt and grit to make roads and paths safer during icy weather.

These substances can become trapped between a dog’s pads and irritate the skin. Dogs may also swallow residue when licking their paws.

After walking over treated surfaces:

1. Check between the toes.
2. Rinse the paws with plain water where needed.
3. Dry them gently.
4. Look for redness, cuts or soreness.
5. Prevent repeated licking until the paws are clean.

PDSA advises checking paws after walks and washing away grit, salt or unknown substances with plain water. It also warns that de-icing products can irritate the skin or cause illness when swallowed. (PDSA)

Read my focused guide to rock salt, road grit and dogs for more detail.

Avoid unsuitable homemade paw treatments

The original version of this article recommended petroleum jelly, herbal products, coconut oil and several supplements.

I have removed those general recommendations.

A product may be unsuitable because:

• the dog repeatedly licks it
• it makes floors slippery
• it traps grit against the paw
• it contains fragrances or essential oils
• it irritates damaged skin
• it delays appropriate veterinary treatment

Use a product only when it is suitable for your dog and applied according to its instructions.

Speak to your vet when pads are cracked, bleeding, painful or repeatedly inflamed.

Antifreeze is a veterinary emergency

Antifreeze, de-icing sprays and some screen washes may contain ethylene glycol.

Ethylene glycol is highly toxic to dogs and cats. It can cause severe kidney damage and may be fatal.

Exposure can occur when a dog:

• drinks from a spill
• licks a contaminated puddle
• walks through antifreeze and later licks their paws
• accesses an open container
• investigates a garage or driveway

Possible signs can include:

• vomiting
• twitching
• drinking more than usual
• weakness
• seizures
• collapse

Do not wait for symptoms.

Contact your vet immediately if you know or suspect that your dog has swallowed antifreeze or walked through a significant spill. Early treatment provides a better chance of recovery. (PDSA)

Preventing antifreeze exposure

At home:

• store containers securely
• keep products away from pets and children
• replace lids immediately
• clean spills straight away
• keep dogs out of the area while cleaning
• avoid allowing dogs into garages unsupervised
• check driveways and parking areas
• wash contaminated paws or fur promptly
• retain the packaging if exposure occurs

Do not rely on a bittering agent to make a product completely safe.

If you find an unknown coloured liquid on your dog’s paws or coat, wash it away and contact your veterinary practice for advice.

Snow and slippery surfaces

Snow can make familiar routes look and smell different.

It may hide:

• kerbs
• holes
• broken glass
• uneven paving
• tree roots
• ice
• grit
• drains
• discarded food

Use a familiar route and keep your dog close enough for you to see where they are stepping.

Deep or compacted snow may be difficult for:

• small dogs
• puppies
• senior dogs
• dogs with arthritis
• dogs recovering from injury
• dogs with reduced mobility

A shorter walk over a safer surface may be more useful than struggling through deep snow.

Black ice

Black ice can be difficult to see.

It can affect both the dog and the person holding the lead.

On icy days, I may choose:

• gritted but carefully managed pavements
• flatter routes
• shorter distances
• slower walking
• wider paths
• a toilet break close to home
• indoor enrichment instead of the normal walk

A strong dog pulling suddenly on ice can cause injury to both dog and handler.

My Extreme Weather Policy explains that I may shorten, adapt or replace a walk when black ice and compacted snow make normal walking unsafe. (Finchley Dog Walker)

Keep dogs away from frozen ponds and lakes

A frozen pond may look solid while the ice remains thin or uneven.

Keep your dog on a lead near:

• frozen ponds
• lakes
• canals
• reservoirs
• icy riverbanks

Do not throw balls, sticks or food onto the ice.

If your dog runs onto frozen water, do not follow them onto it. You may also fall through and make the rescue more difficult.

Call for emergency assistance and encourage your dog back from a safe position.

Blue Cross advises keeping dogs on leads near frozen water and warns owners not to enter the ice after a dog. (Blue Cross)

Dark winter walks

Winter often means walking before sunrise or after sunset.

Reduced visibility can make dogs and their handlers harder for drivers and cyclists to see.

Useful equipment may include:

• a torch or head torch
• reflective clothing for the handler
• reflective material on the dog’s harness or coat
• a suitable dog light
• a charged phone
• a standard fixed-length lead

Equipment improves visibility, but it does not make an unsafe route safe.

Choose:

• familiar paths
• well-lit streets
• controlled crossings
• quieter roads
• wider pavements
• places away from hidden drops or water

Blue Cross recommends reflective or illuminated equipment, a torch and well-lit routes for dark winter walks. (Blue Cross)

Read Walking Your Dog During Dark Winter Evenings for more detailed advice.

Dry your dog after wet winter walks

Cold rain can be as uncomfortable as snow.

Once home:

1. Remove wet coats and harnesses.
2. Towel-dry the dog.
3. Check the belly and legs.
4. Dry between the toes.
5. Check beneath collars and straps.
6. Remove visible mud, grit and debris.
7. Provide access to a warm resting place.
8. Hang wet equipment somewhere it can dry.

