Winter Dog Walking Safety: How to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Healthy
Winter can be tough on your dog’s paws. Between icy sidewalks, freezing temperatures, and harsh de-icing chemicals, it can be hard to get your dog the activity they need while still keeping their paws healthy. Cracked pads and irritation from dryness can sneak up quickly if proper paw care isn’t part of your winter routine. At the same time, it’s important for your dogs to remain active during the colder months to prevent boredom, stress, and destructive behaviors.
At Hounds Town, we’re here to help your dog get out their pent-up winter energy all year long with indoor, climate-controlled dog daycare. And when it comes to dog paw health, with a few simple precautions, you can help keep them comfortable, safe, and active all season long. Here’s how:
- Use Booties to Shield Paws from Ice and Salt
Dog booties are one of the most effective ways to practice winter dog walking safety. They act as a barrier between your dog’s sensitive paw pads and ice, snow, and rock salt, which can cause dryness or irritation. While not every dog loves wearing booties at first, a short adjustment and training period can go a long way. Properly fitted dog booties help prevent ice buildup between toes and keep harmful chemicals off your dog’s paws during winter walks.
- Practice Post-Walk Paw Care
After every winter walk, take a moment to check and clean your dog’s paws. Wiping their paws with a warm, damp towel removes debris from the salt and snow that can cause discomfort or irritation later. Applying a dog-safe paw balm afterward can also help moisturize dry pads and protect against cracking. Consistent post-walk care maintains dog paw health and helps prevent small issues from turning into painful problems.
- Send Your Dog to Doggy Daycare Instead
When winter weather makes outdoor walks uncomfortable or unsafe, indoor dog daycare is the perfect solution. At Hounds Town, dogs enjoy indoor, climate-controlled playrooms where they can stay active without exposure to ice, salt, or freezing temperatures. This is crucial, because all dogs need consistent activity and pack play to stay physically and mentally healthy. Instead of trudging through slush or staying cooped up inside, at Hounds Town your pup gets all-day play, socialization, and enrichment in a safe, natural pack environment. This keeps both their paws and their energy levels in check.
- Follow Safe Winter Walking Practices
If you do decide to head out in the cold, stick to cleared sidewalks and avoid icy or snowy areas to practice winter dog walking safety. Snow-covered areas can hide sharp ice or chemical residue that irritates paw pads. Keep walks shorter during extreme cold and watch for signs of discomfort, such as limping or frequent paw lifting. These behaviors may indicate your dog’s paws are too cold or irritated, and it’s time to head back inside.
Protecting your dog’s paws during winter doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right gear, a little extra care, and smart alternatives like indoor dog daycare, you can help your dog stay comfortable and active all season.
Looking for a winter-friendly way to keep your dog moving? Find your local Hounds Town and give your pup a warm, paw-safe day of play today.