Paw Protection in Winter: Ice, Salt, and Cracked Pads

Dogs' paw pads are naturally resilient, but winter surfaces can damage them quickly.

Common Winter Hazards

• De-icing salt: Causes chemical burns or irritation.

• Sharp ice: Can cut or split pads.

• Frozen ground: Creates micro-cracks from repeated stress.

• Balling snow between toes: Especially for long-haired breeds.

How to Protect Your Dog’s Paws

• Rinse after walks: Remove salt and small ice particles.

• Apply paw balm: Creates a protective wax layer.

• Trim fur between toes: Prevents snow clumps.

• Use dog booties: Especially during long walks or city environments.

A dog’s paw pad anatomy — with its fatty cushioning, sweat glands, and thick keratin layer — is uniquely adapted for shock absorption. Understanding these structures helps owners appreciate why winter can strain them. It’s also one of the reasons veterinary students train using detailed VETVR 3D models that include paw pad layers and vascular structures for better clinical understanding.