Walking your dog in icy conditions

Winter walks can be brilliant for dogs. New smells, crunchy grass and the excitement of being outdoors can make colder weather feel like a whole new adventure.

But icy conditions can also make walks a little more challenging. Slippery pavements, frozen ground and colder temperatures can all affect how comfortably your dog moves outdoors.

That doesn’t mean winter walks have to stop. With a few simple changes, you can help keep your dog comfortable, confident and enjoying their usual routine throughout the colder months.

Which dogs feel the cold most?

Some breeds are naturally better suited to colder weather than others.

Double-coated breeds like Siberian Huskies, Akitas, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Newfoundlands are built for chilly temperatures thanks to their thick insulating coats. Breeds like Pomeranians, Shih Tzus and Scottish Terriers can also cope well in colder weather thanks to their dense fur.

That said, every dog is different. Even dogs with thicker coats can still feel the cold, especially during particularly icy or wet weather.

Short-haired or fine-coated breeds often feel colder more quickly. Greyhounds, Whippets, Vizslas, Dachshunds and Chihuahuas may all appreciate an extra layer during winter walks.

If your dog seems reluctant to head out in colder weather, a well-fitted coat can help keep them warm while still allowing them to move freely.

Staying safe on icy walks

Winter mornings can be beautiful, but icy paths and frozen ground can quickly become slippery underfoot.

If your dog suddenly pulls on the lead, both of you can lose your footing surprisingly quickly. To help make walks safer:

• Encourage loose lead walking where possible
• Consider a harness or headcollar for extra control
• Stick to clearer, gritted paths when conditions are icy
• Wear shoes or boots with good grip

Giving your dog a little more time to move at their own pace can also help them feel more confident on slippery surfaces.

Why recall matters even more in winter

Reliable recall becomes especially important during icy weather.

Frozen lakes, ponds and icy water can all be dangerous for dogs. If your dog heads towards frozen water, being able to call them back quickly could help keep them safe.

If your dog’s recall still needs work, keeping them on a lead or long line in unfamiliar areas during winter is often the safest option.

Taking care of your dog’s paws in winter

Ice, grit and road salt can all be uncomfortable for your dog’s paws.

After walks, check between their paw pads for grit, ice or signs of irritation. Rinsing paws with warm water and drying them thoroughly afterwards can help keep them comfortable.

Some dogs also benefit from having excess fur around their paws trimmed during winter, as this can reduce ice and grit getting trapped between the pads.

Dogs like Siberian Huskies have naturally hardy paw pads suited to colder conditions. But for many dogs, icy ground, grit and freezing temperatures can still be tough on their paws during winter walks.

The dangers of grit and road salt

Recently gritted roads and pavements can sometimes irritate your dog’s paws.

Salt and grit can become trapped between paw pads, and some dogs may also try licking their paws afterwards, which can cause further irritation.

To help keep your dog comfortable, rinse their paws with warm water after walks on gritted surfaces and dry them thoroughly once you’re home.

Don’t forget visibility

During winter, many walks happen in low light or darkness.

Reflective leads, collars, coats or clip-on lights can all help keep you and your dog more visible to cyclists, runners and traffic during darker mornings and evenings.

Supporting your dog’s mobility during colder weather

Colder weather can sometimes make changes in movement feel more noticeable, especially in older dogs or dogs who may need extra support.

Keeping your dog active with gentle, regular movement can help support mobility throughout the winter months. Alongside regular walks, there are a few other simple ways to help support your dog during colder weather too.

• Make sure your dog has a warm, comfortable place to rest away from cold floors or draughts
• Help your dog maintain a healthy weight, as additional weight can place extra pressure on their joints
• Keep up a steady daily routine with regular movement and exercise
• Consider daily joint support as part of your dog’s routine

Our YuMOVE Dog Joint Support range contains scientifically backed ingredients to help support joint health and mobility, while soothing joints with Omega-3s.

And if you’re looking after your own joints this winter too, we’ve also developed iMOVE – a daily joint supplement for humans, inspired by the same science-led approach used across the YuMOVE range.

And don’t forget, if you have concerns about your dog’s mobility, please talk to your vet.