As the warm weather fades away to snow and rainfall, your desire to take your dog on walks will naturally fade along with it. However, if you are well-prepared, both you and your dog can enjoy winter walks almost as much as summer ones. We have created the ultimate guide to walking your dog in cold weather and snow, when to avoid it, and how to protect them from the elements.

Why Take Your Dog On Winter Walks?

Walking your dog on a crisp frosty day can be invigorating, especially if there is frost or snow on the ground. However, while summer walks are all about keeping your dog cool, in winter the focus shifts to keeping them warm. Just remember to wrap your dog up the same way as you would for yourself, especially if your dog is a short-haired breed. 

How Cold Is Too Cold To Walk Your Dog? 

Different breed of dog temperatures

 

When the temperature falls below -4 degrees Celsius, it is considered too dangerous for any dog. Typically, it is considered too cold to walk your dog when it drops below freezing (0 degrees Celsius). However, every dog is different; even in temperatures above that, it is still advisable to make sure your dog is protected from the elements if needed. 

Some dogs are bred for snow and can stay in the cold for longer, covering vast distances. These include:

  • St Bernards, a breed that helps rescue people stuck in the snow
  • Sled dogs, such as huskies

In contrast, our dogs in the UK are generally not well-equipped to deal with the winter weather. Short-haired dogs will need a higher level of winter care than long-haired ones, however, both can get ice and snow stuck in their paws and coats. You can learn more about cold protection and how to measure your dog for a coat. The extra layers may take a little getting used to at first, but your pet will surely appreciate them in the long run.

Signs Your Dog Is Too Cold

A good rule of thumb is that when you have reached your limit and want to head home to a warm fire, your dog has probably reached theirs too. 

Signs that your dog is too cold include:

  • Shivering 
  • Shaking 
  • Reluctance to move 
  • Whining 
  • A tense, uncomfortable posture

These symptoms will be especially common in older animals, as they are more vulnerable to the cold.

Risks Of Walking Your Dog In The Cold

While a crisp morning walk can do wonders for waking you up, it can be dangerous for dogs. Activities that seem simple, such as eating snow, can expose them to poisonous chemicals or lower their body temperature. Potential winter-based risks include: 

Exacerbating Existing Health Conditions

You should take extra care if your dog suffers from long-term medical conditions. These include conditions such as thyroid disease or chronic lung issues. 

Similarly, if your dog is older, any health conditions are more likely to worsen in the cold. They are also more likely to feel the cold in their joints, so you should always make sure to keep your walks short and wrap them up warm.

Paw Injury 

While walking, your dog can step on a number of unknown objects. This is especially true if the ground is hidden by 2ft of snow! Stepping on rock salt or poisonous snow-thawing chemicals can cause damage to your dog’s paw pads. You can get booties or rubber boots to help protect them. If your dog does not like having anything on their feet, you can also get wax-based creams that work just as well. 

You should also try to walk on pavements that have been ploughed or dug out, to avoid missing any hidden dangers in the snow.

Frostbite

Frostbite is tissue damage caused by extreme cold. The injuries it causes are similar to thermal burns. When the body is in danger of becoming too cold, blood flow is redirected towards essential organs to protect them, causing a decrease in other areas.

Ordinarily, it is not fatal, but damaged tissue can become infected or gangrenous, leading to a whole-body infection. It also regularly occurs alongside hypothermia, which is life-threatening. 

Affected Areas

Commonly affected areas in dogs are those most exposed to the elements, such as:

  • Nose 
  • Scrotum 
  • The tips of their ears 
  • Toes 
  • Tail 

Symptoms & Appearance

Frostbite can appear in as little as 15 minutes, or can take hours or days to become apparent. The speed at which symptoms appear depend on factors such as the size, age, health, and coat of the dog.

It is generally characterised by symptoms such as:

  • Pain when touching the area 
  • Brittle-feeling, cold skin 
  • Blistered or ulcerated skin
  • Skin discolouration – often pale, grey, blue; or even black if the tissue has died (become necrotic) 
  • Ice around the affected area 
  • Low body temperature (caused by concurrent hypothermia) 

What To Do If You Think Your Dog Has Frostbite

If you think your dog may have frostbite, take them to the vet straight away. On the way, you should keep them warm with the car heater or a warm towel. Additionally, you can warm the affected areas using slightly warm water (it should not be hot). Do not rub the skin or use direct heat, as this can make the tissue damage worse.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia in dogs happens when their body temperature is significantly lower than normal (around 37 degrees celsius). It can be incredibly serious, and even fatal when untreated. 

Symptoms & Appearance

Similar to frostbite, it is caused by the body sending blood towards essential organs. The symptoms of mild to moderate hypothermia are as follows:

  • Lethargy 
  • Muscle stiffness 
  • Shivering 
  • Pale Gums 
  • Difficulty walking or clumsy movements 
  • Shivering 
  • Sluggishness 
  • Confusion 
  • Body being cool to the touch
  • Confusion 

Severe hypothermia can be characterised by:

  • Stopping shivering 
  • Their body temperature dropping rapidly 
  • Slowed breathing and heart rate 
  • Collapsing 
  • Lethargy and/ or unresponsiveness 
  • Fixed and dilated pupils 

As the condition worsens, they will experience symptoms such as slow and irregular heart and breathing rates; in some cases, the condition can be fatal.

What To Do If You Think Your Dog Has Hypothermia

Ultimately, you should get them to the veterinary clinic immediately. While waiting, or on the way, you should get them inside a car or building and wrap them up in any layers you have. If you are able, you should warm up blankets on a radiator, in a dryer or using a hairdryer. You could also place bottles of warm water next to them, but it is vital that you keep a couple of layers of fabric between the bottle and their skin. 

