New England–based veterinarian Karen Fine, D.V.M., knows a thing or two about winter walks. The New York Times best-selling author and longtime vet has treated more than a few cold-related ailments over the years, so we asked her advice for keeping your pup safe when temps dip.
Don’t let breed mislead you.
You may think big furry dogs like huskies fare better in the cold, but that’s not always true. It really depends on the dog rather than their size or the thickness of their fur, Fine says.
When in doubt, look to your dog for clues that they’re struggling in winter weather, such as shivering and refusing to walk. Color changes in their ears, paws and tail can signal frostbite. The length and pace of a walk play a role as well — start at a brisk pace to warm your dog up before slowing down to allow them to sniff those fascinating scents, since a slower stroll can increase their chance of getting chills. And while most dogs will make it clear when they’re too cold, some very play-focused ones may need to be redirected when they don’t want to go inside but need to.
Accessorize wisely.
Booties and jackets can lend warmth and protection, but aren’t always necessary. That said, it’s better to err on the side of caution, as layers can always come off if a dog overheats. Puppies and senior dogs may have less body fat and therefore need more protection from the cold. “Check with your vet if you have questions” about your dog’s overheating or being too cold, Fine says.
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Stay on top of grooming.
Prevent winter ailments like dry paws and brittle nails by keeping their nails short so they’ll be less prone to breakage and applying balm if paws are rough or cracked. “You could even use something like Vaseline or Aquaphor,” says Fine.
Make sure long fur is trimmed so it won’t get under their paw pads and reduce their traction in slippery conditions. Trims can also help prevent uncomfortable ice balls from forming on their paws or legs. Dogs with very short hair may have sensitive skin on their paws from cracking through the icy crust on top of snow. Some Vaseline applied before a walk can protect their fragile feet, Fine says.
Watch for winter hazards.
Large snowdrifts can reduce visibility. Be extra careful near roads — especially with smaller dogs, who might easily get hidden in the snow. Take care around icy patches that could cause older dogs to slip. And while a small scattering of road salt won’t cause problems beyond paw dryness, it’s best to avoid large piles of it.
Keep dogs moving, even inside.
Walks offer two benefits: exercise and mental stimulation. When it’s too cold to play outdoors, play fetch or a version of hide-and-seek inside to encourage exercise. For mental stimulation, try puzzle toys or bringing in objects from outside for them to sniff, Fine suggests. And if a dog is exercising less in the winter months, keep an eye on their nutrition to make sure they aren’t gaining weight.
Sarah Vincent (she/her) covers the latest and greatest in books and all things pets for Good Housekeeping. She double majored in Creative Writing and Criminal Justice at Loyola University Chicago, where she sat in the front row for every basketball game. In her spare time, she loves cooking, crafting, studying Japanese, and, of course, reading.
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