How to understand when your dog freezes during walk and prevent frostbite on their paws

Main signs that your dog’s paws are freezing

Lifting of paws

Your dog may start lifting its paws one by one, trying to keep them off the cold surface. This is similar to how a person shifts weight from foot to foot when standing on a cold floor.

In particularly cold weather, your dog may try to keep its paw raised for an extended period without putting it down on the ground, asphalt, or snow.

Limping or slowing down

If your dog starts to limp or noticeably slows its pace during a walk, it could be a sign that its paws have frozen and become too sensitive.

Nervousness and whining

Discomfort from the cold can manifest in your pet's nervous behavior. Your dog may start whining, showing signs of anxiety, or trying to stop and turn back home.

Stops and refusal to continue

If your dog suddenly stops during a walk and refuses to continue, especially if this is unusual for them, it’s another clear signal that their paws are freezing.

Shivering or chills

While these are general signs of hypothermia, shivering can also be a response to frozen paws, especially when combined with other symptoms.

Veterinarians urge not to ignore these signals. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to shorten or end the walk.

How to protect your dog from hypothermia

It's important to remember that prevention is always better than treatment. Before heading out for a walk in cold weather, think about protecting your dog's paws. Today, there is a wide range of specialized dog boots or protective creams and waxes available on the market. These not only help keep your dog's paws warm but also protect them from damage caused by salt and chemicals that municipal workers spread on the roads.

Regularly check your pet’s paws. After each walk, inspect your dog’s paws for cracks, cuts, or frostbite.

Experts especially recommend paying extra attention to small dogs, elderly animals, and dogs with short fur, as they are more susceptible to hypothermia.

If you notice your dog showing signs of frozen paws, immediately return to a warm place.

The article was based on sources such as the veterinary website PetMD and advice from the animal protection organization ASPCA.