Dog in Winter: Cold, Road Salt and Paw Care

Mehrere Hunde stehen zusammen im Schnee

One dog enthusiastically romps through the snow, the other shivers after just five minutes. How much cold a dog can tolerate varies greatly – and in winter, two often underestimated dangers lurk: road salt and antifreeze.

Key takeaways

  • Small, short-haired, young, and old dogs get cold faster.
  • Road salt irritates paws – rinse them off after walks.
  • Antifreeze is sweet and highly toxic – avoid puddles in parking lots.

Do dogs get cold at all?

Yes. Whether a dog gets cold depends on its fur, size, age, and activity level. Short-haired and small dogs cool down faster, while thick-coated breeds hardly shiver. A shivering or clinging dog is cold – in which case a coat and a shorter walk can help.

Veterinary advice: the real winter dangers

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual and Cornell University Veterinary Hospital, two things are particularly dangerous: road salt and de-icers can irritate and crack paw pads; if licked, they can cause gastrointestinal problems. Even more dangerous is antifreeze (ethylene glycol): it tastes sweet but is highly toxic – just a few tablespoons can be life-threatening for a medium-sized dog. The antidote only works if administered very early.

Sources: Merck Vet Manual · Cornell Vet

Emergency: If you notice signs like staggering, vomiting, or lethargy after a winter walk, take your dog to the vet immediately – every hour counts when antifreeze poisoning is suspected.

How to care for paws

When Measure
Before the walk Paw balm as a protective film
After the walk Rinse paws, legs & belly with lukewarm water, dry
Regularly Trim hair between pads, check for cracks
Practical tip: After every winter walk, wipe your dog's paws, legs, and belly – this way your dog won't ingest salt or toxic residues when licking. For sensitive paw pads, paw balm can help before going out.

Care for stressed winter paws

A gentle grooming set supports skin and paws during the cold, dry season.

View grooming set – €49.90

Frequently asked questions

Does my dog need a coat?

Not every dog. Small, short-haired, old, or sick dogs benefit; thick-coated breeds usually do not. Shivering and clinging are signs of being cold.

Is eating snow dangerous?

In larger quantities, snow can irritate the stomach and throat – and may be contaminated with road salt or chemicals. It's better to discourage it.

Sources

  • Merck Veterinary Manual: Ethylene Glycol Toxicosis. Link
  • Cornell Riney Canine Health Center: Winter Safety Tips. Link

For persistently sore paws or suspected poisoning, please seek veterinary advice immediately.