Dogs with long, dense or curly coats may remain damp beneath the surface even when the top of the coat appears dry.

Pay particular attention to:

• the armpits
• belly
• chest
• groin
• feet
• beneath the harness

PDSA recommends drying wet pets promptly because remaining wet in cold conditions can increase the risk of hypothermia.

Keeping your dog comfortable indoors

Your dog should have access to:

• a warm resting place
• dry bedding
• clean water
• somewhere away from draughts
• enough room to change position
• a cooler alternative if they become too warm

Do not place a bed directly beside a powerful heater or open fire where the dog cannot move away.

Check electric or heated bedding regularly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

A normal blanket and a draught-free bed may be all that many dogs need.

The Met Office’s colder-weather guidance, drawing on British Veterinary Association advice, recommends a warm, draught-free resting place with suitable bedding. (Met Office)

Never leave your dog in a cold car

A parked vehicle can become cold quickly after the engine and heating are switched off.

Do not leave your dog waiting in a cold car after a walk or while you run an errand.

PDSA advises that a vehicle may soon become as cold as the outside temperature during winter, even when it was warm while being driven.

Take your dog home or arrange appropriate supervision.

Winter care for senior dogs

Cold weather can make everyday movement more difficult for some older dogs.

You may notice:

• stiffness after resting
• reluctance to use steps
• difficulty getting up
• slowing down
• avoiding slippery surfaces
• needing longer to warm up
• shorter comfortable walking distances
• increased hesitation outside

Do not assume that slowing down is simply part of ageing.

New or worsening stiffness, pain or lameness should be discussed with your vet. Blue Cross notes that dogs with arthritis may become more uncomfortable during cold weather.

Practical changes may include:

• several shorter outings
• flatter routes
• non-slip mats at home
• a supportive bed
• a suitable coat
• more time to toilet
• avoiding steep or icy ground
• gentle enrichment indoors

My Dog Walking and Everyday Exercise Guide explains how exercise can be adapted for age, health and mobility.

Winter care for puppies

Puppies may:

• lose heat more quickly
• need frequent toilet breaks
• struggle with deep snow
• become frightened by dark or unfamiliar conditions
• become tired before an adult dog
• need careful introduction to coats and equipment

Keep outings manageable.

A puppy does not need a long winter walk merely because an adult dog in the family is comfortable.

Provide regular toilet opportunities and return indoors when the puppy becomes cold, tired or overwhelmed.

Use safe indoor training and scent activities when outdoor conditions prevent a normal outing.

Rescue and nervous dogs in winter

Winter can change the environment dramatically.

Wind, darkness, moving branches, hats, umbrellas, bulky coats and Christmas decorations can make familiar streets look different.

A nervous dog may become:

• more watchful
• easily startled
• reluctant to leave home
• reactive towards people or dogs
• worried by objects moving in the wind
• less responsive than usual

This does not necessarily mean their training has failed.

The environment has become harder.

I use familiar routes, allow more distance and shorten the walk when necessary.

Read Rescue Dog Support in Finchley for more about predictable, low-pressure care.

Winter exercise does not need to mean more intensity

Dogs still need suitable opportunities to move, sniff, toilet and explore during winter.

However, you do not need to compensate for a shorter walk by creating frantic indoor exercise.

Avoid repeated stair running, slippery indoor chasing and unsuitable obstacle courses.

Calmer alternatives can include:

• scattering part of the normal meal
• a simple scent search
• short reward-based training
• a familiar food toy
• gentle tug
• finding a favourite toy
• supervised cardboard-box searches
• quiet grooming
• rest and companionship

Match the activity to your dog’s age, mobility and confidence.

My guide to exercising dogs during winter contains additional ideas, although that older article will also need updating to remove unsuitable high-impact suggestions.

Adjust food only when necessary

Some dogs are less active during prolonged poor weather.

That does not mean every dog needs a different winter diet.

Monitor:

• body condition
• activity
• treats
• food used in enrichment
• changes in weight
• appetite
• health

Do not add supplements, fish oil, coconut oil or herbal products simply because it is winter.

Speak to your vet before changing the diet or adding supplements, particularly when your dog has a medical condition or receives medication.

What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia occurs when a dog’s body temperature falls dangerously low.

It can develop after prolonged cold exposure, becoming wet and remaining cold, illness, blood loss or other medical problems.

Dogs at higher risk include those who are:

• very young
• elderly
• small
• thin
• unwell
• wet
• unable to move normally

Hypothermia is a veterinary emergency and can become fatal without prompt treatment.

Signs of hypothermia in dogs

Possible signs include:

• shivering
• drowsiness
• confusion
• clumsiness
• pale gums
• weakness
• collapse
• loss of consciousness

A severely cold dog may stop shivering, so the absence of shivering does not mean they are recovering. (PDSA)

Contact your vet immediately if you suspect hypothermia.

What to do if you suspect hypothermia

While arranging urgent veterinary help:

1. Move your dog into a warm, dry place.
2. Dry them gently if they are wet.
3. Place blankets beneath and over them.
4. Increase the surrounding temperature gradually.
5. Offer lukewarm water only if they are fully awake and able to drink.
6. Transport them to the vet as advised.

