Avoid 15 Scary Winter Dangers for Your Dog

Just the other day, we were out shoveling 12 inches of fresh snow from our driveway. Wizard and Thunder were having the time of their lives… bounding through the snowdrifts, playing tag, completely oblivious to the cold.

When I finally called them in, I noticed Wizard had thick chunks of ice caked under his belly. His long coat was matted with snow… though he never would’ve admitted he was cold. Thunder, on the other hand, had just started lifting his paws, his way of saying, “Mom, I’m ready to go in now.”

It was a stark reminder that even though our dogs love winter, they don’t always know their own limits.

Winter can be magical… there’s nothing quite like watching your dog experience fresh snow for the first time or seeing them bound through snowdrifts with pure joy. But as beautiful as winter is, it hides dangers that aren’t always obvious until it’s too late.

I’ve been rescuing and fostering dogs for years, and I’ve learned these winter safety lessons through experience (sometimes the hard way).

Whether you have a snow-loving pup like Wizard, or a “let me back inside right now” dog like my senior pup, Ginger, the following winter hazards are important for every dog owner to know.

1. Antifreeze: Sweet Taste, Deadly Consequences

Antifreeze is one of the most dangerous substances your dog can encounter in winter… and it’s everywhere. The problem? It has a sweet taste that dogs find appealing, and even a tiny amount can be fatal.

My husband works on cars in our garage, and we’ve made it a strict rule: the dogs stay out when he’s working, and any spills get cleaned up immediately. It’s not worth the risk.

What makes antifreeze so dangerous?

Most antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which causes rapid kidney failure in dogs. According to the Animal Poison Control Center, there are three stages of antifreeze poisoning, and by the time symptoms appear, it’s often too late.

✅ What to Do:

• Store antifreeze containers securely, up high and out of reach
• Clean up any spills immediately… even small puddles are dangerous
• Consider switching to pet-safer antifreeze with propylene glycol (still harmful in large amounts, but less toxic)
• If you suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze, get to an emergency vet immediately… every minute counts

📚 Related: Antifreeze Poisoning and Your Dog — Questions Answered by Vets

2. Ice Melt and Rock Salt

Regular ice melt and rock salt can wreak havoc on your dog’s paws. The chemicals cause dryness, cracking, and in severe cases, actual chemical burns. When dogs lick their paws to soothe the irritation, they ingest those same chemicals.

After I noticed my dogs’ paws getting dry and irritated, and saw them tracking that gritty residue all over my floors, I switched to pet-safe ice melt. It’s one of those small changes that makes a big difference.

Watch for these signs: limping, excessive paw licking, redness between the toes, or reluctance to walk.

✅ What to Do:

• Use pet-safe ice melt on your own property
• Rinse or wipe your dog’s paws after every walk, especially in parking lots or busy sidewalks
• Consider dog booties for extended walks in treated areas
• Apply paw balm before walks to create a protective barrier

3. Frostbite and Hypothermia

Some dogs won’t tell you they’re too cold. They’ll keep playing, keep running, keep having fun… until suddenly, they’re in danger. This is my Wizard… I think he’d stay outside until he was frozen. So, I have to watch him carefully and make the decision for him.

And then some dogs, like my Thunder, start lifting their paws one at a time, shifting their weight back and forth. That’s your signal to head inside.

My sweet Ginger, who’s 10 and a half now, has taught me that cold tolerance changes with age. She used to love winter, but now she wants to go potty and get back to her warm bed.

Signs of frostbite:

• Pale, gray, or bluish skin
• Ice on the body
• Areas that are cold or hard to the touch (ears, tail, paw pads)

Signs of hypothermia:

• Shivering
• Lethargy
• Muscle stiffness
• Shallow breathing
• Seeming confused or disoriented

✅ What to Do:

• Limit outdoor time based on temperature and your dog’s age, breed, and health
• Use dog coats or sweaters for short-haired, small, or senior dogs
• Always dry your dog thoroughly when they come inside
• Pay special attention to snow packed between toes and under the belly (like what happened with Wizard)
• Create a warm spot for them to rest after being outside

4. Cracked and Bleeding Paws

Cold, dry winter air does to your dog’s paws what it does to your hands… it dries them out, causes cracks, and can even lead to bleeding. Add in ice, salt, and rough terrain, and you’ve got a recipe for painful paws.

I check my dogs’ paws regularly throughout winter and apply paw balm to keep them soft and protected. If you want to watch my paw care routine, check out my video here.

