“The snow is snowing, the wind is blowing, but I can weather the storm… I’ve got my love to keep me warm.”
A beautiful sentiment and while we all know a dog’s love is an incredibly powerful force, when it comes to winter dog walks, you’ll need a little more than love to keep you and your four-legged friend from feeling the frosty chill.

It’s a fact of life for all dog owners, regardless of the forecast your pup still needs to get out to relieve themselves and get the much-needed physical and mental stimulation that walks and outdoor activity provide. January is National Walk Your Dog Month, an ideal time to reflect on the benefits of regular walks for your pet and ensure you are prepared for safe and enjoyable winter outings.
The Benefits of Walking Your Pet Year-Round
Walking is more than just a potty break for your dog – the physical and mental stimulation provided by outdoor activities are essential for the overall health and well-being of your furry loved one.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Walking and other outdoor activities burn calories and keep your pet limber and fit, reducing the risk of obesity-related health issues.
Providing Mental Stimulation: New scents, sights, and sounds engage your dog’s mind, curbing boredom and destructive behaviors.
Strengthening Your Bond: Spending quality time with your pup in any environment will help strengthen your bond, but taking a walk or hike away from the security of your home only furthers your connection as you face the world together.
Supporting Emotional Health: Walking has repeatedly been proven to reduce anxiety and stress for both pets and their people, making it a win-win activity.
For those of us living in colder climates, a chill in the air or snow on the ground has no impact on any of the above benefits, walks and outdoor time are essential for your pet no matter the weather. However, it is important to take extra precautions to ensure your walks are safe and enjoyable during the chillier months. Read on for seven steps to keep your dog safe on your winter walks.
Know Your Dog: Every dog is different. Depending on factors like age, breed, coat, and health, what is safe for one dog may be too cold for another. Breeds like Siberian Huskies or Saint Bernards boast thick double coats designed for harsh winter conditions. Short-haired leaner breeds like Chihuahuas and Greyhounds are far less tolerant of the cold. And, regardless of breed or coat, age and health play imperative roles in determining what extra care your pet may need to withstand outdoor time in the colder months. If you are unsure about what your dog can tolerate, consult your veterinarian about the type and duration of winter activity your pet can handle.
Bundle Up (Both of You): Short-haired breeds, older dogs, and those with health conditions like arthritis and kidney disease may feel the cold more intensely. Investing in a warm, well-fitted coat or sweater for your dog will help keep them cozy. For more information on choosing a jacket for your dog check out our blog article Paws and Parkas: The Debate Over Dogs and Outerwear. And don’t forget yourself – layer up with insulated clothing, gloves, and a hat to keep yourself warm, comfortable, and focused on the furry friend by your side.
Pro Tip: If your dog is uncertain, or even downright opposed to wearing a jacket don’t push it, limit time outdoors instead. Remember practice makes perfect, introduce your dog to their coat before hitting the streets. Pairing the apparel with treats and praise can help make bundling up an enjoyable experience for your pet.
Keep Them Close, Keep Them on Leash: With fewer people out and about you may be more tempted to let your dog off leash in the colder months, but winter offers its share of dangers for your pup. Keeping your pet close on leash can prevent them from running onto a frozen body of water, or a slippery roadway, and from inadvertently licking up road salt or other anti-freeze chemicals that may be on the ground or in the snow. Further, should your pet get lost or separated from you, scents are more difficult to track in the snow and extended time in the elements can be dangerous or even deadly for a dog without shelter.
Protect Their Paws: Ice, snow, and salt can be harsh on your pet’s paw pads. You can shield their sweet feet from the elements with pet-safe booties or by applying paw wax or petroleum jelly before heading outside. After all walks make sure to thoroughly wipe your pet’s paws to prevent cracking and exposure to anything they may have picked up along the way. Dogs are most often exposed to salt and other “ice-melt” chemicals when they lick their paws post-walk. This is also a great time to check for debris, chafing, or cracks in your pup’s paw pads. Visit our blog Cold Weather Tips: Preparing Your Pet’s for Winter, for a more detailed description on cleaning your pup’s paws. You also want to keep your pet’s nails trimmed during the winter months, this will help give them better traction on the slippery and unforgiving surfaces. And make sure you are using a pet-safe ice melt product on your own property.
Pro Tip: Booties are like dog coats in that they should be well-fitted, but not too tight. Also, have your pup practice putting them on and wearing them (don’t forget to pair them with yummy treats and plentiful praise) to get used to walking in them before heading outdoors.
Consider the Clock: Shorter days and a lower sun angle mean less warmth from the sun’s rays and lower visibility. You can address these issues by altering the time of day and duration of your walks. Walking your pup during the sunniest part of the day can help you stay warm and seen but beware of snow glare. If you head out before sunrise or after sunset, make sure to use reflective gear or an LED collar or headlight to make both you and your pet visible to motorists and other walkers. You may also wish to institute shorter walks at more frequent intervals, especially on frigid or windy days.
Reroute When Necessary: Winter has a way of turning our familiar landscapes into another world. And while a coating of snow can make for a magical picture, slippery conditions and winter storms can add an element of danger to even your most well-worn walking paths. Be prepared to switch up your route to avoid dangers like ice and heavily salted areas and keep an eye on the forecast to adjust your walking schedule so you and your pup won’t get caught out in frigid temperatures, high winds, or a snow squall.
Pay Attention to Your Pup: Taking all the precautions in the world won’t matter if you don’t notice your pet struggling while on a walk. Hypothermia and frostbite can set in quickly. It’s important to know the signs and keep an eye out for any indication of discomfort, like shivering, whining, lifting their paws, or slowing down. If your pet seems cold, anxious, or reluctant to continue it’s time to head home. Although any dog can experience the shaking, trembling, and listlessness that can indicate hypothermia, you want to pay special attention to puppies, elderly dogs, small and toy breeds, and short-coated dogs, who are even more at risk. If you see any signs of this condition in your dog, including shallow breathing, confusion, dilated pupils, and pale gums, get them home immediately, warm them up inside, and contact your veterinarian for further instructions. Frostbite is another winter danger, though you may not notice it immediately while out on your walk. Keep a close eye on your dog’s nose, ears, nipples, and tail. If you notice discoloration (pale, gray, blue, or black), a change in skin texture (cold, brittle, or hard), or your pet paying extra attention to their extremities, rubbing, licking, or lifting them in pain contact your vet for assistance.
Don’t let the chilly winter air keep you inside. Few things are more magical than walking in a winter wonderland with your favorite pup by your side. And the benefits for both of you far outweigh the drawbacks of a little winter chill. With the right preparation and safety measures, winter walks can be an enjoyable part of your daily routine. Celebrate the New Year and National Walk Your Dog Month by getting outside, staying active, and making memories with your favorite furry friend. And when you don’t have the time to head outdoors with your pup, reach out to Daily Leash for all your winter dog walking needs.
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