Your dog in winter: what’s good for him now

A healthy dog usually copes well with the cold, and many love romping through the snow. Even so, there are a few things worth keeping in mind for your dog in winter: small and short-haired dogs get cold more quickly, ice balls and de-icing salt are hard on the paws, gritted snow and antifreeze can be toxic, and in the dark your dog is easily overlooked.

Your dog in winter: which dogs get cold quickly

• Short coat: Dogs with short coats often need a jumper or coat on cold days.
• Small dogs: Small dogs lose heat faster than large ones.
• Wet weather: A wet dog is a cold dog. A coat helps above all in rain and snow, because it keeps him warm and dry.
• Winter-ready breeds: Breeds such as Huskies or Malamutes come with their own winter coat.

How to tell your dog is too cold

• Shivering: He shivers or holds himself stiffly.
• Sounds: He whines or yelps.
• Way home: He pulls on the lead towards home.
• What to do: Then it’s time to cut the walk short. Dogs can get hypothermia too.

Ice balls and de-icing salt on the paws

Ice balls easily form between the pads, especially in dogs with a lot of fur on their paws. They hurt when walking. So trim the fur between the toes. De-icing salt and other ice melts irritate the pads. Dog boots or a paw balm offer protection, and after the walk you wipe the paws with lukewarm water or a damp cloth so that your dog doesn’t lick off any residue.

May my dog eat snow?

Don’t let your dog eat snow that may have been gritted, especially not slush at the edge of roads or pavements. Ice melts often cause tummy ache, vomiting and diarrhoea, in severe cases even dehydration. If a dog has taken in a lot of salt, the sodium level in the blood can rise and trigger trembling or seizures. Then it’s an emergency. Large amounts of clean snow don’t agree with every dog’s stomach either. So don’t let him eat lots of snow, and call the vet if he vomits or has diarrhoea afterwards.

Antifreeze: sweet and dangerous

Car antifreeze tastes sweet and attracts dogs. Even a small amount can permanently damage the kidneys and be fatal. Wipe up spilled antifreeze immediately and store it tightly closed and out of reach. If your dog has licked some, go to the vet immediately.

Being seen in the dark

• Lights: A light-up collar or a flashing tag makes your dog visible even from a distance.
• Reflectors: A reflective lead, harness or vest helps too.
• You: Wear light-coloured or reflective clothing yourself so that others can see that person and dog belong together.
• On the lead: Keep your dog on the lead near roads in the dark.

Frequently asked questions

Does my dog need a coat in winter?
Small and short-haired dogs get cold more quickly and often benefit from a coat, especially in wet weather. Dogs with a thick winter coat usually don’t need one.

May my dog eat snow in winter?
Never gritted snow or slush at the roadside. He shouldn’t eat large amounts of clean snow either.

What should I do if my dog has eaten de-icing salt?
Call the vet straight away. A lot of salt can cause trembling and seizures, which is an emergency.

How do I care for my dog’s paws in winter?
Trim the fur between the toes, use boots or paw balm if needed and wipe the paws after every walk.

Sources

• VCA Animal Hospitals: Cold weather safety for your pets, accessed 2026.
• ASPCA: Keeping Pets Safe during Winter: The Dangers of Ice Melts, 2018.

With a little care around cold, salt and darkness, winter becomes a lovely season for your dog, with lots of fun in the snow.

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