It's partially true that dogs' paw pads can get burned in winter. The paw's temperature remains balanced as warm blood reaches the surface, preventing frostbite and maintaining the animal's body heat, a mechanism known as a counter-current heat exchanger. This phenomenon was first identified in dogs by Ninomiya and colleagues at Yamazaki Gakuen University in Tokyo.

Despite this natural adaptation, pet owners should be attentive to their dogs' paws in winter, particularly concerning the common addition of salt to sidewalks. Small granules may become lodged between their toes or fur, prompting dogs to lick their feet to remove them. Some dogs may even enjoy the taste of salt and consume it from the pavement. While salt typically causes mild irritation and dry or cracked paw pads, ingesting salt or ice melt products can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, increased salivation, or a poor appetite.