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Winter walks have their own special charm – crisp air, crunchy snow, and a happy dog enjoying the outdoors. For your dog’s paws, however, winter can be a real challenge. Cold temperatures, road salt, grit, and moisture can quickly lead to cracks, irritation, or soreness. The good news: with a few simple measures, you can help your dog’s paws stay healthy throughout the cold season.

Paw care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. What matters is knowing what to look out for.

Why winter conditions are tough on paws

Dog paws are tough, but they’re not indestructible. In winter, several stress factors come together. Cold air dries out the skin, road salt causes irritation, and small stones or ice can get lodged between the pads. All of this can lead to cracked skin or painful inflammation.

Many dogs don’t show pain right away. That’s why it’s worth checking their paws regularly – even if your dog still seems perfectly fine.

Check paws regularly – better once too often than too late

A quick paw check after a walk helps you spot problems early. It doesn’t have to be a big routine. A brief look and a quick dry are often enough.

Pay particular attention to:

• cracks or very dry paw pads
• redness or swelling
• small stones, ice, or salt residue between the toes

The earlier you react, the easier it is to fix the problem.

Protect paws before they start to hurt

Prevention is much easier in winter than dealing with sore paws later on. Well-cared-for paws are more resistant to cold and salt. Paw balm can help keep the skin supple and create a light protective barrier.

It’s important to apply balm sparingly and allow it to absorb properly so your dog doesn’t immediately lick it off. Not every dog needs protection on every walk – simply observe how sensitive your dog’s paws are.

After the walk: clean and dry

After a winter walk, a small routine goes a long way. Rinse the paws with lukewarm water or wipe them with a damp cloth to remove salt and dirt. Then dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.

This only takes a few minutes but can prevent long-term irritation or small infections.

Keep an eye on the fur between the pads

Dogs with lots of fur around their paws are especially prone to ice buildup in winter. This isn’t just uncomfortable – it can be painful. Regularly trimming the fur between the pads can make a big difference.

You don’t need to cut everything short. Just a little tidying in the right places helps your dog walk more comfortably.

When you should take a closer look

Some signs shouldn’t be ignored:

• noticeable limping after walks
• constant licking or chewing of the paws
• open or bleeding areas

In these cases, it’s best to avoid salted paths for a while – and if in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

Another helpful option is dog boots, which can be useful not only in winter. Their biggest advantage is that they protect your dog’s paws from cold, road salt, grit, and many other risk factors. They are affordable to buy and versatile in use. Their biggest drawback, however, is that many dogs are not fans of wearing them.

Small effort, big impact

Paw care during the winter months doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of attention, regular checks, and simple protective measures, you can spare your dog a lot of discomfort. Your dog’s paws carry them through every kind of weather – a little extra care in winter is only fair.

That way, winter walks stay what they should be: quality time that’s good for both of you.