✅ What to Do:

• Use a dog-safe paw balm like Musher’s Secret before and after walks
• Check paws daily for cracks, cuts, or foreign objects
• Trim the fur between paw pads to prevent ice buildup
• Keep your dog’s nails trimmed… long nails change their gait and put extra pressure on the paw pads

📚 Related: How to Protect Dog Paws in Winter (7 Must-Know Tips)

5. Space Heaters and Fireplaces

Wizard loves to run around my office while I work. He throws his toys, chases them, spins in circles… It’s chaos, but it’s also entertainment. The problem? He’s knocked over my space heater more than once.

Thankfully, I invested in a heater with tip-over protection, so disaster was averted. But it’s a good reminder that rambunctious dogs and heaters don’t always mix.

There are other risks too: wagging tails near fireplaces, curious noses getting too close to flames, or dogs knocking over candles.

✅ What to Do:

• Only use heaters with automatic shut-off and tip-over protection
• Create a barrier around fireplaces with secure screens or gates
• Keep cords tucked away and protected
• Never leave your dog unsupervised around space heaters or open flames

6. Frozen Lakes and Ponds

I lost my big, goofy yellow lab, Bear, a few months ago, and I still think about how much he loved water. Any puddle, any stream, any pond… Bear would jump in without a second thought. It was pure joy for him.

But in winter? I’d never let him near a frozen lake or pond. Ever. The thought of him breaking through the ice and not being able to get out terrified me. The ice might look solid, but you never really know until it’s too late.

Why is it so dangerous?

Even if your dog breaks through near the shore, the cold water causes rapid hypothermia, and the slippery ice makes it nearly impossible for them to climb out.

✅ What to Do:

• Keep your dog on a leash near any frozen body of water
• Avoid frozen ponds, lakes, and rivers entirely… even if they look solid
• If your dog does break through, don’t go in after them… call 911 immediately
• Train a solid recall so you can call your dog back before they reach dangerous areas

7. Icy Sidewalks

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve slipped on icy sidewalks. And yes, my dogs have slipped too. It’s not just embarrassing… it hurts. Falls on ice can cause bruises, sprains, or even broken bones for both you and your dog.

✅ What to Do:

• Walk carefully and slowly on icy surfaces
• Use pet-safe booties for better traction on your dog
• Stick to cleared, salted paths when possible
• Shorten your stride and take smaller steps
• Consider skipping walks on bad weather days

8. Electrical Cords

Many years ago, I had a foster dog quietly lying under my desk. At least, I thought she was resting peacefully. Turns out, she’d been chewing on a charging cord the entire time. Thankfully, she was okay, but it scared me to death.

Winter means more cords… space heaters, holiday lights, extra lamps for those dark evenings. And for some dogs, cords are irresistible chew toys.

✅ What to Do:

• Hide or secure cords behind furniture or along baseboards
• Use cord protectors or bitter spray on exposed wires
• Unplug decorative lights when you’re not home
• Use a gate, playpen, or crate when you can’t actively supervise your dog
• Provide appropriate chew toys to redirect the behavior

9. Christmas Decorations

Wizard has a talent for finding trouble around the Christmas tree. Last year, he tried to play with the ceramic village pieces. This year, he snagged a plastic icicle ornament before I could stop him.

Christmas decorations are beautiful, but they’re also full of hazards: glass ornaments that shatter, tinsel that causes intestinal blockages, small pieces that can be swallowed, and even poinsettias that are mildly toxic to dogs.

✅ What to Do:

• Place fragile ornaments higher on the tree, out of tail-wagging range
• Skip tinsel entirely if you have dogs
• Consider a baby gate around your tree for young or rambunctious dogs
• Keep holiday plants like poinsettias out of reach
• Anchor your tree securely so it can’t be pulled over

📚 Related: Snow Globe Warning (many snow globes contain antifreeze!)

10. Rodenticide Poison

Living in the country, we deal with mice year-round. It’s just part of rural life. But I’ll never use rodenticides… the risk to my dogs is too high.

Instead, we use snap traps in places the dogs can’t reach, and an ultrasonic device in the garage to deter mice without chemicals. It takes more effort, but it’s worth it for peace of mind.

Why is it so dangerous?

Rodenticides cause internal bleeding, seizures, or kidney failure. Even if your dog doesn’t eat the poison directly, they can be poisoned by eating a mouse that consumed it.

