Winter dog walking tips to keep dogs safe, calm and comfortable in cold weather

Winter dog walking can feel very different from your usual routine. You might notice your dog slowing down on frosty mornings, rushing to get back home when the wind bites, or getting unsettled when pavements are slippery or crowded. If you share your life with a nervous, older or reactive dog, winter can make things even more challenging. You’re not alone if you dread those dark, icy walks or worry about how to keep your dog comfortable.

As you can imagine, as a professional dog walker, I walk dogs in all seasons, and I see how winter changes their behaviour. Even confident dogs can be thrown off by sudden temperature shifts, icy ground, road grit, frozen puddles and reduced visibility. Some dogs become more alert. Some move less. Some startle at sounds they usually ignore. Many owners ask if they should keep their usual routine or adjust it. The honest answer is that winter dog walking needs more thought, and sometimes less time outdoors, but more awareness.

If you’ve ever cut a walk short because your dog was shivering, or wondered whether a thin-coated dog is coping, you’re already paying attention. If your dog has arthritis, gets overwhelmed in busy spaces or is recovering from injury, winter needs a different approach. You might also worry about slipping on a frosty pavement, walking near gritted roads, or managing a dog who’s tense in the dark.

This guide will help you make winter walks safer, calmer and more comfortable. You’ll find practical steps you can use straight away. Everything is based on real experiences with the dogs I walk, along with guidance from reliable sources such as the Kennel Club, RSPCA and Dogs Trust.

You’ll learn how to adjust walks for winter without your dog missing out, how to spot signs your dog is struggling, how to stay safe in icy conditions, and why many dogs benefit from shorter, calmer outings during cold weather.

Let’s go through it together.

Why winter dog walking needs a different approach

Winter changes everything. Lower temperatures, wet ground, ice, reduced daylight and gritted pavements all affect how your dog moves and feels. Their paws, joints, breathing and confidence levels shift. This is why winter dog walking calls for adapted routines.

Ask yourself
• Does your dog slow down on cold days
• Do they shake, lift paws or try to turn back
• Are they more distracted, vocal or alert
• Do they struggle after the walk rather than during it

You may notice that your dog handles a crisp, dry morning well but finds sleet, freezing rain or strong wind overwhelming. If you share your home with a nervous or reactive dog, you might see bigger reactions on cold days. This isn’t bad behaviour. It’s a natural response to extra stress.

Real example
One of the dogs I walk, a gentle rescue, is confident in spring and summer. In winter, he reacts more to sudden sounds. Cold air affects his breathing. I shorten his route, stick to quiet paths, and add more stopping points so he can take in his surroundings. His confidence returns when he’s warm and comfortable.

Dogs Trust notes that dogs lose heat faster than we think, especially smaller breeds and those with short coats. Cold muscles can tighten, and joints can stiffen. If your dog is older or has arthritis, even a mild drop in temperature can affect their comfort.

This is why winter dog walking should be flexible. It’s not about pushing through for the sake of exercise. It’s about keeping dogs comfortable on winter walks and giving them what they need on that day.

How to adjust walks for winter

Winter walks don’t have to be long to be helpful. Many owners worry that shorter walks mean less stimulation, but if your dog is cold or tense, they gain less from long sessions.

Try thinking about the walk in three parts
• Warm-up
• Calm movement
• Indoor enrichment afterwards

Small changes can make a big difference.

Practical steps
• Walk at warmer times of the day if possible
• Shorten routes on wet or windy days
• Avoid open spaces when the wind chill is high
• Replace part of a walk with indoor games or training
• Use a dog coat for thin-coated, senior or recovering dogs
• Choose quieter streets to reduce reactivity in the dark

If your dog usually has a long morning walk, ask yourself whether they would benefit more from two shorter outings. If your dog is alert or jumpy in the dark, try changing the time or the route.

Case study
A senior terrier I walk struggles with long winter walks. We switched to a shorter outdoor session followed by ten minutes of scent games in the kitchen. His tail lifts, his joints stay comfortable, and he rests better afterwards.

When you adjust walks for winter, you’re not doing less. You’re meeting your dog’s needs more carefully.

Dog walking in icy conditions.

Icy conditions make winter dog walking tricky. Dogs can slip, strain muscles or get small cuts on hard, icy ground. Grit used on pavements can also irritate paws.

You might notice
• Paw lifting
• Slipping
• Hesitation
• Looking for grass or soft ground
• Licking paws after the walk

The Kennel Club warns that grit and salt can dry or sting paws. Some dogs lick their paws to soothe discomfort, which can lead to stomach upset. If your dog doesn’t like boots, use paw wax or a thin layer of balm before and after the walk.

Things you can do
• Choose routes with softer footing where possible
• Walk slowly to avoid slips for both of you
• Keep to flatter paths
• Avoid steep or shaded pavements that ice quickly
• Check paws after every walk
• Wipe away grit and dry thoroughly
• Trim fur between pads so snow doesn’t clump

If the ground is frozen solid, keep the walk short and gentle. Indoor activity can replace the second half.

