How to Care For & Walk Your Dog in Snowy, Freezing Conditions
We love a winter dog walk. The muddy paths are frozen solid so there’s a whole lot less slipping, it’s the perfect excuse to wrap up in huge coats and fluffy scarves and if we’re really lucky, we can enjoy a proper walk in the snow. And for many dogs, winter walks can be just as enjoyable. The snow is super fun, new scents appear and sometimes, the colder temperatures mean more energy and enthusiasm.
But as usual, there’s some things to consider when it comes to deciding whether to walk your dog in snow or not. Once temperatures drop to freezing, especially below 1°C, it’s important to think a little differently about how we walk, care for and support our dogs.
The cold weather can affect dogs differently; some breeds love it like our snow-loving Huskies and Bernese Mountain dogs while others, usually smaller breeds and those with thinner coats, feel the chill almost instantly. Puppies and senior dogs are also more likely to struggle more, plus with dangers like icy pavements, grit and road salt, there can feel like there’s a lot to consider.
So that’s why we’ve created this guide to help you confidently walk your dog in snow and freezing conditions and while keeping them safe and happy. From knowing when it’s too cold to head out, to protecting paws, spotting signs of cold-related issues and knowing when to swap a walk for indoor enrichment, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know!
Table of Contents
Can You Walk Your Dog in the Snow?
In most cases, yes! Walking your dog in the snow can be incredibly fun, for you and your pup, and snow itself is not dangerous to them. It’s normally just the conditions around it that matter most.
For example, fresh and soft snow on grassy paths are much safer than icy pavements or heavily gritted roads. In the UK especially, snow often quickly turns to slush or ice rather quickly which increases the risk of slipping for everyone.
We always suggest if you’re choosing to walk your dog in snow to try to stick to familiar routes, avoid steep hills and take things slower than usual. Instead, shorter, more frequent walks might be better than one long outing in freezing temperatures. This allows your dog to enjoy the experience without becoming overly cold, especially if they’re a breed not built for winter weather.
When Is It Too Cold to Walk Your Dog?
There’s no single temperature that applies to every dog, but general guidelines can help you decide when it’s time to rethink your walk.
Above 0°C: Most healthy adult dogs are fine, with appropriate precautions
0°C to -5°C: Extra care needed, especially for small, short-haired, senior or puppy dogs
Below -5°C: Many dogs will struggle, and walks should be very short or skipped entirely
Wind chill, rain and dampness make cold weather feel far harsher. A dry -2°C day may feel manageable while a wet, windy +2°C can be miserable and unsafe. If you feel reluctant to step outside, it’s often a sign your dog might be uncomfortable too.
And while knowing the temperature outside is useful, always watch your dog and keep an eye on any unusual behaviour. You know them better than anyone, so if you see them acting strange, shivering, lifting paws or stopping, it may be time to head home and consider some indoor enrichment instead.
Can Dogs Get Hypothermia or Frostbite?
Yes, dogs can get both hypothermia and frostbite, although it’s thankfully uncommon with attentive care.
Hypothermia occurs when a dog’s body temperature drops too low. Early signs include shivering, lethargy, weakness and confusion. Frostbite most often affects ears, tails and paws, particularly in extreme cold or prolonged exposure.
If you’re ever worried your dog may be suffering from a cold-related illness, it’s important to warm them gradually and consult your vet for advice. We’re always advocates for trusting your instincts so if something feels off, get things checked with your vet.
Keeping Your Dog Warm and Safe in Freezing Conditions
When you walk your dog in snow or freezing weather, preparation makes all the difference. A great way to keep them warm when heading out to walk your dog in snow is a comfy and cosy dog coat. Especially good for short-haired breeds, smaller pups and seniors, winter dog coats can help their bodies retain heat and keep them dry which is key to staying warm.
Good walking gear matters too. A secure harness and lead give you better control on icy ground, helping to prevent sudden slips or lunges that could lead to injury. A no-pull harness is particularly good for this, especially if your pup gets a little over excited on walks and wants to steam ahead!