Antifreeze Poisoning

Antifreeze has a sweet taste, which can attract your dog. However, it can be fatal if they ingest it; so it is best avoided. That being said, even if they do not initially eat it, it can become stuck to their paws. If they then lick their paws, it will have the same effect. You should make sure to thoroughly clean their paws after a walk, or immediately after exposure if possible. 

Skin Irritation

Similarly, salt and other chemicals used in melting ice can irritate your dog’s skin. If your dog has sensitive skin, it may be beneficial to look to alternative forms of exercise indoors or in your garden.

Darkness

To work around your busy schedule, it is more than likely that you will have to walk your dog in the dark. In this case, you may need to change your route or routine. For example, letting them run around off-lead when you cannot see them is not a good idea. Instead, you could consider walking in more well-lit areas with a lead. 

It is vital that both you and your dog can easily be seen. This is especially important if you live in a more rural area. Light up collars or clothing will help both yourself and others see your dog when you are out and about; you should also wear reflective items yourself. Additionally, make sure that they are microchipped and that your details are up-to-date, just in case.

Frozen Ponds, Lakes & Reservoirs

Snow can hide a wide variety of dangers, such as iced-over ponds, reservoirs, and lakes. Ice can easily give way under the weight of your dog; falling in the water below can lead to hypothermia, or your dog becoming injured or trapped below the ice.

Keeping Your Dog Warm & Safe

To avoid the dangers of walking in winter weather, there are a number of protective measures you can take, or alternatives, such as:

Indoor Activities

There will always be days when even the most dedicated dog owners will not want to venture out. However, that does not mean that your dog has to miss out on exercise. There are a number of ways you can make sure they are entertained and exercising at home, such as:

Engaging in active play with your dog can help keep them stimulated and break up their day. However, this does not mean you have to rush out and buy lots of new toys. Instead, you can get creative with what you have. Why not play tug-of-war with a rope toy, or build an assault course out of cushions and furniture?

Games such as hide and seek with treats and chasing you from room to room can work wonders in terms of tiring your pup out. You could even play fetch down a long obstacle-free hallway, or run up and down the stairs. Of course, you should always weigh any activities against your dog’s health status and age. 

Enrol Them In A Daycare

If you regularly struggle to find time in the daylight to take your dog for a walk, a daycare like ours is the perfect option. We will make sure they get all the attention they need and use most of their energy before you get home from work.

If they do miss out on a longer walk during the week, there is no need to worry. You can simply make it up to them in the daylight of the weekend.

Obedience & Lead Training

Full obedience training is vital to make sure that when you call your dog, they always come back to you. This will help them avoid hazards such as frozen lakes, or ingesting poisonous materials. It is important to always be watching them, making sure you are on-hand to call them back at any sign of potential danger.

We offer a range of training services to help establish trust between you and your pet, so you can have peace of mind and feel confident on your walks. Contact us to learn more.

Keep Them Warm & Dry At Home

Once you are back home, you should dry your dog thoroughly. It is also important to clean their paws to get rid of any ice balls, toxic chemicals or salt from between their toes. 

Between walks, make sure you keep your house warm and dry and give them a comfortable place to sleep.

Incredibly short-haired dogs, such as greyhounds and whippets, may even need to wear their coats indoors to stay warm.

FAQs 

Is it Okay to Walk Dogs in Cold Weather?

Generally, it is okay to walk dogs in cold weather. However, it is important to:

  • Check that it is not too cold, windy or icy before you set off 
  • Protect their skin
  • Keep them hydrated 
  • Dress them appropriately for their breed, wearing jackets if they need them
  • Clean and dry them thoroughly when you get home

Is it Okay to Walk Dogs in the Snow?

Ordinarily, you can walk dogs in the snow, but you should make sure they are wearing the correct protective clothing or boots. You should also check their paws for any snow and ice, as well as washing them off to avoid any harmful chemicals. Additionally, you should always make sure to watch out for changes in their behaviour or appearance that would indicate frostbite or hypothermia.

Can it Get too Cold for Dogs in Snow and Ice?

Yes, it can get too cold for dogs in snow and icy conditions. Every dog will react to and feel the cold differently. This depends on factors such as their breed, coat, age, and health conditions. Therefore, the best approach is to err on the side of caution and minimise cold exposure if possible.

You should always watch your dog for any signs such as shivering or weakness. These could indicate a more severe reaction to the cold. 

Should I Walk My Dog in the Winter Cold and Rain?

Generally, walking your dog in the rain is completely fine, and can even be a great source of fun. However, you should make sure they are wrapped up and their paws are protected. You should also make sure to take them out during the warmer parts of the day if possible, and keep the walks nice and short to avoid them getting ill. 

What Should I Do With My Dogs When it is too Cold to Walk?

If it is too cold to walk, you can still make being inside exciting with activities such as:

  • Indoor fetch in the hallway 
  • Tug-of-war 
  • Hiding treats around the house 

You can also enrol them in daycares to make sure they get a chance to let off steam, play with other dogs and get all the attention they need.

Can I Walk My Puppy or Older Dog When it’s Cold?

As older dogs feel the cold in their joints, it is not advisable to walk them when it is too cold. The cold can also exacerbate any existing health conditions they may have.

Similarly, puppies can be more sensitive to extreme temperatures than adult dogs. Therefore, it is important to dress them appropriately, depending on their breed and coat. You should also avoid early afternoon or late morning when temperatures are lower.

Ideally, you should keep the walks nice and short, to make sure your puppy does not get too tired. This will also make sure you are close to home in case of an emergency. Ultimately, you should keep an eye on your puppy during the walk, taking them home if they start shivering or lifting their paws up, or they seem reluctant to move.