Help for nervous dogs in winter

Winter can make nervous dogs more sensitive. Cold air, darker surroundings and unfamiliar winter equipment like high-vis jackets, hats or umbrellas can all trigger stronger reactions.

Think about
• How your dog responds to passing people in coats
• Whether wind noise makes them startle
• How they behave on dark pavements
• Whether heavy rain or sleet affects their confidence
• Whether your usual route becomes busier in winter

I walk several nervous dogs who struggle more in winter. Their body language changes. They hold their tail differently, slow down, rush or scan the environment. If you see this in your dog, give them space, slow the pace, and choose less busy routes.

Tips for nervous dogs
• Stick to familiar paths
• Avoid rush-hour pavements
• Give your dog time to observe safely
• Walk on the side of the pavement furthest from triggers
• Use time in the garden for sniffing and calm exploration
• Keep outdoor time shorter and focused

When you adjust the routine, your dog feels supported rather than pushed.

Keeping dogs comfortable on winter walks

Comfort plays a big part in safe winter dog walking. A dog that is warm, dry and supported will enjoy the walk more and cope better.

You might need to look at
• Coat choice
• Paw protection
• Walking pace
• Route selection
• Time of day
• Recovery time afterwards

Short-coated breeds like Whippets, Staffies and Greyhounds often need a coat. Older dogs with stiff joints feel the cold more. Dogs with long fur can get soaked and chilled quicker than expected.

Ways to keep dogs comfortable
• Dry your dog gently as soon as you get home and check for rock salt
• Add a warm blanket to their bed
• Give older dogs extra time to warm up before and after
• Use enrichment instead of a second walk on harsh days
• Watch for signs of discomfort, such as shaking or slowing down

Real example
A Labrador I walk with never needed a coat when he was younger. At nine years old, he now shivers on windy days. A well-fitting jacket means he can carry on enjoying short walks without discomfort. Coats are also great for helping to keep them clean on muddy walks

Why winter walking habits should change

Some owners try to keep the same routine in winter. It makes sense on paper, but dogs don’t experience winter like we do. Cold air affects breathing. Hard ground affects joints. Short daylight changes visibility. And added winter noise, such as gritters, wind and busy roads, can raise stress levels.

Winter walking habits should change because
• Cold temperatures affect joint comfort
• Ice and grit change how dogs move
• Shorter daylight affects confidence
• Busy pavements can increase reactivity
• Dogs tire faster when cold
• Long walks in harsh conditions can cause more harm than good

If your dog is older, has health issues or reacts to triggers, winter is the time to slow down and prioritise comfort. A calm 20-minute outing can be more helpful than an hour of battling cold, wind and stress.

Dogs Trust notes that winter conditions can affect behaviour and mobility, and that owners should keep an eye out for signs of discomfort.

Some dogs genuinely enjoy snow or crisp mornings, but even they benefit from shorter sessions when the weather turns severe.

Ask yourself
• What does my dog show me on cold days
• Do they still enjoy the same routes
• How long do they take to warm up afterwards
• Are they more reactive in the dark
• Do they seem tired or unsettled after a long winter walk

Your dog gives you clues. Winter is the time to listen.

Indoor alternatives when walks need adjusting

If conditions are too harsh, indoor enrichment can give your dog the stimulation they need without the cold. Indoor activity supports mental wellbeing and keeps your dog’s routine balanced.

Ideas
• Scent games with hidden food
• Simple training sessions
• Slow feeders
• Scatter feeding
• Tug games if your dog enjoys them
• Calm puzzle toys or kongs
• Indoor agility
• Short garden sessions when safe

Indoor options are very helpful for nervous dogs or those recovering from injury. They work well alongside shorter outdoor outings.

FAQ

How long should a winter dog walk be

It depends on your dog. Many dogs cope well with 20 to 30 minutes in cold weather. Older dogs or thin-coated breeds may need even shorter outings. If your dog shows signs of discomfort, reduce the length.

Do dogs need coats for winter dog walking

Short-coated, senior or recovering dogs often benefit from a coat. Watch for shivering, slowing down, tense posture or lifted paws. These signs show your dog needs more warmth.

Is it safe to walk dogs on icy pavements?

It can be safe with care. Walk slowly, choose flatter routes, and avoid steep or shaded areas. Check paws afterwards and wipe away grit.

Closing thoughts

Winter dog walking can be enjoyable, but only when you adapt the routine. Your dog depends on you to notice the signs that they are cold, overwhelmed or uncomfortable. When you adjust the pace, route, and length, you protect their wellbeing and help them stay confident.

You can still keep your dog active and content, even on the coldest days. You do it in a way that supports their comfort and safety.

If you want help with winter dog walking or you’d like one-to-one support for a nervous or reactive dog, you’re always welcome to get in touch. If in doubt, consult a vet.

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