Dog paws in winter: ice melt, snowballs, and cracked pads
Ice melt, snow packed between the toes, and dry air that cracks the pads. What each one does to your dog, and the fix for each.
Dog paws in winter take three hits in the south metro: ice melt on sidewalks and parking lots, snow that packs into the fur between the toes, and dry air that cracks the pads. You can handle all three at home with a towel, a pair of clippers or a groomer, and a tin of paw balm.
Does ice melt hurt dog paws?
It can. Most ice melt is rock salt or calcium chloride. Both pull moisture out of skin, and calcium chloride heats up as it dissolves, so a long walk on treated pavement can leave pads red, sore, or cracked. Licking is the bigger problem. A dog who cleans salty feet on the couch swallows the salt, and enough of it upsets the stomach. "Pet safe" ice melt is gentler, but you don't get to choose what your neighbors or the grocery store parking lot use.
How to get ice melt off dog paws
Wipe the feet after every walk on treated ground, before your dog has a chance to lick them. Keep a bowl of lukewarm water and a towel by the door. Dip each paw, work your fingers between the toes and pads, then dry them all the way, since damp fur between the toes stays cold and holds grit. If your dog comes home salty and muddy past the ankles, our self-wash tubs have warm water and dryers for $22 a wash, no appointment needed.
Why does snow ball up in my dog's paws?
Long fur between the pads catches snow. Your dog's body heat melts it a little, and it refreezes into hard balls of ice that pull on the skin. Dogs with them limp, stop to chew their feet, or refuse to keep walking. Doodles, poodles, golden retrievers, and spaniels get it worst, because the fur on their feet keeps growing. On a deep snow day, loosen the ice with your fingers or warm water. Pulling it out pulls the hair with it.
Should I trim my dog's paw hair in winter?
Yes, if it grows past the pads. Trim it level with the pads so snow and salt have less to grab, and leave the fur on top of the foot alone. Don't shave into the pads themselves. Scissors near the pads go wrong fast on a dog who won't hold still, so let a groomer do it if yours squirms. Long nails make snowballs worse too, because they spread the toes and leave more room for snow to pack in. A walk-in nail trim starts at $18 and usually takes under ten minutes.
How to protect dry dog paws in winter
Colorado air is dry all winter, and the furnace dries it out more. If the pads feel rough or show small cracks, rub in a paw balm made for dogs after the evening walk, when your dog will settle down instead of licking it off. Booties keep salt and snow off completely, though most dogs need a few short walks before they stop high-stepping in them. A pad that bleeds, a deep crack, or a limp that stays after the feet are clean and warm needs a vet.
Should you bathe or shave your dog in winter?
Bathe when your dog is dirty, and dry the coat all the way before they go back outside. Don't shave a double-coated dog for winter, since that coat is what keeps them warm. Here is what happens if you do. For a clean coat that goes home fully dry, book a bath and brush.
We see dogs from Highlands Ranch, Parker, Centennial, Castle Pines, and the rest of the south metro at our Lone Tree salon.
Common questions
Does ice melt hurt dog paws?
It can. Rock salt and calcium chloride dry out the pads, and calcium chloride heats up as it dissolves. Dogs who lick salty feet can also get an upset stomach. Wipe the paws after every walk on treated ground.
Should I trim my dog's paw hair in winter?
Yes, if it grows past the pads. Trim it level with the pads so snow cannot ball up in it, and do not shave into the pads themselves.
How do I get ice melt off my dog's paws?
Dip each paw in lukewarm water, work your fingers between the toes and pads, and dry the feet completely before your dog can lick them.
