Paw pads and deep cold: protecting your dog in winter

A dog working in the snow is a happy dog — provided you look after its weak points. The paw pads above all. Here's how to keep your dog comfortable and safe when the thermometer drops.

Why paw pads suffer

Packed snow and ice abrade the skin; dry cold dries it out and cracks it; and small balls of ice readily form between the toes of long-haired dogs, sometimes hampering their gait. Nothing serious if you prepare, but an ignored crack can cut a trip short.

Before the effort

Prepare the skin well before winter: outings on varied terrain naturally toughen the paw pads. Just before a trip in deep cold, a protective balm specific to paws (wax-based) creates a useful barrier. Also remember to trim the hair between the paw pads: that's where ice takes hold.

Booties, yes or no?

It depends on the dog. Some accept them readily and gain real protection on long outings or over solid ice; others won't tolerate them. If you want to try them, get your dog used to them at home, a few minutes at a time, well before departure. A poorly fitting bootie that comes loose on the trail is useless.

After the effort

Back home, the reflex: inspect each paw, remove ice balls in lukewarm water (never by pulling), dry between the toes, and check for redness or cuts. A cut pad either heals early or gets worse.

Beyond the paws

Cold affects the whole dog. Nordic dogs are built for it, but a short-haired or small dog may need a technical coat when resting and after effort. Watch for shivering, withdrawn behaviour, a stiff gait: these are signs to stop. Give water (a dog dehydrates even in deep cold) and offer a warm place to recover — a sauna for you, a dry and warm corner for them.

Our approach

Our own dogs live these conditions throughout the season: we know the reflexes that work and those that only reassure unnecessarily. During your stay, we check together your dog's condition before and after each outing. The rule is simple: a comfortable dog is a dog that loves to work.

First Lapland winter with your dog? We watch over its comfort with you, outing after outing.