As pet parents, we need to meet the needs of our furry companions. That includes giving them an opportunity to be active with walks and other activities even when the temperatures drop and there’s snow on the ground.However, the frigid winter temperatures and harsh elements can pose serious risks to your dog’s delicate paws. Cold, dry air can cause cracked paw pads, while icy sidewalks and sidewalk salt can cause painful cuts and injuries. Some de-icers are even toxic!Just like we bundle up in warm coats and boots to protect ourselves this time of year, our furry friends may also need a little extra protection. Let’s discuss when winter paw protection for dogs is necessary and what products are available to help keep your pup’s paws happy and healthy all season long.How Cold is Too Cold for a Dog’s Paws? When considering the risk of injury to a dog’s paws, we usually jump to dangers that could cause a cut or scrape, like rough, icy surfaces or road salt. However, the cold temperature alone could spell trouble in some situations. But how cold is too cold? When should we be worried about the safety of our pups on our winter walks? There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer. The truth is that some dog breeds are better suited to the winter season than others. Breeds like the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky were born to work and thrive in arctic environments. But the same can’t be said for all dogs. A good general rule of thumb is that temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower carry a significantly increased risk of frostbite. In this weather, most experts recommend severely limiting your dog's time outdoors or using paw protection to keep their paws safe from the ice and cold. That said, you should monitor your dog closely for signs that they are feeling cold. Keep an eye open for signs of discomfort, such as: Cautiously lifting their paws up Shifting from paw to paw Slowing down or refusing to walk at all Whining or barking to get your attention Shivering or tremblingIf you’re outdoors on a walk or playing in the yard and notice any of these signs, make your way back to shelter (your house or your vehicle) as soon as possible to allow your dog to warm back up again. Do Dogs Need Paw Protection in the Winter? Deciding whether your dog needs paw protection will depend on several factors, the most important being the temperature that they are comfortable at without paw protection and your lifestyle. If you have a dog who thrives in the cold or is only ever outdoors in the cold weather long enough to go to the bathroom and then come right back indoors again, they may be fine without the added layer of protection. However, here are a few situations where paw protection could make a considerable difference in your dog’s safety and comfort: Places with Extreme Temperatures If you live in a space where freezing temperatures are the norm, you will have fewer days to get out and enjoy a walk or other outdoor activity without worrying about frostbite. Don’t let this keep you feeling trapped indoors. Instead, gear up your pup so they can still get out and enjoy the great outdoors regardless of the temps. Road Salts and De-Icers Do you enjoy winter walks, but your local sidewalks and roadways are covered in road salts and de-icers? If so, you may want to consider taking steps to keep your pup safe from these potentially harmful products. Some de-icer products are incredibly toxic for dogs. This isn’t to say your dog will grab a mouthful while you’re on a walk. But if they pick up some of that de-icer on their paws, they may carry it home. At that point, simply licking their paws to clean up after their walk could cause them to ingest the toxin. When you remove your dog’s boots, any product they have picked up will go with them. Even if the road salt you encounter is dog-friendly, there is still the risk of harm. Yes, pet-friendly de-icers are considerably safer than the other options. But there is still a risk they can irritate your dog’s paws from the rough surface or sharp pieces of salt. If your pup has any cuts or existing injuries on their paw, the salt can irritate it further. Sensitive Pups Some dogs are more sensitive to cold temperatures than others, just like some people are more sensitive. This could be due to their breed. Some common dog breeds known for being sensitive to the cold include the chihuahua, greyhound, boxer, Chinese crested, and basenji. Additionally, some dogs will be more susceptible to feeling cold even if their breed isn’t on that list. This includes senior dogs, young puppies, and dogs with health conditions such as: Arthritis Heart disease Kidney disease Diabetes Cushing’s disease Hormonal imbalancesExisting Paw Injuries When discussing road salt, I mentioned that those products may irritate existing cuts or injuries on a dog’s paw, but that isn’t the only time an injury may require some added protection this season. If your dog has an open wound or injury, the snow and ice may cause pain, irritation, or even increase the risk of infection. Exposed wounds are also at a higher risk of suffering from frostbite, plus the cold can slow the healing process. Bandages on the paws can also pick up snow or moisture, leading to further irritation. In these situations, your veterinarian may have recommended limiting the time your dog is spending outdoors or using some sort of protection on your dog’s injured paw to prevent the injury from getting worse.