Winter can pose a significant challenge to dog owners as the weather gets colder and streets and sidewalks get covered in snow. Each dog is different and has varying levels of tolerance for snow and cold weather.

Regardless of dog breed, owners can help their dogs have safe wintertime walks by being mindful of a few key factors. Our checklist has helpful reminders and tips to keep you and your dog safe as you go on your walks in the snow.

The 10 Safety Tips to Walk Your Dog in the Winter Snow

1. Check the Weather First

Always check the weather before you step outside for a walk. Most dogs will be able to walk in the cold if the temperature doesn’t fall below 32°F, but dogs that have shorter or thinner coats, like Chihuahuas and Greyhounds, will be more sensitive to the cold. Most dogs can walk for about 30 minutes in temperatures above 20°F. However, their ability to walk will also depend on windchill.

Keep in mind that staying outside in temperatures below 5°F exposes you to frostbite risks. You can also be at risk of hypothermia in temperatures of around 40°F. So, make sure to check the weather and the windchill temperature before deciding on going for a long walk.

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2. Avoid Heavily Salted Areas

Salt can dehydrate and damage a dog’s paw pads. So, even if it’s more convenient to walk on salted sidewalks, it’s best to avoid patches and mounds of salt. Try to reduce the amount of time spent walking along roadsides, as salt can accumulate there as well.

Since salt has an abrasive texture, walking over it repeatedly can irritate and cut dogs’ paw pads. So, make sure to check for any rawness or redness on your dog’s paws after walks.

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3. Use Paw Wax

Several different kinds of paw wax can help your dog during the winter. Some waxes are meant for outdoor use and have a water-repellent formula that’ll also protect paws from salt and snow. These paw waxes have to be applied to your dog’s paws for at least a few minutes before your walk to be effective.

You can also find moisturizing paw wax for indoor use, which can be applied after you and your dog come back home from a walk. This type of wax will restore moisture and nourish the paw pads to keep them healthy and soft.

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4. Invest in High-Quality Dog Boots

Not all dogs need dog boots, but some can benefit from the extra warmth. Smaller dogs and dogs that are extra sensitive to the cold may appreciate wearing winter boots. Just make sure to purchase a high-quality set of boots. Poorly designed boots won’t be water-resistant or waterproof and can end up making your dog feel colder by retaining and soaking your dog’s paws in water.

Rubber boots can help keep your dog’s paws dry, but they won’t do much to keep them warm. You’ll also want to keep your dog’s nails clipped and short to prevent them from poking holes through the rubber.

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5. Put Warm Clothes on Your Dog

Many dogs will appreciate wearing a warm sweater or jacket during colder months. Older dogs and dogs with thin coats are more susceptible to feeling cold, so investing in a nice warm jacket can make walks more enjoyable for them.

When shopping for a new jacket or sweater, make sure that the design doesn’t cover up the genital area and get in the way when your dog goes potty.

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6. Prevent Your Dog from Eating Snow

Many dogs go wild when they see snow and may enjoy rolling around in it and eating it. While it can be safe for dogs to eat snow in your backyard or in open fields, it’s usually unsafe for them to eat snow in places of heavy traffic. You never know if shoveled snow has salt mixed in it and eating too much salt can lead to salt poisoning. Road salt can also have sand and chemicals mixed into it.

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7. Watch for Signs of Discomfort

It’s also important to keep a watchful eye on your dog throughout the walk. Look for signs of discomfort, like reluctance to walk, shivering, and whimpering. Some dogs may start to feel pain when they’re walking through snow and will start to limp. Your dog might also be less interested in sniffing around and start rushing to go back inside.

Never force your dog to complete your usual walk route if the weather’s too cold. If your dog continues to be reluctant to walk, it’s best to take it back inside.

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8. Walk on the Warmest Part of the Day

You may have to adjust your routine in the winter and change the time you walk your dog. Since the days are colder in the morning and night, you may need to switch to letting your dog out for a quick potty break in the morning and reserving a longer walk for the afternoon. You can also get some exercise by breaking up your walk into several shorter walks throughout the day.

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9. Shovel Out a Potty Area

Some dogs are picky about where they go potty and may have trouble without having a grassy patch to relieve themselves. It’s helpful to shovel out a patch of grass near your home to encourage your dog to use the space as a bathroom. This can help dogs to go faster and spend less time outdoors in the cold.

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10. Clean Your Dog’s Paws After the Walk

Your dog will naturally track in more dirt and debris when its paws are wet from the snow. So, make sure to have towels and wipes near your door so that you can clean your dog’s paws right after your walk.

It can be helpful to invest in a paw cleaner cup with bristles that clean between the paws. A paw cleaner cup can also help rinse off salt and help prevent the paws from getting dry and cracked.

Conclusion

Walking in the snow is challenging, but you can do several things to make it safe for you and your dog. Always check the weather before going on long walks and be mindful of your dog’s comfort level throughout the whole walk. Make sure to pay special attention to your dog’s paws and consider investing in paw wax and winter clothes. All these things can help protect your dog’s health and safely get through another cold season.

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Featured Image Credit: vvvita, Shutterstock