Winter Hazards for Dogs: Antifreeze, Ice Melt and More

The most dangerous winter hazards for dogs are antifreeze, ice melts and road salt, thin ice, cold cars and slippery or snow-covered ground where dogs can bolt and get lost. All are preventable with a few habits: store and clean up chemicals, wipe paws after walks, keep your dog leashed and never leave them in a cold vehicle.

Antifreeze is the one that deserves most of your attention, because it is both common and potentially deadly. We start there.

Antifreeze

Most antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which has almost no odor and tastes sweet, so dogs may drink it willingly. Small amounts can be fatal if treatment is delayed. Ethylene glycol is also found in some de-icers, brake fluids and paints, though usually in smaller amounts.

Dogs run into it in several ways: a leaking car, an open container in the garage or shed, winterized RV plumbing, or a puddle on the driveway. A dog that walks through a spill and licks their paws can be exposed too.

What it does. Ethylene glycol hits the nervous system first. Within about half an hour to half a day, a dog may become wobbly, tired and depressed, with vomiting, diarrhea and extra thirst. Signs can seem to improve for a while, but meanwhile the body turns the poison into compounds that damage the kidneys. By the time the dog stops producing urine, the outlook is often grim.

What to do. Treat any suspected exposure as an emergency, even if your dog seems normal. Call your vet or an emergency clinic straight away, or call a poison hotline (see below). The antidote works best when given early, so do not wait for signs. Do not try to make your dog vomit.

Take the container with you if you can. Not every antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, so identifying the product matters. At the clinic, vets typically give an antidote straight away, often before test results are back, along with IV fluids and monitoring of kidney function.

How to prevent it.

• Store antifreeze in sealed, leak-proof containers, out of reach.
• Check the garage and driveway for leaks, and wipe up spills at once.
• Dispose of used antifreeze through a household hazardous waste program.
• Consider switching to a dog-safer product based on propylene glycol, and still keep it out of reach.
• If antifreeze is used in RV plumbing or toilets, keep lids down and bathroom doors shut around your dog.

Ice melt and road salt

Most ice melts are salts, including sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium chloride. Products sold as pet-friendly usually contain urea or magnesium chloride. They tend to be safer but can still upset the stomach.

Dogs pick up ice melt on their paws and lick it off, eat treated slushy snow or even raid the bag because they like the salty taste. The main risks are:

• Paw irritation. Ice melt can irritate the pads and even make them crack or bleed.
• Stomach upset. Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common results and can lead to dehydration.
• High sodium. A large amount can raise blood sodium and cause tremors and seizures.
• Mouth sores. Calcium chloride can ulcerate the mouth.

Wipe your dog's paws with a damp cloth after each walk and keep them from eating snow or licking their feet until clean. Paw wax or boots create a barrier, and our guide to dog paw care explains how to use them. Where possible, shovel a salt-free spot at home and store ice melt out of reach.

Frozen ponds, ice and cold cars

Do not walk your dog on frozen ponds, lakes or rivers. Ice that looks solid may not hold a dog's weight. Icy pavement is hard going for dogs with arthritis, so go slowly and keep the route short. Boots with grip can help them keep their footing.

Never leave your dog alone in a parked car in cold weather. The cabin holds the cold and can quickly become dangerously chilly.

Cold itself

Hypothermia and frostbite are real risks when a dog is out too long, especially for small, short-coated, young, old or sick dogs. We cover the temperatures, signs and first steps in our guide on how cold is too cold for dogs. Avoid clipping your dog's coat right down to the skin in winter, since a longer coat helps keep them warm.

Losing your dog in the snow

The ASPCA reports that more dogs are lost in winter than in any other season. Falling snow and a covering of ice can mask familiar scents, so a dog that slips a collar may not find the way back. Keep your dog leashed on snow and ice, particularly in a snowstorm, and make sure the collar tag and microchip details are current.

Winter comforts at home

Give your dog a warm bed away from drafts and off the floor. A humidifier can help with dry, itchy skin, and baths are best kept to a minimum during cold spells. Food needs vary: the ASPCA suggests feeding a little extra in winter, while Cornell notes that active dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors need more energy and less active dogs may need fewer calories. Ask your vet what is right for your dog.

If you suspect a poisoning

Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply). Outside the US, contact your local emergency vet. Have the product container ready, and note how much your dog may have eaten and when.

When to call your vet

Contact your vet promptly if your dog:

• Might have licked or swallowed antifreeze, even without signs
• Has repeated vomiting, diarrhea or tremors after a walk on treated roads
• Has cracked, bleeding or swollen paws
• Is shivering hard, sleepy, or has pale or blue skin after being out in the cold

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy