Apply Vaseline To Your Dog’s Paws In The Winter (& Other Cold Weather Dog Hacks)
As the cold months roll in, it's easy to forget that our furry pals need winter prep just like we do. Even with their natural coats, many dogs—especially small or short-haired breeds—aren’t built to handle freezing temps on their own.
Luckily, there are plenty of smart, simple ways to keep your pup cozy and comfortable all season long. From DIY sweaters made out of old clothes to easy paw-cleaning hacks that protect your floors, these budget-friendly winter tips are practical and effective. They’ll help you care for your dog while keeping things warm, clean, and fun—no matter what the weather throws your way.
Don't Warm Their Water
Some dog owners think that using warm water in winter will help prevent their dog's bowl from freezing—but oddly enough, the opposite can sometimes be true. Thanks to the Mpemba effect, hot water can actually freeze faster than cold, though scientists are still figuring out why.
One theory is that warm water evaporates more quickly, reducing the amount left to freeze. So if you want your pup’s outdoor water to stay liquid longer, stick to cold water—or better yet, bring the bowl inside where freezing won’t be an issue.
Embellish Your Dog's Bed
Less exercise combined with chilly winter weather can lead to sore joints—especially for older dogs. Adding a few cozy blankets to your dog's bed is a simple way to keep them warm and comfy. Veterinarian Babette Gladstein suggests picking up affordable baby blankets or airline blankets from the drugstore for this purpose.
If joint pain is a concern, consider investing in a new bed or a memory foam pad designed to support aching joints. Heated dog beds and elevated indoor beds are also great options to help your furry friend stay comfortable through the cold months.
Create A Paw-Cleaning Station Near Your Door
Rain and snow often turn sidewalks into muddy messes, leaving paw prints all over your floors. To tackle this, keep a towel, pet wipes, or a soft brush by the door for quick cleanups.
One dog owner from the blog My Brown Newfies uses a shallow bin for her pup to step into after walks. Just skip the hose during winter—it's way too chilly. A simple wipe with a damp towel does the trick and keeps your dog’s paws nice and warm.
Keep Your Dogs More Active Outside
When it's cold outside, keeping your dog active is essential. If you get their blood flowing with enough exercise, they won’t feel chilly or miserable. Playing fetch with a ball launcher or tossing a frisbee can do the trick to warm them up.
Another great option is an "interval walk"—alternating between regular walking and jogging. This keeps both you and your dog warm without exhausting either of you. Plus, it’s a fantastic workout for both of you!
Give Them An Indoor Scavenger Hunt
When your dogs spend more time indoors, it's important to keep them physically and mentally engaged—or they might start acting out. One simple way to keep them busy is by setting up a doggy scavenger hunt.
Canine behavior consultant Joan Hunter Mayer suggests hiding dry dog food and toys around the house. She advises starting with easy spots—like hiding items in plain sight—and gradually increasing the difficulty as your dog catches on to the game.
Don't Bathe Them As Often
Some pet parents bathe their dogs more often than they should, but over-washing can strip away essential oils and leave skin dry. Groomer Monica Hardy notes that these natural oils play a key role in maintaining skin health and even help keep dogs warm.
According to the American Kennel Club, long-haired breeds should be bathed every 4 to 6 weeks, while short-haired dogs typically only need a wash every few months. In the colder months, that could mean your dog only needs one or two baths all season.
Why Dogs Need Boots
When owners put tiny shoes and socks on their dogs, it's not just for the adorable factor (though that’s definitely part of it!). In colder months, ice can build up under your dog’s paws, which can wear down their nails and make them brittle.
Without proper protection, you’ll need to regularly trim and care for your dog’s nails. Dog boots help avoid this extra maintenance. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can even use human socks to keep their feet safe.
Make A Clean Digging Box
If your dog loves to dig, you probably don't want them coming inside covered in mud. At the same time, you don’t want to take away their fun and exercise. A great solution is to create a clean digging box for them to enjoy!
Most digging boxes are simple—usually a wooden or plastic storage container filled with sand. It’s much easier to clean up than mud! Add some toys to the box to encourage your dog to dig there from time to time.
