Winter Dog Walks
As the nights draw in and the temperature drops it’s tempting to curl up on the sofa with your dog and enjoy a cosy night in. But getting out in the crisp winter air for a bracing walk not only ups your step count, it’s also essential for your dog’s long-term health too.
Why walking your dog is important
Your dog needs exercise all year round to keep them in good health. Rain or shine, it’s important they get regular walks to keep the weight off and keep their cardiovascular system in great shape.
Daily walks provide not just physical exercise but mental stimulation, socialisation with other dogs and opportunities for behavioural training. It’s also a great way for you to bond with your pet and form a lifelong, loving friendship.
Do dogs feel the cold?
Unlike us, dogs already have an inbuilt fur coat so most of them are comfortable in the cold, at least for a while. But, yes, they can feel the cold. How much depends on the breed, length of their fur and size.
Large dogs with thick double coats like huskies or malamutes are better insulated than short-hair breeds like greyhounds or chihuahuas. Smaller dogs or those with low body fat like dachshunds or whippets are more vulnerable to the cold.
Puppies and older dogs can struggle to regulate body temperature and certain health conditions such as hypothyroidism or arthritis mean some dogs feel the cold more acutely.
How cold is too cold?
The temperature at which it becomes too cold for dogs will vary depending on several factors – their size, fur length and thickness, age and breed.
If it’s chilly outside and close to freezing try going for shorter, more frequent walks to give your pet some exercise but as a rough guide, if it’s too cold for you it’s probably too cold for your dog to stay out either. If you’re worried about how well your dog will cope, speak to your vet who will be able to give you advice.
Dangers of ice
While many dogs have no issue with braving the cold keep an extra eye on them when you’re out for a walk. Just as frozen ponds are extremely dangerous for humans so they are for dogs too. The surface may look solid but you have no idea how deep or strong the ice is so do not let your dog venture onto it under any circumstances. Your dog could easily fall through thin ice into potentially fatal freezing waters, and you could put yourself in extreme danger trying to rescue them.
It’s best to steer clear altogether or walk them on a lead if you know your regular route takes you past water.
Ponds aren’t the only ice hazards to be aware of, frozen paths and roads can become really slippery increasing the chances of you and your dog sustaining an injury if you fall. Even if they have been gritted, this can get stuck in your dog’s paws causing redness, soreness and cracking. Some ice melts, used for de-icing paths and roads, can be dangerous for dogs, especially if eaten as it contains anti-freeze.
How to keep your dog safe and warm on a walk
Limit the length of time you and your dog are outdoors if it’s particularly cold then consider putting them in a coat if they’re a small or short-haired breed. There are lots of different coats, doggy jumpers, high-vis jackets and even dog booties available to help protect your pet during the colder months.
If you notice your dog shivering, trembling, curling up tightly, seeking warmth or lifting their paws off the ground it’s probably time to head home. Dry their paws when you get in and make sure they have a warm dry place to rest in after their walk.
What to do if it’s too cold to walk
Sometimes it really is just too chilly to step outside for a walk. If it’s only on the odd occasion, don’t feel guilty – missing one or two walks isn’t going to do them any harm. But if you do want them to stay active there are plenty of things you can do indoors.
- Play fetch – Toss a ball around your house and let them chase after it to get them moving
- Set up an obstacle course – Dogs love to run around and be challenged. Use cushions, chairs and boxes to create a DIY agility course in your home
