A few simple tips can help keep your dog safe while walking in snow.A few simple tips can help keep your dog safe while walking in snow.
A few simple tips can help keep your dog safe while walking in snow.

Dogs and Snow: Here are 8 expert vet tips for safely walking your adorable dog in the snow - including how cold is too cold 🐶

The hit of snow and ice in large parts of the UK may have owners wondering if it's safe to take their dogs out in the cold weather.
By David Hepburn
Published 14th Mar 2023, 09:50 BST

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While some breeds are more naturally protected against the cold than others, there are still steps that it’s wise to take to protect your pup.

Pooch & Mutt’s in-house Veterinary Surgeon Dr Linda Simon shares her expert advice to alleviate any uncertainty about going out and about when it’s

“Snow can be a very exciting time for dogs, especially those who haven’t seen it before. However, whilst taking them out for their usual daily exercise can be tempting, there are some essential things to consider to enjoy the chilly temperatures safely.”

Here are her eight top tips.

Right now, many parts of the UK are experiencing below-zero temperatures. The general rule of thumb is if it's too cold for you to walk outside, it's likely too cold for your pup. Popping out in the garden to do their business is fine, but if weather conditions are below freezing, try to walk them once the temperature rises above 0 again.

1. Consider the temperature

Right now, many parts of the UK are experiencing below-zero temperatures. The general rule of thumb is if it's too cold for you to walk outside, it's likely too cold for your pup. Popping out in the garden to do their business is fine, but if weather conditions are below freezing, try to walk them once the temperature rises above 0 again. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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When you head out, try limiting their time in the snow. Most healthy dogs will be safe to enjoy the frosty weather, but factors like breed and age do come into play. Puppies and smaller breeds have less fat and may struggle to regulate body temperature. Older dogs or dogs with pre-existing health conditions are also at higher risk in the winter months. Healthy medium to large breeds should be able to have about 30 minutes of exercise in the snow without experiencing any discomfort. Limit time for smaller and short-haired breeds to around 15-20 minutes.

2. Limit time in the snow

When you head out, try limiting their time in the snow. Most healthy dogs will be safe to enjoy the frosty weather, but factors like breed and age do come into play. Puppies and smaller breeds have less fat and may struggle to regulate body temperature. Older dogs or dogs with pre-existing health conditions are also at higher risk in the winter months. Healthy medium to large breeds should be able to have about 30 minutes of exercise in the snow without experiencing any discomfort. Limit time for smaller and short-haired breeds to around 15-20 minutes. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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If you can, avoid roads, pathways and driveways with grit salt. If it gets into their paws, it can cause irritation and discomfort, especially if it becomes compacted with snow. Be sure to wipe their paws as soon as you get in, especially if you think your dog has walked on grit before they attempt to clean themselves. Salt grit contains harmful chemicals and, if ingested, is extremely hazardous and in some cases can cause sodium toxicity, so stick to parks and rural locations instead.

3. Avoid grit salt roads and pathways

If you can, avoid roads, pathways and driveways with grit salt. If it gets into their paws, it can cause irritation and discomfort, especially if it becomes compacted with snow. Be sure to wipe their paws as soon as you get in, especially if you think your dog has walked on grit before they attempt to clean themselves. Salt grit contains harmful chemicals and, if ingested, is extremely hazardous and in some cases can cause sodium toxicity, so stick to parks and rural locations instead. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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Whilst it can be tempting to let your dog run free in the snow, it’s best to keep them on a leash or long line. Snow can be disorientating for our pups - sadly, more dogs get lost during winter. Keeping them on a leash will reduce the risk of them running onto frozen lakes, falling, slipping or ingesting anything harmful that’s been covered in snow. It’s also essential that your dog is microchipped and wearing a tag with your contact information before heading out. Reflective or hi-vis collars and jackets will also help you keep track of your pooch.

4. Keep them on a lead

Whilst it can be tempting to let your dog run free in the snow, it’s best to keep them on a leash or long line. Snow can be disorientating for our pups - sadly, more dogs get lost during winter. Keeping them on a leash will reduce the risk of them running onto frozen lakes, falling, slipping or ingesting anything harmful that’s been covered in snow. It’s also essential that your dog is microchipped and wearing a tag with your contact information before heading out. Reflective or hi-vis collars and jackets will also help you keep track of your pooch. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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