When is it too cold to walk your dog?

• Above 5°C (41°F). Winter temperatures dropping to this level are generally safe for all kinds of dogs to enjoy their usual walking routine.
• Below 5°C (41°F). If the temperature is heading below 5°C (41°F) then it’s time to start re-planning your routine to include shorter, more frequent walks.
• 0°C (32°F). At freezing temperatures, it’s likely too cold to walk smaller dogs, puppies and older dogs who are more vulnerable. Watch your dog closely for signs of discomfort and dress them in a coat or fleece.
• -6°C (21°F). Temperatures any lower than -6°C could put any type of dog at risk of issues including hypothermia. Limit time outside and focus on indoor exercise.

Can you walk dogs in the snow?

Sleet and snow should not deter you from taking your dogs outside - after all, they will still need to get some exercise! Some dogs may love playing in the snow, however, walks in cold weather should be shorter and more frequent rather than a single long walk each day - for example, consider multiple 10-20 minute walks rather than 60 minutes in one go.

Keep a towel by the door so that when you get home you can make sure they are dried off as quickly as possible and check for ice or snow that may have got caught in their fur.

Is it safe to walk a puppy when it’s cold?

Puppies have much less body fat than other dogs, making it harder for them to keep warm. For this reason, they shouldn’t be walked outside in temperatures below freezing. They also may not have developed their ability to communicate with you and could be unable to warn you if they are experiencing discomfort.

Even with a coat and other precautions, treat puppies with the same level of caution as you would an elderly dog - avoid extremes of temperature when planning a walk and keep it short, ideally 10-15 minutes at a time.

How can I tell if my dog is too cold?

 Clear signs that your dog is getting too cold include:

• Shivering
• Anxious body language
• Reluctance to keep walking
• Cold ears
• Whimpering
• Lifting their paws off the ground

Each dog’s tolerance to cold weather will vary by breed and their personality. Dogs that are larger and have thicker coats are more likely to be comfortable with the cold compared to smaller breeds, or those with thin coats. The key is knowing your dog and understanding their reactions. If they walk strangely, vocalise or show they do not want to go any further, these are all clear signs that it is time to cut the walk short.

Be aware that dogs can develop hypothermia if they spend too long in extreme cold and they should be taken to a vet urgently if they display any of the symptoms:

• A steep drop in body temperature
• Slowed breathing
• Becoming unresponsive.

Dog walk temperature chart

Walking dogs in cold weather

Timing

Keep walks limited to the warmest part of the day, typically from mid-morning until early afternoon, to avoid the worst of the cold weather each day. When out, make sure the walks are highly active (minimise stops and keep moving) to generate as much body heat as possible.

Paw care

Another consideration in icy conditions is grit or salt that has been spread to keep walkways from becoming slippery. This could be collected on your dog’s paws and become painful, so make sure to check and brush their paws once you get home.

Many people will use forms of antifreeze and other chemicals to defrost their cars and pathways. These could be dangerous, so be especially vigilant of what your dog investigates on their winter walks.

Winter wear

The first consideration when preparing for a winter walk is to make sure your four-legged friend is secure. The walkways might look familiar, but if they are uneven or slippery there is a risk of injury – winter walks should always be lead walks – and make sure that harnesses are adjusted for added security.

Just like people, there are plenty of stylish clothing options to keep dogs warm on a winter walk - from coats to dog boots, which may also provide extra grip when walking on ice.

Make sure you choose a coat that is comfortable and suitable for your dog’s breed:

• Toy and small dogs (Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, etc.) Being light and having low body fat means these dogs will feel the cold quickly. Make sure they have jackets for their winter walks and that the walks are little and often.
• Thin-coated dogs (Greyhounds, Beagles, Pointers, Boxers, etc.) While they might be physically larger, the lack of body fat and thin coat means dogs in this category are also very susceptible to the cold and would benefit from a jacket in temperatures below 5°C (41°F).
• Large or thick-coated dogs (Husky, Collie, Sheepdog, etc.) Their thick coats and larger frames make these dogs most naturally comfortable in cold weather, but they should still be carefully watched for signs of discomfort when out in the cold.
• Puppies and seniors. Dogs that are very young, old, or have health conditions will need additional protective care to help regulate their temperature. Walks in temperatures close to freezing should be avoided.

Staying safe in the cold

Aside from extreme temperatures, the decision of if and how to walk your dog in cold weather will depend on a range of factors based on your dog’s specific circumstances, including their breed and health.

Carefully monitor their body language for signs that the weather is too much for them and plan for multiple short walks each day - being prepared in this way will mean you can both enjoy winter walks without any health issues.

No matter what size or breed your dog is, TopDog has a range of great harnesses, collars and leads for walking and all your other doggy activities - whatever the weather!