Do not:

• place them against direct intense heat
• use very hot water
• apply an uncovered hot-water bottle
• rub them aggressively
• delay veterinary advice because they appear to improve

PDSA advises slow warming, drying the pet, using blankets and arranging an immediate veterinary examination

What about frostbite?

Frostbite is tissue damage caused by severe cold.

It is uncommon during ordinary short UK walks, but the risk increases with prolonged exposure, extreme conditions and when a dog remains wet or unable to reach shelter.

Areas with less protection may be more vulnerable, including:

• ears
• paws
• tail
• exposed skin

Contact your vet promptly if you notice skin that is:

• unusually pale
• grey or blue
• swollen
• painful
• very cold
• blistered
• becoming dark

Do not rub or massage a suspected frostbite injury.

Do not apply direct heat.

When should you contact your vet?

Contact your veterinary practice promptly when your dog:

• may have swallowed antifreeze
• may have swallowed a significant amount of road salt
• becomes weak, confused or unusually sleepy
• collapses
• has a seizure
• shows signs of hypothermia
• develops painful, cracked or bleeding paws
• remains lame after a walk
• has worsening stiffness
• develops breathing difficulty
• has significant skin changes after cold exposure
• becomes suddenly unwell

Do not wait for obvious symptoms after suspected antifreeze exposure.

How I adapt professional walks in winter

As a one-to-one dog walker, I can change each walk around the individual dog.

During cold, snow or ice, I may:

• choose a better-lit route
• avoid woodland and steep paths
• shorten the walk
• remain close to home
• slow the pace
• provide a toilet opportunity
• avoid frozen water
• clean or wipe paws afterwards
• towel-dry the dog
• provide calm indoor care
• delay or cancel when safe access is not possible

I use owner-supplied coats, boots and paw products only when they have been approved and fit properly.

My full arrangements are set out in the Finchley Dog Walker Extreme Weather Policy.

This flexibility is one advantage of one-to-one solo dog walks.

I do not need several dogs to complete the same route, at the same pace, in the same conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Do dogs need coats in winter?

Some do and some do not.

Short-coated, small, older, thin or unwell dogs may benefit from a properly fitted coat. Dogs with dense coats may remain comfortable without one. Watch your dog rather than relying only on breed.

How do I know whether my dog is too cold?

Shivering, lifting paws, slowing down, stopping, seeking shelter or trying to return home can all suggest discomfort. End the walk and warm your dog gradually.

Should I wash my dog’s paws after a winter walk?

Check them after every snowy or gritted walk. Rinse with plain water when grit, salt or another substance is present, then dry carefully. (PDSA)

Is road salt poisonous to dogs?

Salt and grit can irritate paws and may cause illness when swallowed. Contact your vet when you know or suspect that your dog has eaten a significant amount or becomes unwell.

What should I do if my dog drinks antifreeze?

Contact your vet immediately, even if your dog has no symptoms. Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol can cause fatal kidney damage.

Can dogs walk in snow?

Many dogs can enjoy snow safely, but the walk should suit their age, health and comfort. Check paws, avoid hidden hazards, remain away from frozen water and shorten the outing when needed.

Should I let my dog onto a frozen pond?

No. Keep your dog on a lead near frozen ponds, lakes and canals. Do not follow them onto the ice if they run out.

Can a dog get hypothermia?

Yes. Dogs can develop hypothermia after cold exposure, becoming wet, illness or other causes. Young, old, small, thin and unwell dogs are at greater risk.

Should I use petroleum jelly on my dog’s paws?

Do not apply it automatically. Speak to your vet about painful or damaged pads and use only products suitable for your individual dog.

Winter care should suit the individual dog

A safe winter routine does not require avoiding every cold day.

It requires preparation and the willingness to change the plan.

Check the weather.

Watch your dog.

Choose safer routes.

Protect and clean their paws.

Keep them away from antifreeze and frozen water.

Return home when they become uncomfortable.

A shorter walk followed by warmth, drying and calm enrichment can be far more useful than insisting on the normal distance through ice, snow or bitter wind.

For more detailed walking advice, read Winter Dog Walking Tips for Cold Weather.

For year-round weather planning, visit How Weather Affects Dog Walks.

Related Finchley Dog Walker guides

• How Weather Affects Dog Walks
• Winter Dog Walking Tips
• Rock Salt, Road Grit and Dogs
• Walking Dogs During Dark Winter Evenings
• How to Exercise Your Dog in Winter
• Dog Walking and Everyday Exercise
• Extreme Weather Policy
• Solo Dog Walks in Finchley

Veterinary disclaimer

This article provides general information about winter dog care.

It does not diagnose illness or injury, prescribe treatment or replace an examination by a veterinary surgeon. Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, diagnosis and veterinary treatment are matters for an appropriately qualified veterinary surgeon.

Contact your vet promptly if your dog becomes unwell, may have swallowed antifreeze or road salt, shows signs of hypothermia, develops painful paws or has a sudden change in movement or behaviour.