How to keep your dog safe in cold weather

Winter can be a fun and exciting time for you and your dog, but it comes with challenges too! Just like us, our dogs can feel the cold during chillier times of the year. Some of the most common dangers to dogs during winter include hypothermia, frostbite, antifreeze poisoning, and dehydration. But the good news is that there are simple steps you can take to keep your four-legged companion happy, healthy, and protected from the elements.

We've put together some helpful tips so you can go ahead and embrace the winter wonderland with your furry friend by your side, knowing that you've got everything under control.

A dog owner sits on a fallen tree in a field, smiling at their dog, a black Labrador.

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Exercising and walking your dog in cold weather

It's good to be aware of the potential risks that your dog may face while you're enjoying winter adventures together. From wrapping up warm in freezing temperatures to avoiding slippery conditions underfoot, here are our winter safety tips for enjoyable walks in colder weather:

Keep your dog's paws in top shape by regularly checking for any cracks or signs of discomfort. If your dog is limping or constantly licking or chewing at their paw, it might be a sign that they need extra care and attention.

Winter weather can be harsh on your dog's paws. Salt, dry air and freezing temperatures all take a toll on their pads. But with a bit of extra pet care and attention, you can make sure that your dog is comfortable and protected all winter long.

Here's what you need to know:

Beware of chemicals: Ice-melting chemicals like rock salt can be tough on your dog's paws, causing irritation, dryness, and even painful cracking. After each winter walk, clean your dog's paws thoroughly to get rid of any chemicals that may have built up. This will also help avoid them accidentally licking these nasties while grooming themselves.

Keep paws moisturised: Just as we can suffer from dry skin, our dog's paw pads can also dry out and crack in cold weather. If you notice your dog's paws are cracked and dry, try using a paw balm, a specialist moisturiser, or even petroleum jelly to protect them from the harsh elements. If they look sore, it's best to speak to your vet before using the above.

Protect your pet's paws in snow: Snow can be especially damaging to your dog's paws, causing discomfort and pain. Try to limit your adventures in the snow and prevent ice balls from forming between their paw pads by keeping your dog's fur trimmed, especially if your dog is a long-haired breed.
If your dog has short hair, low levels of body fat or is older, a dog coat can keep them toasty on chilly days. Make sure your dog's coat fits well and doesn't restrict their movement, and always remove it once you’re back inside.

Be sure to clean and dry your dog's paws and coat to prevent them from getting cold after a winter walk. A cosy towel and cuddles can do wonders for their happiness and health!
It can be easy to lose track of time when you're having fun outside but try to limit how long your dog spends in the cold. Monitor your dog's behaviour and energy levels and take regular breaks to avoid overdoing it. Like humans, dogs can get tired and worn out in the cold weather - so take it easy!

It's best to skip outdoor walks during extreme weather conditions, like heavy snow or blizzards. Poor visibility, deep snow and freezing temperatures can make it unsafe and uncomfortable for both of you.

If your dog is a short-haired breed or has any health issues, they're more likely to be affected by a drop in the temperature. If possible, stay warm, stay safe and wait for calmer conditions - and if you must venture out, keep close to home.

Did you know that just five minutes of brain games can be as tiring as a 30-minute walk?

Harmful substances in the winter months

Look out for ice-melting chemicals such as rock salt, also known as grit, which can cause dehydration or burns in your dog's mouth and throat. Antifreeze can also be harmful to your dog if ingested, as it contains a chemical called 'ethylene glycol'. It has a sweet taste that might tempt your dog to try to eat it, so make sure to keep it out of reach.

Antifreeze can also cause irritation and dryness to their paws and might be ingested when your dog licks their paws as part of self-grooming. It’s essential to clean their paws after walking in areas where it has been used and if you suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze, get in touch with your vet immediately.

How frostbite and hypothermia might affect your dog

It's not just humans that can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia during freezing weather; our four-legged friends are at risk too. Frostbite is when the skin and tissues freeze, and hypothermia is when the body temperature drops. These are both serious conditions, so be sure to keep an eye out for early signs particularly if your dog has got very cold outside.

Frostbite symptoms

Here are some signs of frostbite to watch out for in dogs:

Pale, grey, or blue skin
Swelling and pain in the affected area
Blisters on the skin
Limping or avoiding putting weight on the affected limb

Frostbite can be painful, and your dog may need medication to help manage the pain. If you think your dog has frostbite, follow these steps:

Call your vet right away, as frostbite can cause serious tissue damage, and early treatment is essential
Move your dog to a warm room
Gently warm the affected area with warm, moist towels or water (not hot) - don't heat the affected area too quickly, as it could cause more damage
Keep an eye on your dog and look for any changes in their condition

Hypothermia symptoms

Hypothermia can be scary, but if you know the signs, you can act quickly. The symptoms of hypothermia in dogs can include the following:

Shivering to warm up
Lethargy and appearing sluggish and tired
Slow heart rate
Muscle stiffness
Shallow or laboured breathing
Pale or blue gums
In severe cases, dogs may lose consciousness

If you think your dog might be suffering from hypothermia, you should take the following steps:

Contact your vet immediately. Hypothermia can be a serious condition, and early treatment is crucial
Move your dog to a warm room and cover them with a blanket to help warm up
Offer warm water to drink to help raise your dog's body temperature
Keep a close eye on your dog and watch for any changes in their condition until you can be seen by your vet

What to do when it's too cold to exercise outside

Whilst walking, running, and playing are great ways to keep active, it's important to remember that too much exposure to cold weather can be harmful. So, opt for shorter bursts close to home during very chilly snaps, and try some indoor enrichment activities to keep your dog mentally stimulated.

When is it too cold to walk or exercise outside?

When walking your four-legged friend in colder weather, remember that dog breed, size, age and the thickness of their coat can all make a difference in how your dog copes with the cold. Generally, if it feels too cold for you to be outside, it's too chilly for your dog. If you're unsure, opting for a shorter walk or indoor playtime to keep your dog safe and cosy is best.

How to keep your dog warm at night

It's more than just the outside temperature you need to be aware of during the winter months. Remember that when the heating goes off your house can get chilly at night and could leave your pet shivering in their usually cosy spot.

Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe and warm at night:

Provide a warm, comfortable bed that's off the ground and well-insulated
Set a comfortable temperature in the room, ideally between 20-22°C
Give your dog extra bedding, such as blankets or towels, to maintain their body heat and help protect them from the cold
Place your dog's bed away from draughty windows and doors
Avoid letting your dog sleep in unheated areas like a garage or porch

What to do if you're concerned about your guide dog in cold weather

If your guide dog is showing signs of distress or illness that are causing concern, don't hesitate to get in touch with your Dog Health and Wellbeing Specialist.

Please get in touch with the emergency line on 0345 143 0217 if anything happens outside of office hours.

If you have any general queries about your guide dog, please get in touch with your Puppy Development Advisor, Guide Dogs Mobility Specialist or Dog Health and Wellbeing Specialist - they're here to help.

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