If your pet walks on salted or chemically treated areas, be sure to wash its paws after your walk. Gently rub the bottom of the feet to remove these irritants as soon as your dog is off the road. Many dogs need boots in cold weather, regardless of their coat length. If your dog frequently lifts up its paws, whines or stops during walks, it may be demonstrating that its feet are uncomfortably cold.
Trimming the hair between your dog's toes will help ice balls from forming there. The snow and ice can cause cuts and cracked pads. Try rubbing a small amount of petroleum jelly on your dog's paw pads before you go for a walk to help repel the snow.