✅ What to Do:

• Avoid rodenticides entirely in homes with pets if you can
• Use snap traps or ultrasonic deterrents instead
• Place any traps in areas your dog can’t access
• If you must use poison, opt for bait stations that are truly pet-proof
• Know the signs of poisoning: lethargy, difficulty breathing, bleeding from the nose or mouth, seizures

11. Holiday Foods

We love including our dogs in holiday celebrations. They even get their own special Christmas dinner (dog-safe, of course!). But holiday gatherings mean lots of tempting (and dangerous) foods within reach.

Chocolate, fatty foods, alcohol, grapes, onions, xylitol (in sugar-free treats), and cooked bones are all more common during winter holidays.

✅ What to Do:

• Inform your guests not to share table food with your dogs
• Keep trash cans secured and out of reach
• Create a safe space for your dog away from the food table
• Have the Pet Poison Control number saved: (888) 426-4435
• Prepare dog-safe treats so they don’t feel left out

📚 Related: Can My Dog Eat That?

12. Deep Snow

I love watching my dogs play in the snow. Wizard and Thunder absolutely love bounding through snowdrifts, but deep snow hides hazards I always watch for.

Hidden risks in deep snow:

• Sharp objects, broken glass, or debris hidden underneath
• Holes, ditches, or uneven terrain
• Overexertion, especially for small, short-legged, or older dogs
• Snow packed between paw pads (a constant issue with Wizard and Thunder)

✅ What to Do:

• Monitor energy levels and take breaks during snowy playtime
• Stick to familiar, well-traveled paths
• Watch for signs of fatigue: slowing down, struggling to move, or excessive panting
• Check paws frequently for ice buildup between pads
• Limit time for senior dogs like Ginger, who tire more easily

13. Falling Icicles

Icicles hanging from your roof might look pretty, but they’re essentially sharp, heavy daggers waiting to fall. A large icicle falling from a two-story roof can cause serious injury to a dog or a person walking underneath.

Interesting fact: Icicles form when heat escapes from your home, melting snow on the roof. As the water runs down and refreezes, it creates those long, sharp formations.

✅ What to Do:

• Keep your dog away from areas where icicles hang, especially near doorways
• Regularly inspect and safely remove large icicles
• Don’t let your dog stand near the edge of your house during winter
• Be extra cautious during thaws when icicles are more likely to fall

14. Wood Stoves and Fireplaces

A roaring fire on a cold winter day is pure comfort. But open flames, hot embers, and even the glass doors of a wood stove can cause serious burns if your dog gets too close.

I learned to train my dogs early to respect the fireplace area. A solid “leave it” command and a physical barrier go a long way toward preventing accidents.

Additional hazards: ash that can irritate skin or be ingested, firewood debris that can cause splinters, and hot tools like pokers or shovels.

✅ What to Do:

• Use a secure fireplace screen or gate to create a barrier
• Train your dog with “stay” and “leave it” commands around the fireplace
• Keep firewood, matches, and tools out of reach
• Never leave your dog unsupervised with an active fire

15. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a silent winter threat. It’s invisible, odorless, and deadly. During winter, when we’re running heaters, fireplaces, and generators, the risk increases for both humans and pets.

Dogs can experience the same CO poisoning symptoms as people: lethargy, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.

✅ What to Do:

• Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home, especially near sleeping areas
• Ensure proper ventilation when using fireplaces, heaters, or generators
• Never run a car or generator in an enclosed space like a garage
• Never leave your dog in an idling vehicle… CO can build up quickly
• Have your heating system inspected annually

Winter Safety Means Happy, Healthy Dogs

Winter doesn’t have to be scary. With awareness and a few precautions, you can keep your dogs safe while still letting them enjoy everything this season has to offer.

Wizard and Thunder will keep playing in the snow. Ginger will keep taking her quick potty trips and heading back to her warm bed. And I’ll keep watching them carefully, checking paws, wiping up melted snow, and making sure they come inside before they get too cold.

These small steps make all the difference. Your dogs depend on you to keep them safe… they don’t always know their own limits, especially when they’re having fun.

Want Help Staying on Top of Winter Wellness?

If you’d love a little structure to keep track of your dog’s health, routines, and enrichment all winter long, check out my Better Together Dog Wellness Bundle. It’s packed with planners, trackers, and simple activities to help your dog stay healthy, confident, and happy… through winter and every other season.

What do you do to keep your dogs safe in winter? Leave a comment below… your tips might help save another dog’s life!

P.S. Want more natural solutions for keeping your dog healthy all year? Download my free Dog Natural Remedies Reference Guide for safe, natural approaches to common pet health issues.