Even as the temperature drops, your dog walking routine should not. Unless it’s particularly inclement outside, maintaining a regular exercise routine will keep your dog healthy and help prevent both of you from piling on those winter pounds.

Keep your dog on a lead when it’s slippery underfoot and especially around frozen water. Be cautious of hidden dangers when there’s a covering of snow. These additional tweaks to your walkies will ensure those on two legs and four legs are kept safe while pounding the paths.

Stay visible

Dark nights and mornings, misty days and wintry downpours can play havoc with visibility for motorists and other road users. The same goes for you when you’re walking in murky weather or poor light and might not be able to see what’s coming. Give everyone else the best chance they can to see you by wearing reflective clothing and gear such as leads, collars and harnesses.

Keep warm

It stands to reason that you need to wrap up well, but it’s not always easy to tell if your dog is warm enough when you’re outdoors. Some breeds have extra thick layers of fur but not all hounds are husky-like in their ability to deal with winter. Elderly dogs and puppies are more susceptible to the dangers of cold.

As a general rule, if it’s below freezing outside then it’s best not to venture out. Below about -5C is pretty always going to be cold. Remember to also factor in windchill and if it has snowed and the snow is of the particularly wet kind, then that will only compound the biting temperatures.

Weatherproof coats for the dog are always a good idea and if your pal shows any signs of slowing in pace, shivering, whining, picking up their paws or licking them, then a swift return to their favourite spot in front of the fire is a must.

Protect paws and legs

Salted pavements and roads and the use of anti-freeze chemicals on streets of parked cars can lead to serious problems for dogs and their feet and legs. Salt will irritate paws and limbs while anti-freeze can cause burns and can be highly poisonous. Your dog is likely to lick itself more in the cold which increases the risk of ingesting something nasty. Thoroughly clean paws and legs once you get home.

Maintain an indoor exercise routine

You’ll inevitably find yourself taking shorter walks in the depths of winter. And there will be days when you simply can’t head out. For that reason, replacing the exercise and stimulation your dog gets from walks with some indoor routines will be beneficial. Games of fetch and hide and seek are a way to while away the hours and you can even take the opportunity to teach your dogs a few new tricks with some fun indoor training sessions.

Know your dog and its behaviours well

Above all, you know your dog best. You will recognise their behaviours when outdoors and how they react to cold weather. Be alert to even small changes in their countenance and reactions. Inevitably there are additional risks with winter dog walking.

However, if you have got a new pup in the house, if you’re looking after someone else’s while they take a winter holiday, or if you’re fostering a dog for the season, you won’t necessarily know how they will react in certain conditions. Be extra vigilant and take your time when introducing them to sudden changes in weather.

Much like humans, the winter months can affect a dog’s mood too. They may become more lethargic, eat less and become increasingly irritable and grumpy. If so, Pet Remedy sprays and wipes can offer a helping hand. Browse our online store to discover the range of Pet Remedy solutions and learn how they can help.