What should I check if my dog's paws are sore after snow or ice?
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Overview
If your dog's paws are sore after snow or ice, the first things to check are salt irritation, small cuts, trapped grit, cracks and any redness or swelling between the toes. It could also be simple dryness from cold weather, but there may be more than one cause, so a quick look at the pads and between the toes is a sensible first step.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the soreness started after walking on gritted paths, salted roads or icy ground.
2. Look closely for redness, swelling, broken skin, cracks, scabs or any bleeding on the pads and around the claws.
3. Gently part the fur between the toes to see if salt, small stones, ice or mud is trapped there.
4. Check whether your dog is licking, chewing or holding one paw up more than the others, as that can point to a sore spot.
5. Feel the paws with your hand to see if one area feels hotter, more sensitive or more swollen than usual.
6. Compare all four paws. If only one paw is affected, a cut, thorn, nail issue or trapped debris may be more likely than general irritation.
7. Think about whether your dog has had similar problems after cold weather before, as some dogs are more prone to dry, sensitive paws in winter.
Common Causes
The most common cause is irritation from road salt, grit or de-icing chemicals on winter surfaces. Cold, dry air can also leave paw pads more prone to cracking and soreness.
Minor cuts, grazes or tiny pieces of gravel trapped between the toes can cause a lot of discomfort too. In some dogs, the cold itself may make an existing sensitive patch or mild skin problem more noticeable.
Less commonly, a sore paw may be linked to a nail issue, an inflamed toe, or a more general skin problem that just happens to show up after winter walks.
What To Do
If the paws look mildly irritated, rinse them with lukewarm water after walks and dry them carefully, especially between the toes. This can help remove salt and grit before your dog licks it off.
Keep walks shorter for a day or two if the paws are tender, and try to avoid the worst salted areas where you can. Check the paws again later that day to see if they look calmer or if the soreness is getting worse.
If the pads are dry, cracked or sensitive, keep an eye on them over the next few walks and make sure your dog isn't licking them constantly. Any obvious wound, swelling or worsening lameness should be taken more seriously.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the soreness is not improving after cleaning and rest, if your dog is limping, if there is marked swelling or bleeding, or if the skin looks broken and painful. You should also speak to a vet sooner if your dog seems very uncomfortable, won't let you touch the paw, or the problem keeps coming back.
Products That May Help
Winter paw care often comes down to keeping paws clean, dry and comfortable after outings. This collection may be useful as part of your usual washing and grooming routine when your dog has been on snowy or salted ground.
Related Questions
How do I clean my dog's paws after a winter walk?
Why is my dog licking their paws after snow?
Can cold weather crack my dog's paw pads?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.