Winter Warning: Road Salt and Your Dog’s Paws

Now that snow has arrived in Markham, it’s important to remember that the salt and ice-melt products used on roads and sidewalks can be harsh on your dog’s paws. These substances can cause dryness, irritation, and even small cracks or burns. The good news is that with a few simple preventive steps, you can protect your dog’s feet and keep winter walks comfortable and safe.

Why Road Salt Matters

Salt and other de-icing chemicals can get trapped between your dog’s paw pads and toes. Over time, this leads to irritation, inflammation, and small abrasions that can become painful or infected. When the skin barrier on the paw pads is compromised, even minor contact with salt or ice can sting or burn. Dogs will often try to lick their paws after walks to relieve the discomfort, which can lead to ingestion of salt or other chemicals that may upset their stomach.

How to Tell if Your Dog’s Feet Are Bothering Them

Watch for subtle changes in your dog’s behavior after walks. Signs of discomfort can include limping, reluctance to continue walking, or holding up one paw. You may also notice your dog licking or chewing their paws more than usual, or see redness, cracking, or dryness on the pads. Sometimes, small salt crystals or grit are visible between the toes, and the paws may have a mild odor or appear inflamed.

Immediate Steps to Stop Salt from Hurting Them

After each walk, rinse your dog’s paws with lukewarm water to remove salt and debris. Make sure to dry their feet thoroughly, paying attention to the areas between the toes. Keeping the fur between their paw pads trimmed short will also help prevent snow, sal

t, and grit from accumulating. Try to use pet-safe ice melts on your own property, as traditional road salts can be irritating even in small amounts. If your dog tolerates them, dog booties or a protective paw balm can provide an effective barrier against salt and cold.

Proactive Ways to Prevent Problems

Before heading out for a walk, apply a paw balm or wax to form a protective coating on the pads. This reduces salt contact and helps retain moisture. Choose walking routes with less salt when possible, such as grassy areas or quieter side streets. Keep your dog’s nails trimmed to improve stability and prevent uneven weight-bearing that can stress the paw pads. After walks, check for cracks, dryness, or redness, and apply a gentle, moisturizing paw balm to keep their pads soft and resilient.

Booties can be an excellent investment for winter walks, especially for dogs with sensitive skin or lighter paw pads. For dogs that resist booties, regular paw checks and daily moisturization can make a big difference. Shorter, more frequent walks are often safer on heavily salted days. Remember that maintaining good nutrition and hydration also supports healthy skin and paw integrity throughout the winter season.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

If your dog shows persistent limping, bleeding, open sores, or swelling on their paws, or if you suspect they have ingested a significant amount of road salt or ice melt, contact your veterinarian. Prompt treatment can help prevent infection or further complications.

Final Thoughts

Winter can be a wonderful time to enjoy outdoor activities with your pet, but a little extra care goes a long way in keeping them safe. By rinsing their paws after walks, using protective products, and staying alert for signs of irritation, you can prevent road salt from turning winter fun into discomfort. If you’d like recommendations for paw balms, booties, or pet-safe de-icing products, our team at Main Street Markham Animal Clinic is happy to help.

References

1. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Cold Weather Safety Tips for Pets. 2024.

2. Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). Cold Weather and Pets. 2024.

3. The Humane Society of the United States. Winter Pet Safety. 2023.