Published: December 4, 2017  

Last updated: December 5, 2024  

Author: Debi McKee

Winter can be a magical season, but it comes with hidden dangers for our dogs. From icy sidewalks to toxic antifreeze, keeping your dog safe requires a little extra effort during the colder months. I’ve learned this firsthand with my own dogs (and foster pups!), and I’m here to share tips to help you avoid the most common winter hazards.

Here are 15 winter dangers to watch out for… and how to protect your dog from each one.

avoid 13 scary winter dangers dog

1. Antifreeze

Antifreeze is extremely toxic to dogs, and its sweet taste makes it particularly dangerous. Even a small amount can be fatal if ingested.

When my husband works in the garage, he always keeps the dogs out and cleans up any spills immediately. It’s a simple habit that gives us peace of mind.

✅ What to Do: Store antifreeze securely, clean up spills quickly, and consider using pet-safe antifreeze products.

Always check labels for ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, and store these products securely out of your dog’s reach. For pet households, propylene glycol-based antifreeze is a safer alternative, as it’s less toxic, though still harmful if ingested in large amounts.

📖 ReadAntifreeze Poisoning and Your Dog – Questions Answered by Vets

According to the Animal Poison Control Center, there are 3 stages of antifreeze poisoning.

Stage 1 — 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion • Signs of Walking Drunk • Drooling • Vomiting • Seizures • Excessive Thirst and Urination Stage 2 – 12 to 24 hours after ingestion • Clinical signs seem to “resolve” when in fact more severe internal injury is still occurring Stage 3 – 36 to 72 hours after ingestion • Severe Acute Kidney Failure • Loss of appetite, not eating • Lethargy • Drooling • Halitosis/Bad Breath (secondary to kidney failure) • Coma • Depression • Vomiting • Seizures Information sourced from Animal Poison Control Center

2. Ice, Snow Melt, and Rock Salt

Many ice melts and rock salts used in winter contain chemicals that can irritate your dog’s paws, causing dryness, cracking, or even burns. If ingested, whether from licking their paws or eating residue, it can also upset their stomach or lead to toxicity.

After seeing how regular ice melt tracked into the house and irritated my dogs’ paws, we switched to a pet-safe option, like Safe Paw. It’s better for them and easier on the floors, too!

✅ What to Do: Use pet-safe ice melt on your property. Rinse or wipe your dog’s paws after walks, especially in areas with heavy salt or chemical use. Consider using dog booties or paw balm for added protection.

Two dogs standing the snow.

3. Frostbite and Hypothermia

Dogs can suffer from frostbite or hypothermia if exposed to extreme cold for too long. Signs include shivering, lethargy, or lifting their paws to avoid the cold.

My dogs would stay outside for hours if it were up to them, but as soon as I see them lifting their paws, I know it’s time to head inside.

✅ What to Do: Limit outdoor time in freezing weather, use dog coats or sweaters for short-haired breeds, and always dry your dog off after coming inside.

4. Cracked and Bleeding Paws

Cold weather can dry out your dog’s paw pads, leading to cracks and discomfort. Just like our skin, a dog’s paws need care in the winter. I apply a paw balm regularly to keep them soft and prevent cracking.

✅ What to Do: Use a dog-safe paw balm, like Musher’s Secret, and check your dog’s paws frequently for dryness or injuries.

📖 Read: How to protect dog paws in winter [7 must-know tips]

5. Fire Danger

Space heaters and fireplaces can pose risks for curious or rambunctious dogs. My dog Wizard loves to run around my office and has knocked over my space heater several times. Thankfully, it has tip-over protection—but it’s a good reminder to use safe equipment.

✅ What to Do: Use heaters with safety features, keep cords and hot surfaces out of reach, and supervise your dog around open flames.

German Shepherd dog taking a drink from a frozen lake.

6. Frozen Lakes or Ponds

Frozen bodies of water can be incredibly dangerous if the ice isn’t thick enough to support your dog.

Bear loves water, whether it’s a puddle or a pond. I’d never let him loose near water in the winter… I’d be terrified he’d fall in and couldn’t get out.

✅ What to Do: Keep your dog on a leash near lakes or ponds, and avoid letting them walk on frozen surfaces.

7. Ice

Ice can be slippery and dangerous for both you and your dog. Falls can cause injuries or bruises that take weeks to heal.

I’ve slipped on icy sidewalks more times than I care to admit, and my dogs have, too. It’s not fun, and it hurts!

✅ What to Do: Walk carefully, use pet-safe booties for traction, or stick to paths that have been salted or cleared of ice.

8. Electrical Wires

Dogs may chew on cords for heaters, lights, or holiday decorations, which can lead to electrical shocks.

I once had a foster dog quietly lying under my desk… at least, I thought she was sleeping! She’d actually been chewing on a charging cord.

✅ What to Do: Hide or secure cords, and use cord protectors if your dog is prone to chewing. Use a playpen or crate when you can’t watch your dog. 

Dog laying next to a decorated Christmas tree with a ceramic village under it.

