When is it too cold to walk your dog? Top safety tips

Cold weather doesn’t just impact us, when you’re bundling up in a cosy jacket to take your dog out for their daily walk, remember to think of their comfort and wellbeing too.  

Here’s five top tips to keep your four-legged friends safe and warm when it’s frosty outside. 

1. Consider a coat for small or short-haired breeds 

Keep your pup cosy with a warm jacket on their winter walks. Dogs with thicker coats will cope better with the cold but keep an eye out for signs of discomfort just in case.  

It’s especially important to keep an eye on young pups and older dogs as they can’t regulate their body temperature so well.  

If your dog has never worn a coat before, introduce it to them slowly in a positive way to ensure that they’re comfortable with the experience and happy to wear it on future walks.  

2. Use a light attachment or coat with reflective features  

On dark winter nights, it helps to be visible. A reflective coat, light-up collar or light attachment will keep you and your dog safe. Again, introduce this gradually to help your dog get used to it without fear. 

3. Don’t let your dog swim when the temperature is less than 4 degrees  

If the air temperature is cold, the water temperature of your dog’s favourite swimming spots will be much colder!  

Icy cold water can dangerously lower your dog’s body temperature and even lead to hypothermia, avoid the risk and save the splashing about for warmer weather.  

If you’re worried about hypothermia, look out for sluggish or drowsy behaviour, pale gums, shivering and loss of consciousness. Warm them up slowly with blankets, encourage them to drink lukewarm water and make sure to get them to a vet for a checkup.  

4. Wipe the grit from their paws after walks  

The grit and salt we put on our roads to stop them from getting too slippy can irritate the skin on your dog’s paws.  

Give their feet, legs and belly a wipe down when you get back in to remove this salt from their fur and prevent them from grooming it off themselves.  

5. Watch out for antifreeze  

Antifreeze is toxic to dogs and cats. Keep it out of the way of animals and clean up any spillages as quickly and thoroughly as you can.  

If you suspect that your pet has ingested antifreeze, take them to the vet to be seen immediately.  

Follow these tips to enjoy the winter weather safely  

Snowy winter walks can be a lot of fun. Remember to keep you and your dog safe, visible and warm and speak to a vet if you’re worried at all about your dog’s health.