Helping our dogs enjoy the winter weather

Cold, snowy, wet weather is upon us and it’s tempting to stay indoors, however, the old Swedish saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing,” is worth remembering.

Exercise is important all year round, who doesn’t feel better after a dose of fresh air and unfiltered daylight? And that includes our dogs. Obviously, if conditions are treacherous, with ice or snow, we need to be sensible and keep safe but, mostly, we are off-put by the extra effort of an outdoor excursion. It needn’t be an effort if we just prepare well: know your breed, know your dog and plan and equip yourself accordingly.

Large, thick coated breeds, bred for colder climates, are better suited to winter weather: Siberian Huskies, Newfoundlands and St Bernards. Thin coated and smaller breeds, such as French Bulldogs, Greyhounds and Whippets will struggle to keep warm. Also, very young or older dogs, and those with certain medical conditions are less able to regulate their temperature, needing help too.

Hazards in winter

As outdoor conditions change we need to protect our dogs and keep them, and us, safe.

1
Weather
With a drop in temperature and increased rain or snowfall, make sure you and your dog are wrapped up warmly enough. If your dog doesn’t have a natural winter coat, buy one that protects them from their neck to the base of the tail. Some dogs’ paws are more sensitive than others so keep an eye on them and consider insulated boots.
2
Light levels
Shorter days may mean walking in dim light or even darkness; stay safe with reflective coats, a head torch, and a flashing or reflective dog collar.
3
Open water
Levels are frequently higher, or may have frozen over, keep your dog on a lead to prevent them falling in; if they get into trouble encourage them to swim back to you, or call emergency services for help – NEVER attempt to go in and rescue them yourself.
4
Hidden dangers
Whilst a thick fall of snow looks beautiful, it could be hiding barbed wire, sharp rubble, or a deep hole; keep your dog on a lead unless you know the area very well. If your dog is short-legged, walking in deep snow will be difficult and they will get cold more quickly.
5
Chemicals
The council will be sending out gritters and salting roads and pavements, and anti-freeze will be used to protect cars. Salt and grit can irritate your dog’s skin so wash their paws off after your walk; anti-freeze contains ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic and appealing to dogs, so store it safely and clean up any spillages immediately. If you think your dog may have ingested anti-freeze then seek veterinary advice immediately.

Preparing for wintry conditions

If your dog’s coat regularly needs clipping, leave it longer for greater insulation.
Inspect your dog’s paws regularly for sores, splits or cracks in the pads; if you’re at all worried contact your vet, or use the Agria App to book a video call with a vet.
Trim the hair between your dog’s pads to help their feet dry more quickly and prevent painful ice-balls forming on a walk.
If your dog has sensitive paws, lubricate them with a paw salve, just as you would your hands with hand cream, it will strengthen the skin barrier against irritation and injury.
Apply a thin, protective layer of petroleum jelly as a barrier on their pads just before going out, and rinse off on return.
Maintain your recall training all year round, it could save you and your dog from disaster.

Always walk facing oncoming traffic with your dog between you and the side of the road, and be alert to any traffic, especially as electric vehicles are so much quieter.

If conditions are too bad to venture out, exercise and stimulate your dog indoors. Encourage them to sniff out a hidden toy, brush up on obedience and tricks training, or play tug and retrieve games with them.

About the Author

Sam Khan shares her woodland home with Junior, the cat, Gully, the dog and bunnies Hugo & Billy, sometimes playing the family’s ‘favourite’ game with the tortoise – “Where’s Churchill?” She loves writing for Agria, sharing our passion for animal welfare, protecting biodiversity and the environment. When not writing or illustrating, she will be making something, reading a book or swimming in the lake at the bottom of her lane.