Plenty of dogs adore the snow, and a crisp winter walk across the Yorkshire fields is a joy. But the cold months bring their own hazards: gritted pavements that irritate paws, antifreeze that is deadly and everywhere at this time of year, and temperatures that some dogs simply should not be out in for long. A little care keeps winter walks safe and fun. Here is what to watch for.
Paw care: grit, salt and ice
Roads and pavements are treated with grit and rock salt through winter, and it takes a toll on paws:
- Wipe paws, legs and belly after every walk. Grit and salt irritate the skin and are harmful if licked off, so a quick wipe with a damp cloth makes a real difference. Dogs Trust recommends this after cold-weather walks.
- Check between the toes for compacted ice balls, which are uncomfortable and can chafe. Trimming the hair between the pads (something we can help with at a groom) reduces the build-up.
- Watch for salt burns or cracked pads, and speak to your vet if paws look sore or red.
- Some dogs tolerate paw balm or booties well, which add a layer of protection on gritty or icy routes.
Vet note: If your dog has been walking on gritted ground, wipe or rinse their paws before they get a chance to lick them. Rock salt is an irritant and can cause an upset stomach if swallowed.
Antifreeze: the winter killer
This is the most serious winter hazard and worth taking seriously. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which tastes sweet, so dogs are drawn to it, yet it is intensely poisonous. Just a small amount can be fatal, and it turns up in car radiator spills, screen wash and de-icers, often as puddles on driveways and in car parks.
- Clean up any spills immediately and store products sealed and out of reach.
- On walks, steer your dog away from puddles near parked cars.
- If you even suspect your dog has licked antifreeze, treat it as an emergency and ring your vet at once, as treatment must start within hours to have the best chance of working.
Early signs can look like drunkenness: wobbliness, vomiting and drinking a lot. Do not wait to see how things develop.
How cold is too cold?
Dogs vary hugely. A thick-coated husky or a spitz breed relishes the snow, while a whippet, a small dog, a puppy or an older dog with stiff joints feels the cold quickly. As a rough guide:
- In near-freezing conditions, keep walks shorter and brisker, and consider a well-fitting coat for thin-coated or small dogs.
- Watch for shivering, slowing down, lifting paws or wanting to turn back, and head home if you see them.
- Keep dogs on the lead near frozen ponds and rivers, as ice rarely takes their weight. If your dog does go through, never follow them in, encourage them back and call for help.
- After a wet, cold walk, dry your dog thoroughly, especially a long or double coat, so they warm up properly indoors.
A clean, well-maintained coat actually insulates better, matted or dirty fur loses much of its warmth, which is one reason winter grooming matters even when it is cold out.
Frequently asked questions
Is grit and rock salt harmful to dogs?
Yes, it can irritate and burn paws and cause an upset stomach if licked off. Wipe your dog's paws, legs and belly after every winter walk, and check between the toes for ice and salt.
What should I do if my dog licks antifreeze?
Treat it as an emergency and call your vet immediately, even if your dog seems fine. Antifreeze poisoning needs treatment within hours. Do not wait for symptoms.
How cold is too cold to walk my dog?
It depends on the breed, size, age and coat. Thin-coated, small, young and elderly dogs feel the cold fastest. Keep walks shorter in freezing weather and watch for shivering or reluctance to carry on.
Should my dog wear a coat in winter?
Many thin-coated, small or older dogs benefit from a well-fitting coat in cold, wet weather. Thick double-coated breeds usually do not need one and can overheat in it.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. A winter groom keeps the coat clean, dry and properly insulating, and we can tidy the hair between the pads to cut down on ice balls. Book your dog in with Fluffs.