Winter Dog Walking: 10 Tips for Cold, Dark and Snowy Days

Your dog still needs their walks when the temperature drops, and most dogs love a fresh layer of snow. Winter just asks for a bit more preparation. Here is what we have learned from a lot of cold mornings.

1. Know your dog's cold limit

Thick-coated breeds like Huskies and Malamutes are built for the cold. Small, short-haired, very young and senior dogs are not. Watch for shivering, lifting paws, slowing down or trying to turn back home. When you see them, it is time to head in. On very cold days, two or three shorter walks are better than one long one.

2. Protect the paws

Snow can pack into balls between the toes, and ice can crack paw pads. Trim the fur between the pads, and consider dog boots or a paw balm before you go out.

3. Wipe off salt and de-icer

Road salt and de-icing chemicals can irritate paws and upset stomachs if your dog licks them off. Wipe your dog's paws and belly with a damp cloth after every walk.

4. Consider a coat

Small and short-haired dogs benefit from a coat or jumper. Make sure it covers the chest and belly, and leaves the legs free to move. A harness can go over or under the coat, as long as it still fits snugly.

5. Stay visible on dark afternoons

In winter, the evening walk often starts after sunset. Wear something reflective, put reflective or light-up gear on your dog, and carry a light for the ground ahead. Our guide to walking your dog at night has more tips.

6. Watch out for ice

Slippery pavements are a hazard for you as much as your dog. Shorter steps, good boots and a leash you can hold without gripping tightly all help. A leash you can wear on your wrist means you can keep your hands free for balance.

7. Keep the leash shorter near frozen water

Never let your dog onto frozen ponds or lakes. Ice that looks solid can be thin. Keep your dog close near water, and lock a retractable leash to a short length.

8. Keep an eye on antifreeze

Antifreeze tastes sweet to dogs and is highly toxic. Steer clear of puddles in car parks and driveways, and call your vet straight away if you think your dog has licked any.

9. Play indoors on the worst days

When it is too cold or icy, swap part of the walk for indoor games: hide-and-seek with treats, a gentle game of fetch down the hallway, or a puzzle toy. Mental exercise tires dogs out too.

10. Warm up after the walk

Dry your dog with a towel, check the paws, and give them a warm spot to rest. Then make yourself a hot drink. You earned it.

Winter walk kit

• Reflective harness or coat
• A light for the ground and to be seen
• Paw balm or boots
• A towel by the door
• Poop bags, and a way to carry them with gloves on

Gear that helps in winter

The UFO Leash Gen 3 has a big 149 mm ring that is easy to hold and easy to slip over a coat sleeve. The Plus and Pro add a torch and a ring light for those 5 pm sunsets, and the trigger brake inside the ring lets you stop the lead with one squeeze. The walk harness has reflective stitching, and the clip-on poop bag holder keeps bags where you can reach them.

You can get all of it together in the UFO Gen 3 Complete Walk Kit.

Wrap up warm and enjoy the snow.

Written by the moestar team.