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Winter can make staying active difficult, not just for us but for our furry companions too. Shorter days, chilly temperatures, and damp conditions often make stepping outside feel like a burden.
But with proper preparation, walking your dog in winter can be both enjoyable and beneficial for you and your pet.
Follow these top tips for walking and looking after your dog's health, whatever the weather.
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Top tips for walking dogs in cold weather and winter
Dogs thrive on regular exercise, and winter walks provide crucial physical and mental stimulation. Not only are walks essential for your pet's well-being, but they also boost your mental health during the colder months.
If you're working from home, consider using your lunch break for a daylight dog walk. A midday outing can break up your routine, providing fresh air and screen-free time.
Could you fit in your main dog walk at lunchtime? It’s a way to break up the day and get time away from the screen.
If you're considering moving your dog’s walk to earlier in the evening, be sure it doesn’t clash with meal times. Ideally, dogs should have a two-hour window on either side when exercising to help prevent bloat. This is particularly important in higher-risk breeds (typically larger, deeper-chested dogs).
Plan your route—choose well-lit paths or areas near roads for added visibility. Equip yourself and your dog with reflective gear or LED lights to stay visible. For more ideas, explore our guide to essential dog accessories for low-light conditions.
If you're walking your dog alone, you may wish to take a whistle and your mobile phone. Bring a torch if walking somewhere dark. It's not just to light your way – it can be hard to spot your dog's poo on dark winter evenings.
And if you’re anything like me and my dog, you might want to shine a torch occasionally to check they aren’t sniffing something unsavoury!
Winter health hazards for dogs
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There are a few things to be observant of on winter walks...
Rock salt can harm your dog
Rock salt is sometimes used on pavements and roads. If ingested, it can cause sores on dogs' skin and an upset tummy. Even small amounts can lead to high blood sodium, which affects dogs' kidneys.
Always wash their feet and legs if you see it on their fur. If you suspect they've ingested some, seek veterinary advice immediately.
Remember, ManyPets pet insurance customers get unlimited, 24/7 online vet advice with their policy.
Antifreeze in puddles
At any time of year, you should try to stop your dog from drinking from puddles or stagnant water. But during the winter months, there's a higher risk of antifreeze spilling into puddles.
If a dog ingests antifreeze it can cause serious health problems and it isn’t always immediately obvious something is wrong. As with all toxins contact your vet. You can also use the animal poison line 01202 509 000.
Winter toxins
For other toxins to look out for in the damper months see our guide to mushroom poisoning in dogs.
Our vet expert Dr Sophie Bell says that November to May and June to October are the times we typically see cases of Alabama Rot. Although the number of deaths due to this condition is low, it is still important to be aware of it and to check your dog regularly.
The condition can cause small non-healing five-pence-size skin lesions on the extremities, abdomen, and muzzle. They are slow-healing wounds that may increase in size and start to look ulcerated.
The condition can lead to kidney failure, which is why it is important to get any small suspicious skin wounds, where you have not witnessed any trauma, investigated.
What temperature is too cold for dogs?
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So, when is it too cold to walk your dog? It depends. A good rule of thumb is that if it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your dog.
Not all dogs tolerate cold weather equally. Small dogs, short-haired dogs, or those with health conditions may feel the chill at temperatures as high as 7°C (45°F). Older dogs, much like in hot weather, can struggle when temperatures get extreme.
Dogs with thicker coats, like Siberian Huskies, can cope with the winter weather better, but you should still stay vigilant. Just because a dog suits times when temperatures drop doesn't mean they'll always be immune to its effects.
Monitor your pet’s comfort and limit outdoor time if needed. It's less about asking "how cold is too cold?" and more about monitoring your dog's body temperature and looking for signs that they're uncomfortable.
Factors that impact a dog's cold tolerance include:
Age
Body fat
Breed (we have a guide on the best dogs for cold weather if you live in a colder climate)
Coat type
Health
Size
As a general guide, here are temperatures where you'll likely need to exercise your dog indoors:
7°C (45°F): Dogs not suited to the cold will feel uncomfortable
0°C (32°F): This is dangerous for small dogs, thin-coated dogs, puppies, older dogs and those who are unwell. These dogs may be in danger if they spend too much time outside
-6°C (20°F): This is too cold for most dogs and can lead to cold-related health problems like hypothermia.
Can dogs walk in snow?
Yes, dogs can walk in the snow, but it's important to prepare for it. We recommend:
Making sure your dog is warm, with appropriate boots and a coat if needed
Keeping them on a lead
Knowing the signs of hypothermia and if your dog is too cold
Taking them on a short walk
Walking in a familiar place
Watching out for rock salt
Warm up before going out in the cold
Dr Bell also suggests warming your dog up before a walk by using some basic stretches. She says the colder weather can aggravate arthritis and lead to more soft tissue injury if the muscles are cold and the walk is long or vigorous.
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