After walks, you should always dry your dog thoroughly too. Just like us, our dogs can get cold when being wet and damp so having some microfibre dog towels at home to dry them off quickly can help prevent any chills. A dog drying robe is also a useful, and adorable, accessory for your pup to wrap up in and wear as they warm up after a nice winter walk.
Paw Care in Winter is More Important Than You Think
Something that many don’t think of when heading out to walk your dog in snow is the effect it can have on our pups’ paws. Most of the time, our dogs’ little toe beans are well prepared for the snow and ice, but they’re not built for the grit and road salt found all over the ground.
The harsh salt used in grit can cause irritation and even burns on our dogs’ paws and sometimes, after a lot of exposure, the cold can dry out and crack their soft pads. Before walks, it’s a good idea to apply a dog paw balm to help create a protective barrier and keep them hydrated.
After walks, especially if you’ve walked across any grit or rock salt, you should wipe down their paws with dog-safe wipes to reduce irritation and stop them from licking and ingesting any remnants.
Caring for Your Dog When It’s Too Cold to Walk Outside
Some days, walking your dog in snow just isn’t the right choice and that’s okay. Dogs still need stimulation, but it doesn’t always have to come from a walk.
Indoor enrichment is a brilliant alternative when it’s freezing outside. Enrichment toys like lick mats, snuffle mats, treat dispensers and puzzle feeders provide mental stimulation that can be just as tiring as physical exercise. Short training sessions are also a fun idea to prevent boredom when outdoor routines change.
Conclusion
Thankfully, winter doesn’t have to put a stop to enjoyable dog walks. With the right preparation and some awareness of the outdoors and your dog’s behaviour, you can safely walk your dog in snow when conditions allow. And if things don’t feel right, you can also have the confidence to switch to indoor enrichment when it’s needed.
Understanding your dog’s needs, watching their behaviour and being willing to adapt your routine are the most important things you can do during colder months. Some days will call for frosty adventures, others for cosy enrichment indoors and both are equally valuable.
At WOOOF, we believe winter dog care should feel manageable and not stressful. That’s why we stock everything you need to support your dog through colder weather, from coats, harnesses and leads for safer walks, to enrichment toys, treats and grooming essentials for days spent indoors.
Walking your dog in snow can be safe and enjoyable with the right precautions, but always consider temperature, weather conditions and your dog’s individual needs. You know them best!
Cold weather requires a little extra care, from protecting paws and keeping dogs warm, to knowing when it’s better to swap a walk for indoor enrichment.
Be sure to have some winter essentials ready including coats, walking gear, enrichment toys and grooming products.
The Author: Charlotte Harris
Charlotte has been a writer and dog owner her whole life, so combining these two things together is a dream come true. Her greatest love is her oversized Golden Retriever, Milo, who has a love of tough chews and anything filled with peanut butter!
If you liked this blog, you'll also like...
Winter Warmer Slow Feeder Recipes for Dogs
5 Cosy Scent Games for Dogs That Are Perfect for Cold Days
The Christmas Day Walk & Why It’s Essential for Keeping Dogs Calm at Christmas
Do dogs need coats in snow and freezing temperatures?
Many dogs do, especially small breeds, puppies, senior dogs and those with thin coats. But some breeds, mainly larger dogs with thick coats, can get away with a well-fitted harness. But all dogs should be nicely dried off with a microfibre towel when they get home so they don't get the chills!
Is it safe to walk puppies in the snow?
Puppies can walk in the snow but their walks should be very short. They lose heat quickly and may not recognise when they’re too cold, so extra supervision is essential.
What should I do if it’s too cold to walk my dog?
If it's too cold or unsafe out of the pavements and paths, it's okay to switch out your daily walk with something else. Indoor enrichment is great for this, whether that's doing some training, creating an indoor treasure hunt using treats or making the most of enrichment toys like lick mats and treat dispensers.