Make Paw Cream At Home
Just like cold weather can dry out our skin, it can also dry out your dog's paws. Keeping their paws moisturized helps prevent cracking, which keeps your dog comfortable and protects their paws from cuts.
The American Kennel Club suggests making your own paw balm by melting together oils and beeswax. Coconut oil and shea butter are both healthy options for dogs—and they smell wonderful. Simply melt four ounces of beeswax with a few teaspoons of oil, then let the mixture cool and solidify into a soothing cream.
Use A Pet-Safe Ice Melt
When snow falls, many people use salt to clear their walkways. However, salt can irritate your dog's paws, dry out their skin, and even increase the risk of slipping and cuts. To protect your dog, consider using an ice melt instead.
Ice melts designed specifically for pets are made to clear snow while keeping your dog’s paws safe. Veterinarian Sarah Gorman advises pet owners to be cautious, as ingesting ice melt can still upset dogs. She notes that the safest options contain propylene glycol.
Train Your Dog On Recall
Foggy weather can make it tough to spot your dog, even if they're wearing lights. To keep them safe during winter, teach your dog an emergency recall—a special command that means they must come immediately, no excuses.
Begin by picking a word different from the usual "come," since many dogs learn to ignore that one. Once you have your unique cue, reinforce it by rewarding your dog with special treats whenever they respond and come to you.
Create A Dog First Aid Kit
Cold temperatures pose real risks to dogs, including frostbite and hypothermia, so being prepared is key. Veterinarian Dr. Carol Osborne recommends keeping a pet first aid kit stocked with essentials like a blanket and thermometer to help assess and manage any early signs of trouble, such as shivering or discomfort.
According to the Ontario Humane Society, symptoms like sluggishness, weakness, or shallow breathing could point to hypothermia. If that happens, it's important to act fast: wrap your dog in warm blankets, use a hairdryer on a low setting, or position them near a safe heat source to help raise their body temperature gradually.
Protect Your Dog's Paws With Vaseline
Dogs shouldn't eat Vaseline, but it works well to keep their paws moisturized in winter. Before walking on snow or ice, a thin layer can protect their pads from cracking due to cold, salt, or rough surfaces.
If you don’t have Vaseline, olive oil or flaxseed oil are safe options. They help keep paws soft, and a small lick won’t harm your dog—just make sure they don’t think it’s food.
Create A Makeshift Path
Some dogs hesitate as soon as they step on the cold floor. They may look at their owners like, "Really? I have to freeze my paws?" If your dog won't walk to the car, lay out a tarp to create a pathway for them.
If you don't own tarp, use another material such as a towel, trash bag, tent, or blanket. You'll need either a thick or waterproof material to prevent the "path" from freezing over too quickly.
Warm Up Their Beds Beforehand
If you want to warm up your dog, place a heating pad on their bed. You'll have to monitor these since they involve electricity, but if you warm the blankets before your dog gets in, it should be fine.
Hot water bottles are also an option for those who don't want to deal with a heating pad. Or, you can heat up a pack of rice, which warms quickly and is safe for dogs to eat.
Keep Coats Long, But Groomed
While it's good to keep your dog's coat long in winter, you should still groom it regularly. Veterinarian Jeff Werber describes dog fur as a thermos, keeping your dog's body temperature level as long as it is working properly.
Dr. Werber asserts that fur won't work as well if it's matted, tangled, or dry. Keep a moisturizer around for your dog, and don't slack on brushing their fur. They won't feel as cold if you do so.
Pick Your Weather Battles
Although walking your dog in the morning or evening is convenient, it's also guaranteed to have the coldest weather. Your dog won't want to walk if they know that it'll be freezing. Take them outside when the sun comes up.
If you're able, walk your dog during the late morning or early afternoon when the sun is at its highest. It'll be more enjoyable for both you and your dog. Plus, your dog won't roll around in the morning dew.
Beware Of Drafts
When dogs lay on the floor or in their beds, they can feel drafts that their owners can't. These drafts, which slip through doors and windows, can make them chilly through the nights. Inspect your doors and windows when winter rolls around.
Use a towel to block the bottoms of doors. If your dog sleeps in a large room that doesn't warm easily, consider moving their bed to a smaller room or warming their bed with another hack on this list.
