How to Protect Your Dog This Winter

Winter can be a wonderful time for you and your dog — but cold weather brings real hazards including frostbite, icy surfaces, and chemical burns from road salt. Follow these tips to keep your dog safe and comfortable all season.

Dog Paw Protection

Wipe Paws After Every Outing

Each time you come inside, wipe down your dog's paws to remove ice, salt, and chemicals that can accumulate between their pads and toes. This also gives you a chance to check for cracks or irritation. Browse our dog grooming collection for paw care tools.

Use Dog Booties

Dog booties protect paws from ice formation, salt, and chemical exposure, and provide extra traction on slippery surfaces. They fit like socks with a protective sole — a worthwhile investment for regular winter walks. Find options in our dog accessories collection.

Apply Petroleum Jelly

Rub petroleum jelly into your dog's paw pads before and after going outside. It prevents drying and cracking, and creates a barrier between the pads and icy or chemically treated surfaces.

Keeping Dogs Warm Outside

Dog Outerwear

Large breeds with thick coats (like German Shepherds and Huskies) handle cold better than small or short-haired breeds. Puppies are also more vulnerable to the cold. For small, short-haired, or young dogs, a well-fitted sweater, vest, or jacket is a good idea. Look for outerwear with a high collar to cover the neck, long enough to reach the base of the tail, and that wraps under the belly.

Limit Time Outside

Daily exercise is still important in winter — but limit outdoor sessions to 10–15 minutes at a time in freezing temperatures. Watch for signs your dog is too cold: shivering, whining, anxiety, or lethargy. If you see any of these, bring them inside immediately. See our guide on exercising with your dog for indoor and outdoor alternatives.

Proper Shelter

Don't Leave Your Dog Outside Too Long

Dogs left outside in the cold can develop hypothermia and frostbite. If your dog spends time outdoors, ensure their doghouse is winterized with:

• Insulating materials like straw or blankets
• Enough space to stand and move, but small enough to retain body heat
• A bed raised off the ground
• Fresh water that's checked and refilled frequently to prevent freezing

Browse our dog beds collection for insulated and elevated bed options.

Never Leave Them in a Cold Car

Just as cars become dangerously hot in summer, they can become dangerously cold in winter — trapped cold air can be fatal. Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle without heat running. If in doubt, leave them at home.

For more seasonal safety, see our guides on protecting your dog from summer heat and tick prevention in the yard.