Healthy Together: Winter Adventures, Paws, Noses & Staying Active
Dr. Kathryn Arbic, DVM
Winter in Eastern Ontario can be beautiful, but it can also be hard on our pets. Snow, ice, salt, wind and cold temperatures can affect paws, skin and noses—and slippery conditions can make getting around more challenging.
But winter doesn't have to mean putting our pets' health and activity on hold. With a little preparation and attention to how our animals are responding to the conditions, winter can still be a season for movement, exploration and time together.
Winter and Your Pet's Paws
Our pets' paw pads are tough, but they aren't invincible. Ice can cause cuts and abrasions, while salt and other de-icing products can irritate the skin between the toes and around the pads. Dogs with longer hair between their toes may also develop uncomfortable balls of packed snow or ice.
A few simple habits can help:
Check your dog's paws regularly during and after winter walks.
Wipe or rinse paws with lukewarm water after walks to remove salt, de-icers and debris.
Check between the toes for ice, snow or irritation.
Paw balms can help protect and soothe dry or cracked pads.
Well-fitting boots can provide additional protection, particularly for dogs that are sensitive to salt or spend extended periods outdoors.
If your dog has long hair between the toes, keeping it neatly trimmed can help reduce snow and ice accumulation.
If you are introducing boots, don't wait until the first major snowstorm. Let your dog get used to wearing them gradually indoors, using positive reinforcement so that boots become associated with something enjoyable.
What About That Dry Nose?
A dry nose isn't necessarily a sign that your dog is sick. Healthy dogs can have temporarily dry or warm noses after sleeping, exercising, or being exposed to wind and cold. Some dogs also naturally have drier noses than others.
Winter conditions can contribute to dryness and irritation, particularly with exposure to cold, wind and dry indoor air. However, persistent cracking, crusting, sores, bleeding or changes in the appearance of the nose are worth discussing with your veterinarian. A dry nose accompanied by other changes such as lethargy or loss of appetite also warrants attention.
Don't Let Winter Stop the Movement
One of the biggest challenges of winter isn't necessarily the cold—it's that both people and pets can become less active when the days get shorter and the weather becomes less inviting.
Regular movement is important for our pets' physical and mental well-being. It helps maintain healthy body weight, supports muscle and joint health, and provides opportunities for exploration and enrichment. Dogs don't just need to walk; they need opportunities to sniff, investigate, play and experience their environment.
Winter can actually offer some wonderful opportunities to do this together. Depending on your dog's fitness, breed and comfort with the cold, consider hiking, snowshoeing, trail running, skijoring or simply exploring a snowy neighbourhood trail. Even a shorter outdoor adventure can provide valuable physical exercise and mental stimulation.
And when conditions truly aren't suitable for a long outing, there are plenty of ways to keep your pet engaged indoors. Try scent games, training exercises, food puzzles or interactive play. The goal isn't to maintain the exact same routine year-round—it's to keep finding ways to move, explore and connect.
Know Your Dog's Limits
There is no single temperature that is "too cold" for every dog. A dog's tolerance depends on factors such as size, age, body condition, health, coat type and whether they are accustomed to cold weather. Puppies, seniors, underweight dogs, small breeds and dogs with short or thin coats may need additional protection.
Pay attention to what your dog is telling you. Shivering, lifting their paws, slowing down, becoming reluctant to walk, tucking their tail or trying to turn back are all signs that they may be uncomfortable and it's time to head inside. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold can result in frostbite or hypothermia.
And remember that winter safety applies to both ends of the leash. Ice can be just as hazardous for us as it is for our pets. Choose routes with good traction, use reflective clothing or lights during darker hours, and don't be afraid to modify your plans when conditions are poor.
Healthy Together
Winter asks us to adapt, not to stop.
The same walk that gives your dog exercise may give you a reason to get outside on a dark afternoon. A snowy trail provides new smells and experiences for your dog while giving you an opportunity to move, breathe fresh air and step away from the demands of the day.
This is one of the things I love about the human-animal relationship: our pets can help us build healthy habits simply by needing us to participate in the world with them.
The healthiest habits are often the ones we share. With a little preparation, awareness and flexibility, winter can be an opportunity for both you and your pet to stay active, engaged and healthy—whatever the weather brings.
© 2026 Kathryn Arbic / Callisto Therapeutics. All rights reserved. Ottawa-Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada.
