Winter in Farr West, Ogden and the rest of Weber County means snowy sidewalks, icy driveways and plenty of salted roads. Most dogs love a romp in fresh snow, but their paws take a beating all season. Cold, dry air cracks pads, ice melt burns and irritates the skin, and packed snow forms painful ice balls between the toes.
Our team at Farr West Animal Hospital sees more paw injuries, skin irritation and winter poisonings once the snow starts. Here’s how to protect your dog’s feet, and what to watch for, from now until spring.
Why Winter Is Hard on Paws
A dog’s paw pads are tough, but not indestructible. Winter attacks them in several ways:
- Cold, dry air pulls moisture out of the pads, leaving them rough, cracked and sometimes bleeding.
- Ice melt and road salt can dry, crack or burn the pads, and cause vomiting or diarrhea if your dog licks them off.[1]
- Ice and crusted snow have sharp edges that can cut pads and the skin between the toes.
- Snowballs form when snow sticks to the fur between the toes and freezes, pulling on the skin with every step.
1. Choose Ice Melt Carefully
Deicers aren’t all equally risky. The AVMA notes that calcium-based products tend to be more irritating and toxic, while urea-based products are generally gentler. Most cause only mild stomach upset or skin irritation, but heavy contact or swallowing them can lead to burned, cracked paws, vomiting and diarrhea.[1]
Be cautious with labels. There’s no required standard behind a “pet-friendly” or “pet-safe” claim.[1]
At home:
- Use the smallest amount of deicer that works.
- Sand or kitty litter can add traction without chemicals.[1]
- Store deicer bags where dogs can’t chew them open.
You can’t control what your neighbors or the city put on sidewalks and roads, which is why the next step matters most.
2. Wipe Paws After Every Walk
The simplest habit makes the biggest difference. After each walk, wipe your dog’s paws, legs and belly with a damp cloth or a pet wipe to remove salt, chemicals and grit.[1] This keeps your dog from licking ice melt off its feet, and it gives you a chance to check for problems.
While you wipe, look for:
- Cracked, red or bleeding pads
- Cuts between the toes
- Swelling, limping or licking at one foot
Small cracks often heal with rest and a paw balm. Deep cuts, bleeding that won’t stop, or a dog that won’t bear weight should be seen.
3. Protect Paws Before You Go Out
- Booties give the best protection on salted sidewalks. Most dogs need a few short practice sessions indoors before they’ll walk normally in them.
- Paw wax or balm with a petrolatum or lanolin base forms a barrier against ice and salt.[1] Apply it before walks, and wipe it off afterward.
- Shorter walks on the coldest days. Small, short-coated, senior and sick dogs get cold fastest.
4. Trim the Fur Between the Pads
Long-haired breeds and doodles are prone to snowballs, because snow clings to the fur between their toes and freezes into hard ice balls. Keeping that fur trimmed short and even with the pads helps prevent them. Trimmed feet also hold less salt and grit.
Our grooming team can include a paw trim with a bath or full groom, and trim nails at the same time. Long nails change how a dog walks and make slipping on ice more likely.
5. Watch for Antifreeze
Antifreeze is one of the most dangerous winter poisons for dogs and cats. Most antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which has a sweet taste that attracts pets. It damages the kidneys and nervous system, and a very small amount can be fatal.[2]
Early signs can include vomiting, stumbling, seeming drunk, lethargy, and increased thirst and urination. Pets may seem to improve for a while before the kidneys start to fail.[2]
To prevent it:
- Clean up driveway and garage spills right away.
- Check your vehicles for radiator leaks.
- Store antifreeze tightly closed and out of reach.
- Consider a propylene glycol antifreeze, which is less toxic.[2]
If you think your pet drank antifreeze, don’t wait for symptoms. Treatment works best within hours. Call us right away, and ask about same-day urgent care during our hours, or go straight to the nearest emergency hospital after hours.
6. Know the Signs of Frostbite and Hypothermia
Fur doesn’t make dogs immune to the cold. Dogs and cats can get frostbite and hypothermia, and young, old, thin and sick pets are the most at risk.[1] On the coldest Northern Utah days, keep walks short and watch your dog closely.
Signs your dog is too cold:
- Shivering, whining or anxiety
- Slowing down, weakness or reluctance to keep walking
- Lifting paws off the ground
- Looking for warm places to burrow
If you notice these signs, head inside and warm your dog up with dry towels and a blanket.[1] Frostbite most often affects the ears, tail and toes. It can be hard to see at first and may not show up for a few days, so call us if the skin looks pale, gray, red or swollen afterward.[1]
7. Other Cold-Weather Reminders
- Frozen ponds and canals can look solid and still give way. Keep dogs leashed near water in winter.[1]
- Check under the hood. Cats sometimes curl up near warm car engines. Knock on the hood before starting the car.[1]
- Update ID tags and microchip records. Snow covers the scents dogs use to find their way home.[1]
- Mind stiff joints. Cold weather often makes arthritis worse. If your senior dog is slower to get up, ask us about pain management and laser therapy.
Winter Care From Your Neighborhood Vet
Farr West Animal Hospital has cared for pets in Farr West, Ogden, North Ogden, Layton and Plain City since 2010. Whether your dog needs a winter paw trim, a wellness exam or a same-day visit for a cut pad, we’re here. Call (801) 731-0511 or request an appointment online.