9. Christmas Decorations

Holiday décor can be irresistible for dogs, but it can also be dangerous. Glass ornaments, small decorations, and tinsel can cause injuries or blockages if ingested. Even the beautiful Christmas Poinsettia can be mildy toxic to dogs and cats.

Last year, Wizard tried to play with the ceramic village under the tree, and this year, he snagged a plastic icicle ornament to chew on.

✅ What to Do: Place fragile decorations out of reach, avoid using tinsel, and supervise your dog around the Christmas tree.

📖 Read: Snow Globe Warning

10. Pesticides and Rodenticides

Rodenticides are highly toxic to dogs and should always be stored where they can’t access them.

Living in the country, we deal with mice often. We use traps in places the dogs can’t reach and a noise device in the garage to keep them away.

✅ What to Do: Avoid using rodenticides, or opt for non-toxic alternatives. Keep traps and other devices far out of reach.

11. Holiday Foods

Holiday treats like chocolate, fatty foods, or alcohol are more abundant during winter gatherings and pose additional risks. We love sharing our holiday traditions with our dogs, they even get a special Christmas dinner… but always make sure the foods they eat are safe for dogs.

What to Do: Ensure your guests know not to share unsafe foods, and keep tempting treats out of reach.

📖 Read: Can my dog eat that?

Two dogs playing in the snow.

12. Deep Snow Dangers

While romping through deep snow can be a blast for dogs, it comes with hidden risks. Overexertion is common, especially for small or older dogs, as moving through deep snow can be exhausting. Snow can also hide hidden hazards, like sharp objects, holes, or even frozen debris, which can lead to injuries or accidents.

You can find our dogs bounding through snowdrifts, but I always keep a close eye on them. The last thing I want is for them to step into something dangerous or pull a muscle!

✅ What to Do:

  • Monitor your dog’s energy levels and take breaks during snowy playtime.
  • Stick to well-traveled paths to avoid unseen dangers under the snow.
  • Keep an eye out for signs of fatigue, like slowing down or struggling to move through deep snow.
Close up of Icicles hanging from house roof.

13. Falling Icicles

Icicles may look beautiful hanging from roofs and eaves, but they can pose a serious risk to your dog. Large or sharp icicles can fall without warning, potentially causing injury if your dog happens to be underneath them.

✅ What to Do:

  • Keep your dog away from areas where icicles hang overhead, especially near doorways or along the edge of your house.
  • Regularly inspect and safely remove large icicles from your roof or gutters.
  • Supervise your dog in areas with potential hazards to ensure they stay safe.

Did you know icicles form when heat escapes your home, melting snow on the roof? As the water runs down and refreezes, it creates those long, sharp icicles that can become hazardous.

White boxer dog sleeping near a fireplace.

14. Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

A roaring fire is cozy on a cold winter day, but fireplaces and wood stoves can be dangerous for curious dogs.

Open flames, hot embers, and even the glass doors of a wood stove can cause serious burns if your dog gets too close. Additionally, ash or firewood debris can irritate their skin or be ingested.

What to Do:

  • Use a secure fireplace screen or gate to keep your dog safely away from open flames and hot surfaces.
  • Train your dog to respect the fireplace area with commands like “stay” or “leave it.”
  • Keep firewood, matches, and fireplace tools out of reach to avoid accidental chewing or ingestion.

A warm fire can be enjoyed safely by the whole family with a little extra caution and preparation!

15. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that can build up in enclosed spaces, especially during winter when heaters, fireplaces, and generators are in use.

Dogs are just as susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning as humans and can experience symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.

✅ What to Do:

  • Ensure proper ventilation when using fireplaces, heaters, or generators.
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, especially near sleeping areas and where your dog spends the most time.
  • Never leave your dog in an idling car, as CO can quickly build up in enclosed spaces.

Winter Safety = Happy Dogs!

With a little extra care, you can make winter a safe and enjoyable season for your dog. From choosing pet-safe products to limiting time outdoors, these small steps can prevent big problems.

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

Leave a comment below with what you do to keep your dog safe in winter, it just may help save another dog’s life!

About the Author

Debi McKee

Debi McKee is the expert behind Rescue Dogs 101 where she guides you in your journey of adopting and raising a rescue dog every step of the way. She is a mom of 3 human kids and 4 dogs and volunteers for a local dog rescue and Humane Society. Click here for more about Debi and her passion for helping you and your dog.

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  1. Your list is excellent! I would also add that if you have house guests for the holidays, be sure you remind them not to leave medications (prescriptions or over-the-counter) out where a curious dog can get to them. Because dogs are often smaller than humans, it may only take ingesting a few of Grandma’s heart medication to make a pet seriously ill.

  2. Aww yes, the Christmas decorations is the big one we watch out for. The boys get crated for the month because Beau can and will eat anything. Generally we keep his area pet friendly- with the exception of the holidays. He’s big enough to take the stocking off the mantle. Naughty boys. They would never dare while we’re home but they know when we aren’t.

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