Skip to main content

How long can you walk your dog in cold weather? Experts tell us

How long should you walk your dog in winter? Canine experts weigh in

Walking your dog might be a breeze on a balmy summer morning, but a wintertime stroll could be a very different story. From slippery ice to disastrous wind chills, you really never know what you might run into. Luckily, though, with just a little knowledge and preparedness, you’ll be more than ready to walk your dog in cold weather. As for preparing yourself for the cold — you’re on your own with that one!

To help you keep your pup as warm as possible while doing their daily duties, we’ve asked a few canine care experts about the dangers of walking your dog in the winter. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be ready to prepare for your next cold-weather stroll.

A Labrador retriever holds a snowball in his mouth and runs through a backyard
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How long can you walk your dog in cold weather?

Just like many aspects of pet care, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long a dog can be out in the cold. As Heather Byron — facility manager for Alabama’s A New Leash On Life rescue — told us, “There are many factors to consider when walking dogs in cold weather, including the size of the dog, age, breed, how cold it is, if you are using dog coats/booties, and how much hair your dog has.” As you can imagine, a healthy Alaskan malamute might not think twice about going outside to potty while it’s snowing. An elderly Chihuahua, on the other hand, is not likely to be so keen to explore the winter wonderland!

Older dogs will have a harder time when it’s under 50 degrees,” Byron confirmed, “if they are out for over 10 minutes. While younger dogs, especially if they are very hairy, will be able to withstand the cold longer.” Of course, age and breed aren’t the only factors to keep in mind. 

Factors to consider before walking your dog in winter weather

As Byron explained, deciding whether to go for a walk in cold weather isn’t a quick decision. You’ll want to consider:

  • Your dog’s age
  • Your dog’s breed
  • Your dog’s size
  • Your dog’s coat
  • Your dog’s overall health
  • Outside temperature, wind chill, and wind speed
  • Snow or rain conditions
  • Protection from the elements (umbrella, porch with awning, etc.)

Additionally, AKC-accredited dog trainer Michelle Lehr, CCMT, warns pet parents to look out for less-common dangers, too. That means looking down!

“It’s also important to consider the type of surfaces your dog will be walking on,” she noted. “If the ground is covered in snow or ice, it can be more difficult for your dog to walk and maintain their balance. This is especially true for older dogs or those with joint issues, as the cold can exacerbate any existing pain or discomfort.” To help both you and your pup stay steady on any hidden slick surfaces, Lehr suggests using a shorter leash.

a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever stands outside in the snow between trees
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to protect your dog from the cold during winter walks

If the weather leaves enough time and daylight for you to walk with your furry friend, there are several precautions you can take to make sure everything goes smoothly. Both Byron and Lehr agree that keeping an eye on your dog throughout your walk is the most important place to start.

Regardless of what type of dog you have,” Byron, who also owns AnimalDome.com, explained, “it’s always important to watch the dog and see how he/she is behaving during the walk. If you notice any shivering, slowing pace, or constant wanting to turn around, then these are signs that your dog is getting too cold.” If you were too chilly, you’d want to turn around, too!

Coats, sweaters, or paw protection can make the elements more bearable for some dogs

In the same way that coats and mittens help keep you warm, sweaters and shoes can do the same for your four-legged friend. Lehr suggests that pet owners “check [their] dog’s paws for any cuts or abrasions, as the cold can make any existing injuries more painful.” That’s where weather-resistant booties can come in handy, even if it takes a while for a dog to get used to them. Paw balms are also an option for pups who despise shoes, and many of them work on dry noses, too.

Alternatives to outdoor walks in the wintertime

Because dogs are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite, as Lehr told us, it’s best to limit their outdoor time when things get a bit too chilly. She suggested, “If the temperature is below freezing and the wind chill is high, it’s best to limit your dog’s time outside to just a few minutes for necessary bathroom breaks.” However, you might be able to get outside for a few minutes if the weather isn’t catastrophic.

“I always advise clients when it’s cold to do a quick jog up and down the street with their dog if they are able,” said Byron. “This will get the heart rate up in your pup (as well as you) and will increase body heat. Plus, it gives them the daily necessary exercise they need in a short time.” That’s the perfect outdoor break when your dog is stuck inside all day.

With these expert-approved ideas, walking your dog in winter won’t have to be such a chore. It might look different from your summertime routines, but putting safety first will take just a few extra minutes. Besides, your precious fur baby is worth the effort!

Editors' Recommendations

Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
How long do dachshunds live? The truth might surprise you
Two brown and black Dachshunds stand at the driver's door of a car

If you’ve spent enough time around dog people, you’ve probably heard it said that the smaller the dog, the longer the lifespan. While this idea does have some scientific basis to it, it’s not everything. Some breeds decided to throw us a curveball in regards to the dog’s life expectancy and geriatric needs, while others are totally predictable. And some of it comes down to the individual, including their lifestyle factors. How long do dachshunds live? Do any other breeds live as long? Keep on reading these helpful pointers to find out.

How long do dachshunds live?
According to the American Kennel Club — one of the leading expert sources on canine life — standard dachshunds have a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years on average. Though their miniature-sized brothers and sisters are smaller (this can sometimes be an indicator of a longer lifespan) their average life expectancy is not different from that of standard dachshunds.
Here’s the good news: the wiener dog's life expectancy is already longer than most dogs! While large dogs live an average of 8 to 12 years, Doxies and other smaller dogs can stay with us for many more, with Chihuahuas often making it to their late teens.

Read more
Are ‘dog years’ really 7 human years? How to calculate your dog’s age
Time to bust the myth: A dog year may not equal 7 human years
A dog licks a person's finger with yogurt on their nose

There are many ways to identify a dog's age and translate dog years to human years — other than knowing their birthday, of course — from the formation of their teeth to the development of their body. Then there’s the classic rule of 7: 1 year in "human time" equals 7  "dog years". However, research shows that figuring out exactly how to translate dog years to human years may not be as simple as multiplying a number by 7. So how can you calculate your dog’s age?
Let’s dive into the latest and most accurate techniques for canine age calculation. Once you know how to apply this knowledge, you'll be able to figure out what stage of life your dog is in.  This calculation is yet another way to ensure you’re taking the best possible care of your best buddy — and it’s fascinating to know either way.

Is 1 dog year 7 human years?
Despite the popularity of this trope — that 1 year for a dog is equal to 7 human years — it’s not quite that simple. In fact, the dog-to-human age equivalent can change from year to year depending on the age and size of your pet. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), all pups will gain about 15 human years within their first actual year of life, while the second year of life equals another nine years.
Past year two, however, the numbers tend to differ. Larger breeds will “age faster” on paper, meaning their human age equivalent will be higher than that of a smaller dog who was born at the same time. This may sound a bit sad, or even worrisome, so it’s important to remember that age isn’t an indicator of health or life expectancy. As we tell humans, age is just one number.

Read more
Why does my dog have a bald patch on their tail? Here are the answers you need
Bald patches on a dog's tail can cause problems, so here's what to know
Two brown dogs lying on a wood laminate floor; the focus is on their tails.

Caring for a dog requires patience, time, and effort--but it also takes money. Still, it's worth it to see your dog happy and healthy. You'd do anything for them, so, it's only natural to worry when you discover something unusual on your dog, like a bald patch.

What does it mean when your pup starts losing hair? How worried should you be if you find a bald spot on your dog's tail? We'll take a deep dive into what dog hair loss means, what you can do to treat it, and when you should see the vet for a bald patch in your pup's fur. 

Read more