Two separate risks in winter conditions
Ice and rock salt cause different problems for a dog's paws, and boots address both by keeping the paw off the surface entirely. Ice itself can cause cuts from sharp edges, cold burns from prolonged contact, and general loss of grip that leads to slips and strains. De-icing salt and chemical ice-melt products can irritate or dry out paw pads, and are toxic if a dog licks them off their feet afterwards, a real risk on salted footpaths and driveways in cold climates.
How boots reduce salt exposure
A boot that covers the whole paw stops salt crystals and de-icer chemicals from making direct contact with the skin between the toes and on the pads, which is where irritation and cracking usually start. This matters most on heavily treated urban footpaths and driveways rather than on natural snow or ice in a park, where salt exposure is lower. Boots also mean there's nothing on the paws to lick off once you're home, which removes the ingestion risk entirely for that walk.
Grip on ice matters as much as coverage
Not all boots are equal on slick surfaces, a smooth rubber sole can actually reduce grip compared to bare paw pads, which have some natural traction. Look for boots with a textured or grooved sole designed for winter conditions rather than a generic all-weather boot, especially if your dog needs to walk on icy footpaths or steps regularly.
If boots aren't an option
Some dogs won't tolerate boots even after a gradual introduction. Paw balm or wax applied before a walk creates a barrier against salt and cold without covering the paw, and rinsing and drying paws thoroughly after every walk on treated surfaces removes salt residue before it can irritate the skin or be licked off. Checking between the toes for ice balls that form in longer fur is worth doing on every walk in snowy conditions, boots or not.
Signs of salt or cold irritation to watch for
Redness, cracking, limping, or a dog repeatedly stopping to lick or chew at their feet after a walk on treated surfaces are all signs of irritation worth addressing. Mild cases usually settle with rinsing, drying, and a paw balm, but persistent redness, open cracks, or a dog that seems unwell after licking salt off their paws is worth a call to your vet.
Some owners use both, balm as daily protection and boots for longer walks on heavily salted routes. Neither is strictly better in every situation; a dog that tolerates boots well gets more complete protection, while balm suits dogs that won't accept boots but still need something between their pads and a salted footpath.