Winter Dog Care: Protecting Paws and Coat the Right Way

In winter, paw care decides how well your dog copes with snow and grit. Wash the paws with warm water after every walk, including between the toes and pads. Keep the hair between the pads short so that less ice builds up there. Paw trimming starts at 18 €, the full groom from 79 €. We don't shave breeds with an undercoat, instead we de-mat by hand.

How do you protect your dog's paws from road salt?

Rinse the paws with warm water after every winter walk, including between the toes and pads. De-icers like sodium chloride and calcium chloride make pavements safer but can damage the pads. The American Kennel Club points this out. The PDSA writes that salt and grit irritate the paws and also recommends washing them.

A bucket by the front door makes rinsing easier, as the American Kennel Club suggests. Apply a thin layer of paw balm to the pads before heading out. The PDSA names this as protection against cracked pads. For dry skin, the American Kennel Club says a moisturising treatment can also help.

Dog boots keep salt and ice away from the pads. According to the PDSA, they're helpful if your dog will tolerate them. Nail trimming starts at 15 €, the 4-in-1 combo package from 45 €. You'll find both under Individual Services.

How do you prevent snowballs from forming between the pads?

Keep the hair between the pads short, as snow finds less to cling to there. The American Kennel Club advises trimming the foot hair of long-haired dogs flush with the foot, otherwise ice balls form between the pads and toes.

The PDSA recommends the same and adds two points. Check the paws after every walk in the snow. If snow is stuck fast, soften it in warm water rather than pulling the clumps off. Paw trimming with us starts at 18 €. The full groom starts at 79 €.

How do you spot frostbite in dogs?

Pale, blue or grey skin on the ears, paws or tail is a typical sign. According to the American Kennel Club, the risk starts below freezing point. The body redirects blood from the tail, ears, nose and paws to the internal organs. Frostbite can set in after as little as around 30 minutes.

The American Kennel Club lists these signs:

• pain or sensitivity to the touch
• swelling at the affected area
• pale, blue or grey discolouration of the skin
• Skin that feels cold to the touch
• Stiffness or an unsteady walk
• Blisters, skin ulcers or, later on, black, dead skin

Frostbite is often followed by hypothermia, which can be fatal. The risk is highest for small dogs, short-haired dogs, puppies and seniors. Wet or damp fur raises the risk even further, so only let your dog out with a dry coat.

How cold is too cold for your dog outside?

There's no fixed temperature. The American Kennel Club offers a rule of thumb: if it's too cold for you, it's probably too cold for your dog too. Very young and very old dogs find it harder to regulate their body temperature, so the American Kennel Club advises keeping them indoors during severe frost.

According to the American Kennel Club, small, delicate and short-haired dogs need a proper winter coat or jumper. The same goes for large short-haired breeds like Greyhounds. The PDSA also mentions older or unwell dogs, who feel the cold more.

Keep walks short during frost, according to the American Kennel Club. Shorter walks also help dogs adjust to the temperature. If outdoor exercise is reduced, the PDSA recommends extra playtime indoors and adjusting food portions accordingly. Dogs can slip on ice, which the American Kennel Club warns can lead to muscle strains and other injuries. The PDSA points out that such falls can cause serious injury, especially for dogs with joint issues like arthritis.

How long should the coat be in winter?

We don't clip breeds with an undercoat, instead we de-mat them by hand. The undercoat is the dense, soft layer of fur beneath the topcoat. This includes Spitz, Pomeranian, Husky and Golden Retriever. The American Kennel Club notes that thick-coated Nordic breeds cope well with low temperatures.

We only offer clipping for breeds whose coat allows it, such as Poodle, Doodle, Bichon, Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier. Light matting is included in the price, while heavily matted fur costs from €15 per 15 minutes started. With very severe matting, we often recommend a short clip, as it's gentler on the dog and more affordable. Alina (Senior Groomer) specialises in Pomeranians, Standard Poodles and large breeds, while Nata (Master Groomer) is an all-rounder with over ten years of experience. For tips on preventing matting in winter, check out our article Preventing Matted Fur.

We wash with pH-neutral natural products from LT and Ecopets in our Hydra bathing tub. After your appointment, make sure your dog's coat is dry before heading back outside. According to the American Kennel Club, damp patches are more prone to frostbite.

Winter must-haves and hazards to watch out for

According to the PDSA, antifreeze is highly toxic to pets: the American Kennel Club notes that even a teaspoon can cause kidney failure.

1. Store antifreeze and de-icer out of reach, and thoroughly wipe up any spills, according to the PDSA.
2. If you suspect your dog has swallowed something, contact your vet straight away, don't wait for symptoms to appear.
3. Keep your dog on the lead near frozen ponds and lakes, the ice can break.
4. In the dark, use a light-up collar, reflective lead and torch, as the PDSA recommends.
5. Don't let your dog off the lead after dark, as hazards are hard to spot then.
6. Keep festive plants like holly, ivy and poinsettia out of reach, they're toxic.
7. Only choose heated dog beds with an automatic shut-off, built specifically for dogs.
8. Add extra blankets to the dog bed, raised beds help keep older dogs out of draughts.

Winter care at a glance

Book an appointment at GroomRoom Berlin

We are here for you from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 to 18:00 at Giesebrechtstraße 2, 10629 Berlin. The nearest stops are U7 Adenauerplatz (5 minutes on foot), U1 and U9 Kurfürstendamm (10 minutes). You can park on Giesebrechtstraße and Brandenburgische Straße. All starting prices can be found on our Prices page. We explain the ideal time between two appointments in our article How often to visit the dog groomer. You can reserve your spot around the clock: book an appointment online.