Let’s be honest. If you’re not a fan of winter, you probably find it highly unpleasant to walk your dog during the cold and snowy months of the year. At least, that’s how I feel. I don’t enjoy being out in the elements at all, and avoiding daily walks is easy when it’s cold outside.
But regardless of the weather, our mutts need regular exercise and fresh air, and it’s on us to make sure they get what they need.
So no matter how cold it is, no matter how much snow is on the ground, we’ve got to bundle up and suck it up for the good of our furry friends.
Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to make walking your dog in winter just a little more tolerable. Take a look at this cool infographic, and then we’ll chat some more below.
Great tips, right? I really believe that practicing each and every one of these steps can make dog walking during the winter just a little more pleasant for both you and your dog.
8 Steps to Walking Your Dog in Winter
1. Make sure you’re properly outfitted.
This means that you’re dressed to stay warm and dry, and you’re also comfortable. The North Face and Columbia make some of my favorite outdoor gear and let’s be honest: if you love what you’re wearing, you’re going to be more likely to venture out into the cold.
2. Put a jacket on your dog.
Seriously. They’re really no more equipped to be out in the cold than we are, so it stands to reason that if you need a coat, your dog does, too. There are so many choices when it comes to coats for dogs, and we like the Nor’easter from Kong
3. Protect your dog’s paws with booties or pet-safe products like Soothe & Shield Paw Balm from Only Natural Pet.
My Nike most certainly won’t wear booties (they’d be so helpful with her grass allergies in the summer!), which is why I like a product like Soothe & Shield, which is perfect for year-round use.
4. Use a harness when walking your dog.
Nike wears one every single day, and we love the Puppia soft harness
5. Use a solid leash, not a retractable one.
I hear and read so many bad things about retractable leashes, and I just don’t think they’re safe. Instead, choose a high quality leather or nylon leash.
6. Make sure your dog’s clothing stays dry.
You wouldn’t want to walk around in a wet coat, and neither does your dog. If either of you get wet, cut your walk short and get indoors.
7. Avoid hazards like frozen ponds.
You’d think this goes without saying but the truth is, every winter you hear about someone falling through the ice on a frozen pond or lake. It’s not safe for you, and it’s not safe for your dog – no matter how cold it is outside. Don’t take a chance – keep off the ice!
8. When you return home, wash your dog’s paws.
The chemicals in the ice melts and salt used on sidewalks and streets can be toxic to pets. Yuck, be sure to wash it away. Then apply a little of my homemade paw balm to soften those tooties.
And most importantly, as the infographic suggests, pay attention to your dog. If she doesn’t want to go for a long walk, that’s okay. Just do a quick potty break and get right back inside to the warmth of your home. You can always find fun things to do inside to keep her entertained on those really cold days.
Your turn: Can you think of any other tips to make dog walking in the winter just a little more tolerable? I’d love to hear your thoughts in a comment below, or feel free to stop by my Facebook page and join in the conversation there!
Rebecca says
January 13, 2015 at 7:39 amWhat a great post. This past week was brutal in our part of the States. One morning I could tell my guys weren’t having the cold for long … they started limping and holding their feet it. Below zero was just too cold.
Christina Berry says
January 13, 2015 at 9:42 amI haven’t seen Nike do that, but my husband said when he had her outside last week, she kept hopping from foot to foot while she pottied. Brutal is the right word, for sure!
Robin Masshole Mommy says
January 13, 2015 at 10:44 amMy dog is little, so we put boots and a winter coat on him before we take him out. He gets cold quickly!
Christina Berry says
January 13, 2015 at 12:45 pmI would love to see a photo of him, Robin! I’ll bet he’s a doll… and a brave one to weather those Mass winters!
Ellen C says
January 13, 2015 at 11:18 amMy dogs have very thick hair, but we still put jackets on them in the winter. Although they are not crazy about them. 🙂
Christina Berry says
January 13, 2015 at 12:46 pmDogs do seem to hate coats, don’t they! I keep a sweater on my elderly Doxie all the time during the winter, and she’s not fond of it at all… although she stays warm!
Kelli A says
January 13, 2015 at 11:27 amThese are great tips! My dogs will not wear a coat or the footies though have tried both many many many times and they just refuse! Sit down and start tearing it all off.
