Winter dog walking safety tips

Keep your dog warm, protected, and comfortable on cold days with practical advice on coats, boots, paw care, and safe winter walking routines.

When the temperature plunges, walking your dog can be cold and challenging. Depending on where you live, icy roads and treated sidewalks can pose hazards for your dog. Keep your best friend safe, warm and comfortable with these winter dog walking safety tips.

Accessories and advice for winter dog walking 

Buy him a warm, waterproof dog coat

Choose a coat that uses down or synthetic fibers for insulation. Different levels of insulation range from light to normal to heavy. Check that the coat repels water and blocks wind. Be sure to choose a coat based on your dog’s size and weight. It’s crucial to make sure it fits properly. 

Fast fact: Large dogs tend to tolerate the cold better than smaller dogs. 

Fit him out with dog boots 

If possible, avoid walking your dog on heavily salted or chemically treated sidewalks or streets. For extra protection, dog boots shield his feet from cold, salt, and sharp ice. Choose boots with reflective for those dark mornings and evenings. As with dog coats, ensure the boots fit him properly.  

Boots with Velcro attachments help prevent your dog from kicking them off when running or playing. To avoid chaffing and rubbing, slip baby socks on his feet before you put on his boots. 

Fast fact: If your dog refuses to wear boots, try applying bee balm to his paws before walks. Afterwards, wipe his feet with a warm washcloth. Apply another layer of bee balm to prevent dryness.

Keep the hair on his feet short

Carefully clip the hair between your dog’s toes to prevent ice from clinging to his pads and causing pain. Ice can cut or bruise your dog’s feet. Shorter hair around the pads also helps prevent snowballs from forming between his toes.  

Do frequent nail trims

Keep your dog’s nails well-trimmed during the winter. Extremely cold concrete can tear your dog’s nails, potentially causing injury or infection.  

Plan ahead

Don’t wait till it’s cold outside to fit your dog out with a coat and boots. If you have these accessories from last winter, try them on. Make sure they still fit and are in good condition. Otherwise, purchase them new. When the weather turns bitterly cold and icy, your pup will stay ready for any walk. 

Is it too cold out for your dog?

If you live in a cold climate, always check the temperature before heading out to walk your dog. Puppies and very old dogs, along with short-haired breeds, are most vulnerable to hypothermia. See page xx for a guide to winter dog walking by temperature. 

Fast fact: Big dogs with thick coats can handle longer walks than smaller, short-haired dogs. On sunny winter days, you can keep small dogs out a bit longer, but head indoors at the first sign they’re getting chilled. (See the sidebar on page xx for signs your dog is too cold.) 

Some dog breeds are more cold-tolerant than others 

Large, thick-coated dogs often thrive in cold climates and love romping in the snow. Here are some examples:

Large dogs

• St. Bernard — Historically, these large dogs were used for search and rescue in cold climates where avalanches are common. 
• Alaskan Malamute — The Malamute people used these dogs to haul sleds and hunt seals. 
• Siberian Husky — Breeders developed these beautiful dogs to thrive in cold climates. They have a double-thick layer of hair to keep them warm. 
• Norwegian Elkhound – The national dog of Norway, this dog was bred for cold weather and hunting. 
• Bernese Mountain Dog – This breed has a warm double coat. These dogs are gentle and playful, so romping in the snow isn’t a problem for them. 

Small dogs

Surprisingly, some small breeds can tolerate cold weather due to their extra-thick coats. 

• Shiba Inu — This Japanese breed has thick, warm hair.
• Pomeranian – These dogs may be small, but their thick, fluffy coats keep the cold out in winter.
• Miniature Schnauzer – Dense, wiry hair helps these dogs stay toasty on cold days.
• Scottish, Tibetan, and Norfolk Terriers – These small, hardy dogs have double-thick coats. 

Other breeds struggle with cold weather and deep snow. These include hairless dogs such as the Chinese Crested and short-coated breeds like the Chihuahua, Greyhound, and Basenji. It’s crucial to fit these dogs with warm, waterproof coats for winter outings. Keep walks short in cold weather.  

Fast fact: Short-nosed breeds like Pugs, Boston Terriers, and French Bulldogs often develop respiratory problems and need extra protection from cold temperatures. Limit their time outdoors on bitter winter days. 

Whatever your dog’s size or breed, prepare him for winter walks. Follow these precautions and fit him with the right gear so he can enjoy your outings together in comfort and safety — whether it’s a forest hike or a walk around the block.

Temperature guide for winter dog walking 

Signs your dog is too cold 

Just like us, dogs are susceptible to getting chilled. They can even develop frostbite and hypothermia. Signs your dog is struggling with the cold include:

• Reluctance to walk 
• Picking up his feet 
• Moving more slowly than normal
• Looking anxious
• Shivering and shaking 

If your dog exhibits any of these signs, take him indoors as soon as possible.

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