Winter Dog Safety: Cold Walks, Paw Protection & Antifreeze
To keep your dog safe in winter, shorten walks when it's very cold or windy, protect paws from ice and de-icing salt, wipe paws when you come in, and keep antifreeze sealed and out of reach. How much cold a dog can handle depends on the dog, so your veterinarian is the best guide for yours.
This guide covers the three winter risks owners ask about most: cold-weather walks, paw care, and antifreeze. It isn't a substitute for veterinary care — if you're worried about your dog, call your clinic.
The three winter risks to plan for
Each is easy to manage with a little routine. None of these replaces advice from your veterinarian about your individual dog.
Cold-weather walks
Dogs feel cold differently. Small, short-coated, lean, young, senior and unwell dogs lose heat faster. Wind and wet fur make it worse. The AVMA and ASPCA advise shorter outings in very cold weather and watching your dog for signs they want to go home: shivering, lifting paws, slowing down, whining or seeking shelter.
Paw protection
Ice, packed snow, grit and de-icing salt can crack and irritate paw pads, and ice balls can form between the toes. Booties, a paw balm, trimmed fur between pads and a wipe-down after every walk all help. Check pads regularly and show your vet anything that looks sore or doesn't heal.
Antifreeze and winter chemicals
Most antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which tastes sweet and is highly toxic to dogs. It shows up in garages, driveways and parking lots, especially as drips and puddles. Many de-icers can also upset a dog's stomach if licked off paws. Treat any suspected antifreeze ingestion as an emergency and contact your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately.
Indoors and in the car
Space heaters and fireplaces can burn curious noses and tails, so use guards. A car cools fast in winter, so don't leave your dog in it. Give your dog a warm, dry, draft-free place to rest, especially older dogs with stiff joints.
A simple winter routine
Six habits that cover most winter risks. Adjust them with your veterinarian for your dog's age, coat and health.
- 1
Check the weather and your dog before you go
Cold tolerance varies with coat, size, age, body condition and health. Short-coated, small, very young, senior and lean dogs, and dogs with health conditions, tend to get cold faster. Ask your veterinarian what's sensible for your dog.
- 2
Shorten walks when it's very cold, windy or wet
Several shorter outings are usually kinder than one long one. Wind and wet fur make cold feel much colder. Head home if your dog lifts paws, shivers, slows down, whines or looks for shelter.
- 3
Dress for the dog you have
A well-fitted coat or sweater can help dogs that chill easily. It should cover the back and chest without rubbing or restricting movement, and come off once your dog is indoors and dry.
- 4
Protect paws on ice and salted pavement
Booties or a paw balm can reduce contact with ice, salt and grit. Keeping the fur between the pads trimmed helps stop ice balls forming. Stick to cleared paths where you can.
- 5
Wipe paws and belly when you get home
De-icing salts and chemicals can irritate pads and be swallowed when your dog licks. Wipe paws, legs and belly with a damp cloth and dry them. Check pads for cracks, cuts or redness and mention anything that doesn't heal to your vet.
- 6
Keep antifreeze and chemicals out of reach
Store antifreeze and de-icers sealed and up high, clean spills right away, and don't let your dog drink from puddles in driveways, garages or parking lots. If you think your dog swallowed antifreeze, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately.
Your dog will tell you — if you know how to read them
Dr. Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods's research at the Duke Canine Cognition Center, described in The Genius of Dogs, shows how closely dogs watch and communicate with us. Many dogs signal discomfort with a look back at you, a stop, a lifted paw or a pull toward home.
Knowing your dog's normal behavior makes those signals easier to spot. The Dognition Assessment helps you understand how your dog communicates with you, which is useful on a cold walk and in everyday life.
Sources
- AVMA — Cold weather pet safety
- ASPCA — Cold weather safety tips
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)
- Pet Poison Helpline — Antifreeze
- AKC — Caring for and cleaning dog paws
General information, not veterinary advice. Confirm what's right for your dog with your veterinarian.
Where owners get stuck
“My dog refuses to wear booties.”
Start indoors for a few seconds at a time with treats, one boot at a time, and build up slowly. If your dog won't accept them, use a paw balm and wipe paws after every walk instead.
“My dog still needs exercise when it's freezing.”
Try several short walks plus indoor games: hide-and-seek with toys, puzzle feeders and short training sessions keep both body and brain busy.
“My neighbors use rock salt everywhere.”
Choose cleared, unsalted routes where you can, wipe paws as soon as you get home, and use a pet-friendly de-icer on your own steps and driveway.
Winter dog safety questions
- How cold is too cold to walk my dog?
- There's no single temperature that's right for every dog — coat, size, age, health and wind all matter. Many dogs need shorter walks in freezing weather, and small, short-coated, young, senior or unwell dogs need extra care. Watch your dog for shivering, lifting paws or slowing down, and ask your veterinarian what's sensible for yours.
- Do dogs need booties in winter?
- Not every dog, but booties help on icy or heavily salted routes, and for dogs with sensitive or cracked pads. Introduce them gradually with treats indoors first. A paw balm and wiping paws after walks are alternatives — ask your vet which suits your dog.
- Is de-icing salt bad for dogs' paws?
- Rock salt and many de-icers can irritate pads and upset the stomach if licked off. Wipe paws after every walk and use pet-friendly de-icers on your own steps. Products labeled pet-safe are gentler, but still worth wiping off.
- Why is antifreeze so dangerous to dogs?
- Most antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which tastes sweet and is highly toxic to dogs — the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline treat any suspected ingestion as an emergency. Store it sealed, clean spills immediately and keep dogs away from garage and driveway puddles. If you suspect your dog drank any, contact your veterinarian or animal poison control right away; don't wait for signs.
- Does my dog need a coat?
- Small, short-coated, lean, very young and senior dogs often benefit from a coat in cold weather; thick double-coated breeds usually don't need one. Pick a coat that fits without rubbing, and take it off once your dog is indoors and dry.
- Can I leave my dog in the car in winter?
- The AVMA advises against it. A car cools quickly and acts like a refrigerator in cold weather. Bring your dog with you or leave them home.
Holiday meals bring their own winter hazards. See which holiday foods dogs can and can't eat, from ham and turkey to grapes and onions. Want it on paper? Get the free printable winter dog safety checklist.