Care for dog and cat paws in winter – How to protect your pet’s paws from frost and road salt

Why paw care is important in winter

Winter is a fun season for many pets – snowdrifts, fresh air, and long walks in frosty landscapes. But while you enjoy the winter atmosphere, your pet’s paws suffer quietly beneath the surface. The combined effect of frost, road salt, and de-icing agents can damage paw pads surprisingly quickly – and often the owner only notices the problems when the dog or cat starts limping or repeatedly licking its paws.

The paw pad is the pet’s first point of contact with the outside world. It withstands daily wear, but the special conditions of the cold season place entirely new demands on it. Dry freezing winters crack the soft skin layer, while wet and salty asphalt corrodes the skin and causes irritation. Without regular care, paws can dry out, crack, and even become infected.

The good news is that protecting paws does not require great effort. With a few simple routine measures – which we explain in more detail in this article – you can keep your pet’s paws healthy and resilient throughout the winter.

The effect of road salt and de-icing agents on paws

In Finland, a large amount of anti-slip agents are used on streets and yards during winter. The most common is sodium chloride, i.e., road salt, but other chemicals such as calcium chloride and magnesium chloride are also used. These substances are not harmless to pets – they irritate and dry out the paw pads, can cause small skin abrasions, and are absorbed into the body through damaged skin.

The problem with salt is also that it remains between the paw pads for a long time after freezing. Salt crystals can literally bite the skin like grains of sand in a shoe. If a pet licks its paws after being outside, it also ingests the chemicals stuck to the paws. In large amounts, road salt can cause digestive disturbances or nausea.

Particularly vulnerable are:

• Young and elderly animals whose skin is thinner or more fragile
• Short-haired dogs and cats that do not have a thick fur coat protecting their paws
• Dogs that walk extensively on paved streets in urban environments
• Animals that already have dry or sensitive paws

Practical solution: always avoid salted surfaces when walking your dog whenever possible. Choose routes with natural surfaces – sand, snow, or grass cause significantly less paw corrosion than urban asphalt. When salted areas cannot be avoided, remind yourself to rinse your pet’s paws immediately upon returning home.

The effect of frost on paw pads – cracks and dryness

Frost is, alongside road salt, another major enemy of paws. Cold effectively dries the skin – the same phenomenon that humans experience as dry hands and lips in winter also affects the pet’s paw pads. Frost removes moisture from the skin, causing the soft skin tissue to harden, shrink, and eventually crack.

The paw pad naturally has a thick layer of hardened skin that protects muscles and tendons. But even this layer needs moisture to remain flexible. When the paw alternately contacts cold snow, ice, and warm indoor floors, the skin is stressed by constant temperature fluctuations. Over time, the paw pad begins to resemble dried clay – it cracks uncomfortably and may bleed from deeper areas.

The contrast between winter and indoor environments is a significant problem especially for dogs living in heated homes. Indoor air is often very dry, which worsens the situation further. Underfloor heating can be comfortable for many dogs, but it also dries the paws from below.

The risk of cracks is especially high:

• Walking on frozen ground or ice, where paws are exposed to intense cold surface contact
• Long outdoor sessions in temperatures below –15 degrees Celsius without protection
• Running on ice crystals or hard-packed snow, where sharp ice crystals can cut the paw pads
• Inadequate paw care routine, neglecting moisturization

How to recognize paw injuries in time

The earlier you notice signs of paw injury, the easier it is to remedy the situation. Dogs and cats cannot express in words if their paws hurt – but their behavior can reveal a lot. Check your pet’s paws regularly, preferably every time they come inside.

Pay attention to the following signs:

• Repeated licking or biting of the paws – especially after coming inside or at night. This may indicate irritation, itching, or pain.
• Limping or hesitant walking – the animal avoids using the sore paw or walks cautiously.
• Redness, swelling, or moisture between the paws – signs of inflammation or irritation.
• Visible cracks or dry areas on the paw pads – often found on the edges of the paw pads or between the toes.
• Bloody or watery discharge in the paw – deeper wounds require a veterinarian's assessment.
• Dog or cat refuses to go outside or stands still outdoors lifting its paws.

If you notice any of these symptoms, examine the paws in calm lighting. Rinse the paw with warm water, dry gently, and check the condition of the skin. Small cracks and dryness usually respond well to regular moisturizing care. Deep wounds, bleeding, or obvious inflammation require a visit to the veterinarian.

Practical tips for protecting paws

Protecting paws in winter is based on four fundamentals: proactive protection before going outside, thorough rinsing when coming in, proper drying, and regular moisturizing. With these four routines, your pet’s paws will stay in good condition throughout the winter.

