Can Dogs Walk in Snow? Vet-Approved Facts & Safety Tips
By Jessica Kim
Updated on
Wintertime poses a unique set of challenges for many dog owners, especially people who live in areas with snowy winters. Rain or shine, most dogs still need their daily walks and exercise opportunities to stay happy and healthy. Fortunately, most dogs can safely walk in the snow in most cases. You just have to shorten your walks depending on the amount of snow and how cold the temperature is. Here’s everything you need to know about walking your dog in the snow and how to make it through the cold winter months safely.
How Long Can Dogs Walk in Snow?
In general, most larger dog breeds can walk outside during the winter and in the snow for around 30 minutes,  while smaller breeds should spend no more than 10-15 minutes at a time. The exact amount of time will vary depending on your dog’s age and breed. Puppies and older dogs may not be able to stay out for too long because they may have a little more trouble regulating their body temperature. Dogs with short coats and finer hair usually cannot stay out for very long, either. Keep in mind that just like you wear coats and boots to go out in the snow, your dog needs insulation and protection as well.Â
To be safe, when temperatures drop below 32°F, dogs should not be outside for more than 15 minutes. For extremely cold temperatures, you can let your dog out just for them to relieve themselves. They should then go right back inside. Dogs that are out for too long in cold temperatures can develop hypothermia or frostbite.
Keeping Your Dog’s Paws Safe in Snow
Many dogs are able to walk on snow without too many issues. However, frostbite is a risk, depending on the temperature and how long the walk is. There are also special cases in which a dog may have very sensitive paw pads. Such dogs can benefit from wearing booties. Booties will help to keep your dog’s paws dry, and some booties also have insulation to keep your dog’s paws warm. Just keep in mind that most dogs take time to get used to wearing booties, so make sure to start training your dog to wear booties before the first snowfall.
If you live in an area with heavy foot traffic, you’ll have to keep melting salt in mind. There’s no requirement for someone to use pet-safe melting ice on their sidewalks. So, there’s a good chance that your dog can step into melting salt that will end up drying out and damaging their paw pads. You can counter this issue by applying protective paw wax to your dog’s paws before going on a walk. You will also need to wash your dog’s paws after returning from a walk so that you can rinse off any salt and dirt. Getting your dog used to wearing booties during winter is the best way to prevent any chemical abrasions and injuries from melting salts.Â
Just make sure to apply paw wax or moisturizer on your dog’s paw pads after you rinse them. Since winter months tend to be drier, your dog’s paw pads are more prone to drying out and cracking, especially after a wash. Applying moisturizer can help soften your dog’s paw pads and prevent any painful or irritating cracking.
Caring for Your Dog During Snowy Weather
It’s important to be extra mindful of how your dog is doing when you go outside for walks in the snow. Try to plan your route so that you walk in areas that have been shoveled so that your dog doesn’t have to walk on snow and ice constantly. This will prevent both of you from slipping and getting injured. It will also prevent your dog’s paws from getting cold too quickly.
Keep an eye on how your dog is walking. If you notice any limping or a slower walking pace, it’s very possible that your dog is feeling discomfort in their paw pads. Don’t ever try to force your dog to walk in the snow. If they’re not willing to continue on their walk, it’s best to return home and find another exercise activity.
Some dogs will enjoy playing fetch or tug-of-war indoors. You can also hide treats around the house so that your dog is up and moving around as it sniffs and snoops for treats. If you live in a multi-story building, it can be helpful to have your dog climb up and down a flight of stairs to burn some energy.
Conclusion
Most dogs are able to walk outside during the winter for about 15 – 30 minutes. Just be mindful of any signs of discomfort from your dog, and make sure to go at a pace and distance that’s comfortable for your dog. Check your dog’s paw pads more frequently than you would during other seasons because they’re more prone to cracking in the winter. Doing these things will help keep your dog safe during the winter and reduce their risk of developing health complications.
Featured Image Credit: ArtTower, Pixabay
