Safe dog walking tips
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Owning a dog is a big commitment, and just because the weather has taken a turn for the worse, the dog still needs exercise and a comfort break.
But how I walk your dog does.
As a professional dog walker, I adapt my walks to the conditions outside and the dog’s needs.
Each season brings its challenges. From heat and humidity to ice and wind, these things all need to be taken into consideration before putting on the lead. When starting out on a dog walk, it is important to focus on safety, comfort, and ensuring your dog enjoys the walk, whether it is a shorter walk with garden/house play or a complete walk over the park/woods.
All walks are subject to our extreme weather policy
Why Weather Matters on Dog Walks
Dogs experience weather differently from us.
Dogs can’t tell when their paws are burning on hot pavement or when their coat is soaked through and they’re shivering. That’s why it’s up to their guardian or a professional dog walker like me to notice the signs and adapt to every outing.
Some dogs like my old collie just loved being out and would walk in any condition, but even then you have to be careful they don’t overheat, burn their paws, etc, whilst other dogs like my speagle would struggle when the weather got cold or wet
It is important to remember that Age, breed, coat type, and health all affect how a dog copes with different weather.
Dog Walking in Hot Weather
When is it too hot to walk your dog?
In general, Temperatures above 20°C can be uncomfortable for many dogs. And indeed, once it reaches 25°C, walks can quickly become unsafe for most dogs, especially for flat-faced breeds, older dogs, and puppies and even to a degree, humans
adapt to warm weather:
- I walk early in the morning or later in the evening
- Avoid tarmac and stick to shaded, grassy routes
- offer more sniffing and less distance
- Carry water on every walk
- Skip walks completely if it’s too hot and provide indoor enrichment instead.
Dogs can overheat quickly, so it is important to watch closely for signs like heavy panting, lagging, or seeking shade.
The RSPCA’s advice on walking dogs in hot weather is clear and easy to follow. For more on heatstroke in dogs, click here.
Walking Dogs in Cold and Wet Conditions
When is it too cold to walk a dog?
Most healthy dogs can handle a cold walk. But if it’s close to freezing or very wet, please rethink and adjust the walk. This is especially important with small breeds, short-haired dogs, and older dogs, who may struggle more.
My cold and wet weather routine:
- I cut walks shorter if needed
- I towel dry your dog before they goes back inside
- I use waterproof coats for dogs that need them
- I offer indoor enrichment if the weather becomes unsafe
Rain and wind can affect a dog’s confidence outdoors. Some become anxious or less focused. Please consider this, such as slowing things down and letting the dog guide the pace.
What I Do on Muddy Walks
Planning makes a big difference:
Muddy fields and slippery paths are part of dog walking life, especially in the UK. But that doesn’t mean your home has to suffer for it.
Here’s how I keep things under control:
- I choose cleaner, well-drained routes where possible
- I bring towels to clean paws before heading indoors
- I’ll let you know if your dog might need a quick rinse or brush after
If your dog loves mud, make sure it’s a safe play. If they dislike it, I adjust the route to avoid boggy ground.
How Windy Weather Affects Dogs
Strong winds can unsettle some dogs.
They may react more to movement, noise, or sudden changes, and some might be more excitable or distracted.
How I help dogs stay calm in the wind:
- I stick to familiar routes
- I avoid very exposed spaces
- I avoid areas where branches may come down and spook or injure the dog (or me)
- As with all my one-to-one walks, I watch their body language and slow things down if needed.
Not all dogs mind wind, but small changes help make the walk feel safer for those who do.
Dog Walks in Snow and Ice
Whilst the show may be fun and walking can sometimes be fun, it may not always be safe.
Slippery pavements, grit, and freezing temperatures can cause issues for paws and joints, and dogs with long coats can end up with ice balls around their paws.
What to look out for in snow and ice:
- Avoid icy paths and steep slopes,
- Keep walks shorter and more focused
- , rinse and dry paws if they’ve walked through grit or snow
- , and check for signs of stiffness or discomfort in older dogs
Some dogs love snow and will run through it happily. Others need a little extra encouragement—or a warm coat.
You can read more about winter care for dogs from the PDSA.
How I Decide What’s Right for Each Dog
Because dogs, like humans, are individuals, there are no set rules. I base all my one-to-one walks on the dog, whatever the time of year or weather, and tailor them to their needs.
Before each walk, I check:
- The current weather and forecast
- The dog’s age, breed, and health
- Their behaviour on the day
- Any information you’ve shared with me
If I feel a change is needed—shorter walk, different route, indoor enrichment—I’ll let you know via WhatsApp
This flexible approach keeps your dog happy, even when the weather’s not ideal.
What You Can Do to Help
You can help make weather-friendly walks easier, too:
- Leave a towel by the door if you’d like me to dry your dog
- Let me know if your dog uses a coat or boots
- Share any changes in health or behaviour
- Tell me if your dog struggles with specific conditions (heat, cold, wind)
- Make sure fresh water is available when they return home
Working together means your dog gets the best care, no matter what the weather’s doing.
Final Thoughts: Why Weather-Safe Walks Matter
A walk should be enjoyable.
It should support your dog’s wellbeing, not cause stress or discomfort.
By adjusting my plans to suit the weather and your dog’s needs, I help them stay calm, safe, and comfortable on every walk.
If you’re looking for a local dog walker who takes a careful, thoughtful approach—whatever the weather—I’d love to hear from you.
Send me a message to ask about availability or tell me more about your dog’s needs.
So enjoying getting out on dog walks this Love Walking Month, and take a moment to visit Urban Tails and read what they have to say about dog leads