1. Paw wax – your best friend before a walk

Paw wax is the most effective way to create a protective layer between the paw pad and the outside world. Apply a thin layer of wax to the paws about 10–15 minutes before going out, allowing it to absorb. Natural paw wax forms a moisture barrier that prevents salt and moisture from penetrating sensitive skin and keeps the paw pads soft and flexible. Organic paw wax is especially suitable for winter use, as its formula is designed to withstand cold conditions.

Practical tip: Keep a paw wax jar by the door – this way you will remember to use it every time before going outside. Most dogs quickly get used to having paw wax applied when it is done calmly and the handling is rewarded with a treat.

2. Always rinse paws when coming inside

This is definitely the single most important practice you can start today. Rinse your pet’s paws with warm water after every outdoor walk. This is especially important in winter when streets are treated with salt or other anti-slip agents.

A small bucket or basin in the hallway is sufficient for rinsing. Wet the paws in water and wipe them clean, paying special attention to the spaces between the toes where salt crystals and dirt easily accumulate. Small stones or ice clumps can also get stuck between the paw pads and cause irritation if not removed.

3. Dry thoroughly

Rinsing alone is not enough – wet paws must be dried thoroughly. Moist spaces between the toes provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, which can lead to unpleasant infections. Use a soft towel or microfiber cloth and dry the paws gently but carefully. Pay special attention to drying between the toes.

If your pet has long fur around the paws, it is advisable to trim it tidily for winter. Long fur collects snowballs and salt, which increases the risk of irritation and makes drying more difficult.

4. Moisturize regularly

Paw wax can also be used for moisturizing after outdoor activities – and it is very suitable for this. High-quality paw wax absorbs effectively into the skin and leaves the paw pads soft. Make moisturizing the paws part of a weekly care routine – a calm moment spent with your pet on the sofa while treating the paws strengthens your bond and helps you monitor the condition of the paws.

5. Paw protectors – an option for special situations

Paw protectors, or pet boots, are one option especially for dogs whose paws are particularly sensitive or who already have existing skin injuries. Accepting boots requires acclimatization, and not all dogs are suited to the gait required when wearing boots. If you start using boots, acclimate your dog to them calmly indoors before the first outdoor walk.

Consider paw protectors especially:

• On long winter walks in the city, where there is a lot of salt
• In dogs that already have inflamed or damaged paws
• In older dogs, whose skin is thinner and more sensitive
• In severe frost, when outdoor time is long

For cat owners: Cats’ paws also need attention

Cats take care of themselves independently and maintain their cleanliness eagerly – but winter also brings special challenges for outdoor cats and those cats that can go outside via a balcony or yard. Cat owners often forget that cats are just as susceptible to road salt and frost as dogs are.

Outdoor cats have the opportunity to choose their own route, and many cats know how to avoid salted areas. Still, contact with salt cannot always be avoided, especially in urban environments. The cat licks its paws clean every time it comes inside – this means that all salt and chemicals stuck to the paws end up in the cat’s digestive system.

Tips for cat owners:

• Check the outdoor cat’s paws regularly during winter – especially between the toes, where salt crystals and ice clumps can get stuck.
• Allow the cat to come back inside anytime – the cat will signal when the outdoor cold feels too much.
• Rinsing paws is possible even with cats, although it requires more patience. Many cats get used to having their paws wiped with a damp cloth if it is started calmly already in kittenhood.
• Wax for paws can also be used for cats – choose a natural, cat-safe formula. Since cats lick their paws, it is especially important that the product used is made from safe ingredients.
• Indoor cats may experience paw dryness due to dry indoor air and underfloor heating in winter. Regular paw checks and moisturizing when needed are also part of indoor cat care.

Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, so pay special attention to behavioral changes: excessive paw licking, hesitant walking, or reluctance to go outside may indicate paw problems.

Summary: Keep your pet’s paws in good condition throughout the winter

Paw care in winter is not complicated, but it requires consistency. By adopting a few simple routines into daily life, you ensure your pet can move painlessly and fully enjoy winter outings.

Key tips summarized:

• Apply paw wax before going outside – it protects against road salt and frost
• Rinse paws with warm water every time after coming indoors
• Dry paws thoroughly – especially between the toes
• Moisturize paws regularly with wax even when indoors
• Check paws weekly – identify problems before they worsen
• Remember cat paws – outdoor cats also need winter care
• Consider paw protectors in special situations or for pets with particularly sensitive paws

Small actions make a big difference. Your pet cannot ask for help – but you can learn to read its needs and provide the best possible care even during the harshest winter moments. Paw care is one of the simple everyday ways to show love concretely.