Christina Berry says
January 13, 2015 at 12:46 pmMy big dog feels the same way, but if we make it a fairly quick in and out, she’ll go along with it.
Milena says
January 13, 2015 at 2:48 pmI had no idea so much would be involved with a dog. We only have cats, chickens and frogs-LOL!
rebecca says
January 13, 2015 at 7:13 pmI don’t have a dog but these are really go tips. My cat is a house cat and refuses to go out.
Pamela :: Still Dating My Spouse says
January 13, 2015 at 7:24 pmLove the infographic. It is so important to walk your dog but make sure you are prepared to walk him/her.
maria @ closetohome says
January 13, 2015 at 7:25 pmWE don’t get much snow but I never thought about the salt when we do. I will have to have a towel near the front door for now on.
Lauren Miller says
January 13, 2015 at 7:44 pmGreat post!! I always get so sad when I see people with tiny dogs and they don’t put coats on them. They look so miserable!! My dogs are short haired and we don’t go outside without their coats if it’s below 50. They do not like going out when it’s pouring rain, so we keep those walks short and do indoor games. 🙂
Susan says
January 13, 2015 at 8:05 pmWhat great tips, especially to wash your dog’s feet well once you get home.
sarah says
January 13, 2015 at 8:55 pmThese are fantastic tips. My yorkie reminds me at 10am each morning that it’s time four our walk. It’s amazing how he’s so prompt about it! They are truly amazing companions.
Mama to 5 Blessings says
January 13, 2015 at 9:15 pmWe do not have a dog because of my daughter’s allergies but these are great tips. If I had a dog a retractable leash would be a must!
Janeane Davis says
January 13, 2015 at 10:30 pmThis post is nice. We must remember to protect our furry friends in the winter just as we protect ourselves.
Elaibe says
January 13, 2015 at 10:47 pmIt is hard to stay motivated in the winter when it’s bitterly cold, but snow hikes on wooden trails are absolutely beautiful in the winter when the ground is covered with snow. You’re right, being prepared makes all the difference!
debbie says
January 14, 2015 at 12:07 amGood advice. Protecting their paws is important.,
Mommy2jam says
January 14, 2015 at 1:02 amThese are all great tips for walking your dog. I don’t have one but I will pass on to many of my friends.
Rosey says
January 14, 2015 at 10:02 amGreat tips here. We had a little dog when I was growing up and her little paws would get cold fast in the snow!
Heather says
January 14, 2015 at 11:31 amMy dog is such a wimp when its cold outside!
Jodi says
January 15, 2015 at 11:28 amGood tips. Walking in winter can be challenging, but it’s still something that needs to be done.
Danyelle says
January 18, 2015 at 1:45 pmAlthough in Vegas we seldom have truly cold days, these are great tips. Especially for those who like to hike in the mts with their dogs.
Cathy armato says
January 5, 2017 at 4:07 pmThese are SUCH excellent tips! The only one that won’t apply to my dog Icy is wearing a coat – she’s a Husky! The colder it is the happier she is. My little Havanese Phoebe, on the other hand – mmm, Not so much!! The Info Graphic is perfect. Sharing on all my social channels!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
E McGrath says
January 8, 2017 at 4:31 pmIt’s NOT enough to wash your dog’s paws to remove salt residue AFTER returning home.
Unless a de-icing salt is pet-friendly (most users do NOT choose a pet-friendly formula), the salt is a harsh chemical that can cause bad chemical burns BEFORE you return home.
My 5’2″ friend carried her 70 pound dog home because he developed terrible 2nd and 3rd degree chemical burns WHILE walking in a park. He started limping then laid down. Upon inspection, she recognized blisters had ALREADY formed on the pads of his paws. He couldn’t stand or walk so she struggled but carried him home. Imagine the pain he must have felt when the burn blisters developed and until they healed.
If your dog won’t wear booties (mine won’t), AVOID SALT AT ALL COST. For example, pick up you dog and carry him / her through a salted area. Turn around and walk in the opposite direction. Use an alternate path, e.g. walk across an adjacent lawn instead the salted sidewalk, I also choose my route to minimize crossing streets which are often heavily salted in my area.
First AVOID salt DURING the walk. Then also wash the paws (including between pads) AFTER the walk.