Winter Paw Care for Dogs in Montreal: Salt, Ice and Cold
Montreal sidewalks spend months covered in salt, gravel and ice. It’s hard on paws. Here is a simple routine for before and after every winter walk, how to tell when it’s too cold, and the signs that mean it’s time to call your vet.
The Paw CrewOctober 11, 20265 min read
01Why winter is hard on paws
Paw pads are tough, but a Montreal winter adds up: cold, dry air, rough ice, gravel, and the salt and chemical de-icers spread on sidewalks and streets.
- Salt dries the pads and can sting small cracks or cuts
- Snow packs into the hair between the toes and forms painful ice balls, especially in long-haired dogs
- Dogs lick their paws after walks, and swallowing salt or de-icer can upset their stomach
- Antifreeze that drips from cars is sweet-tasting and very toxic to dogs
02Before the walk: protect
- Dog boots are the best barrier against salt and ice. Choose a snug pair with a grippy sole, and let your dog get used to them indoors with treats
- No boots? Rub a paw balm or wax on the pads before you go out. It makes a thin layer between the pad and the salt
- Keep the hair between the pads trimmed short so snow can’t ball up (a paw-pad trim is part of every full grooming at Chloe’s Spaw)
- Keep nails short so your dog walks with good grip on ice
- A coat or sweater helps small and short-haired dogs stay warm
03After the walk: rinse, dry, check
- Rinse each paw in a bowl of lukewarm water, or wipe with a damp cloth, to remove salt and de-icer
- Dry well, especially between the toes
- Check the pads for cracks, cuts, redness or limping
- Wipe the belly and legs too if your dog walked through slush
- Apply a little paw balm on dry pads, and stop your dog from licking it all off right away
If your dog keeps licking a paw, limps, or the pad is red, swollen or bleeding, call your vet.
04How cold is too cold?
Every dog is different. A Husky and a Chihuahua don’t feel the same −20 °C. Short-haired, small, senior and very young dogs, and dogs with health conditions, get cold much faster.
- On very cold or windy days, take several short walks instead of one long one
- Watch for shivering, lifting paws, slowing down, whining or trying to turn back home: it’s time to go inside
- Pale, grey or bluish skin on the ears, tail or paws can be a sign of frostbite: warm your dog gently and call your vet
- Never leave your dog in a parked car in winter: it gets as cold as a fridge
05How Doggieville MTL helps all winter
Even on the coldest days, dogs still need to move. Doggieville MTL is open all winter, with free parking.
- DV Playcare: a 4,500 sq ft heated indoor park for daycare, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm
- Yoda’s Splash: a private heated indoor pool, open year-round, even at −30 °C outside
- Chloe’s Spaw: baths to rinse out winter salt, paw-pad trims and walk-in nail trims, 7 days a week
- Lola’s Corner: dog clothing and accessories, open 7 days
Winter paw care FAQ
Written by
The Paw Crew
The Paw Crew is the team that cares for every dog at Doggieville MTL: boarding, daycare, grooming and pool staff who are First Aid certified and spend every day with dogs of all sizes and ages.
Meet the team behind Doggieville MTL
