Winterize your dog.

Preventive winter paw care will save you from a multitude of problems and make your dog much happier. Just as humans get dry or cracked skin on hands and feet, a dog's pads can crack as well. Periodically check your pet's pads and if they are dry, massage some petroleum jelly or coconut oil into the pad till it absorbs. Hard frozen ground can cause other problems as well, such as paw pad tears, cuts, or abrasions. Simple abrasions can be treated at home by a novice by thoroughly cleaning the cut and applying a sterile pad and covering with vet rap or an Ace bandage. Deeper or wider cuts or avulsions should be taken care of by a vet. While you inspecting the dog's pads you should carefully trim the excess hair from around the claws and pads. This excess hair will trap ice, snow, and snow melting chemicals and can cause discomfort to the dog.

Speaking of snow melting chemicals, many are toxic or can irritate a dog's skin and/or digestive systems. Sand or natural Kitty Litter can be used to give grip on a frozen surface and they will not hurt your pets. If you must use some kind of ice melt, check the packaging for "pet safe" and get it up from the sidewalk as soon as possible. Avoid antifreeze like the plague. A small amount of this sweet-smelling liquid can quickly and painfully kill a dog. Most of these problems can be addressed by using dog booties. Yes, the dog will hate the boots and they look silly, but after dealing with many torn pads while working border collies for K-9 SAR and herding for 13 years, I have found it a small price to pay.