Winter Paw Care in Toronto: Salt, Slush and Cold-Weather Walks

November 9, 2026 · 5 min read · By the WalkDogs.ca pack leaders

Toronto's sidewalks get salted from the first frost until spring, and for dogs that means months of walking on something that stings. Salt dries and cracks paw pads, burns any small cut, and gets licked off later. Here's the routine our pack leaders follow all winter.

Before the walk

• Trim the fur between the toes. Long fur collects ice balls and salt crystals. A tidy trim makes the rest of this list much easier.
• Use a paw balm or wax. A thin layer works as a barrier against salt and slush. Rub it in just before you head out.
• Consider booties. Most dogs walk like a cartoon character for the first few minutes, then forget about them. Fit matters: they should be snug at the wrist and not twist when your dog walks.
• Add a coat for short-haired, small or senior dogs. Greyhounds, chihuahuas and older dogs lose heat quickly.

During the walk

• Walk on snow or grass where you can, rather than freshly salted concrete.
• Watch for limping, lifting paws or stopping. That usually means salt is stinging or ice has packed between the toes.
• Keep your dog away from puddles near driveways. Antifreeze is sweet-tasting and highly toxic.
• Keep the leash short near the road. Snowbanks make drivers' sightlines worse, and icy patches make stopping harder.

After the walk: the most important part

Wipe or rinse your dog's paws every time you come inside. A bowl of lukewarm water by the door and a towel do the job. Get between the pads and toes, dry thoroughly, and add a little balm if the pads look dry or cracked. This stops your dog licking salt off later, which can upset their stomach.

Our pack leaders wipe paws at the end of every winter walk before your dog goes back inside, and note any cracked pads or redness in the walk report.

Pet-safe ice melt at home

You can't control the city's salt, but you can control your own steps and walkway. Look for ice melt labelled pet-safe, or use sand for grip. It's kinder to your dog and to the neighbourhood dogs who walk past your door.

How cold is too cold?

There's no single number. It depends on your dog's size, coat, age and health, and on wind chill. As a rule of thumb, most healthy dogs are fine on a normal walk around freezing. Below about -10°C, shorten walks for small, short-coated, young and senior dogs. On the bitterest days, a few short potty breaks plus indoor play may be kinder than one long walk. Signs your dog has had enough include shivering, lifting paws, slowing down, or trying to turn for home.

We walk in all normal winter weather and adjust the length and route for extreme cold, so dogs still get their break without risk. Ask us about Puppy & Senior Visits for dogs who are better off with a short outing on the coldest days.

When to call the vet

Call your vet if a pad is bleeding, cracked deeply, swollen or blistered, if your dog won't put weight on a paw, or if you think they've licked up antifreeze or a large amount of ice melt. Antifreeze is an emergency, so don't wait for symptoms.

Winter doesn't have to mean shorter, sadder walks. With a little prep, your dog can enjoy the snow as much as the summer. If you'd like help keeping your dog moving this winter, book a free first walk.