Tips for Walking Your Dog in The Winter

The arrival of winter brings a whole host of things to mind. For some, it means work breaks and school, perhaps a chance to bundle up and hit the slopes for some skiing or sledging. Instagram stories of delicious baked goods, steaming hot chocolate, and cosy visits with loved ones also spring to mind. And, of course, those bracing winter walks with your dog.

But even when the weather turns chilly, your pet still needs to get outside for a walk to do their business and get some much-needed exercise. However, winter conditions can sometimes mean you'll need to take extra care to ensure your dog stays safe and has a good time exploring the wintry landscape.

Read on to find out more about top tips for keeping your canine companion safe on those winter walks.

Can Your Dog Handle the Winter Weather?

Not all dogs are cut out for the same level of cold. Some breeds are built for the frosty weather, while others need a bit more help staying warm.

For example, dogs with thick double coats, like Labradors, Huskies, and Golden Retrievers, are usually pretty good at keeping themselves warm. A quick dry-down when you get home is often all they need, or you can pop a drying coat on them for the trip back.

But some breeds like Greyhounds, don't have as much fur to protect them from the cold. They might prefer to stay cosy indoors during the winter. Even if they still enjoy going out for walks, they might need shorter outings and a warm coat to keep them comfortable (if they're the type to wear one!).

And then some breeds have no undercoat or have been clipped. They'll feel the cold right away, and they definitely need a coat to stay warm and dry, even if the temperature drops a little.

When Is It Too Cold for Walking Your Dog?

Deciding when it's too cold to walk your dog can be tricky. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, as each dog is different. It depends on your dog’s breed, age, health, and how thick their coat is all play a part. But a good way to tell is: if you're cold, your dog probably is too. It's best to stay inside on those days.

Our Top Tips to Safely Walk Your Dog in the Winter

Keep Your Dog on a Lead

Temperatures in winter drop quickly as the sun goes down, and it’s harder for them to sniff out scents in the snow. This makes getting lost in the cold even more dangerous. So, it's really important to keep your dog on a lead at all times! And don't forget to make sure they have an ID tag on their collar or a microchip, just in case they do get lost.

Keeping your dog on a lead also helps you keep them safe. It means you can control where they go and stop them from running onto icy patches or slippery roads.

Stick to the Lights When Walking at Night

It's tough to see icy patches or dangerous salt on the ground when it's dark. You wouldn't want to slip and fall, or worse, have your pup get hurt! If you have to walk your dog at night, it's best to stick to well-lit areas.

And remember, in the darkest spots, it's harder for others to see you, especially if you and your dog aren't wearing something reflective. So, whether you're strolling through a well-lit neighbourhood, along a city route, or even to your local dog park, make sure you can be seen. “A safe walk is a fun walk”

Give Those Paws Some Protection

Just like hot pavement can hurt your dog's paws in summer, cold and icy sidewalks can be just as bad in winter. And on top of that, the salt that's often used to melt ice on roads and paths can be really harmful to their paw pads.

The best way to protect those precious feet is to get your dog some booties! You can find them online or at most pet stores.

It takes a bit of time for dogs to get used to wearing booties, so start practising at home before you go for a walk.

If your dog hates them and refuses to walk in them, even after lots of practice, try some natural paw wax instead. Just remember to wipe their paws with a towel afterwards to prevent frostbite and salt damage. And always check for any chafing or cracks on their paws.

Keep Your Dog Warm and Cosy

It might seem obvious, but dogs can get cold just like us! Only a few breeds, like Siberian Huskies, have super thick fur coats that keep them warm all winter. But smaller dogs, those with thinner coats, young pups, older dogs, or dogs with medical conditions are more likely to get chilly.

Always make sure your dog has a coat or sweater to keep them toasty. And have a blanket handy to wrap them in if they need a little extra warmth.

Watch Out for Icy Patches and Salt

Those slippery ice patches are a real danger for you and your pet. A fall could lead to a nasty injury, and the ice is too harsh on their sensitive paws. Plus, ice might be hiding a freezing pool of water underneath. And never, ever walk your dog on frozen lakes or ponds – it's just too risky.

Speaking of dangers, stay away from areas where salt has been used to melt ice. Salt can dry out and damage their paw pads. If you need to use a de-icer around your home, choose a pet-safe kind. And always keep an eye out for any spills of antifreeze or de-icers on your walks. 

After each walk, give your dog's paws a good wipe to remove any of these irritants. Even a quick lick could be toxic for them.

Keep Those Snow Cones Away

Those icy patches can be hiding some nasty stuff, like antifreeze, de-icers, and road salt. You might not see them, but even a little bit can be bad for your dog.

So, no snow snacks for them!

And, even if it's just snow, eating too much can make your dog feel colder and more likely to get hypothermia.

Take Short, Sweet Walks

Walking your dog on really cold days can be hard on both of you. Keep those walks short and sweet, and go out more often instead of trying to do one long trek.

If your dog starts lifting their paws, seems anxious, or wants to lie down, head back home. And on really frigid days, stick close to home.

If you notice any signs of hypothermia or frostbite, call your vet right away.

Some dogs are more likely to get cold than others. This includes older dogs, puppies, dogs with thin coats, dogs with short legs, and those with certain health conditions. 

If your dog has arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, or any other medical problems, it's best to keep those walks short and frequent.