Of course, you’ll also want to consider your dogs’ own health, lifestyle, and preference for the cold. But, as a general rule, Smyth says, “Under 30 degrees, factoring in the wind chill, it’s not going to be safe for any dog to be outside for an extended period of time.”
It’s an issue pet parents face every winter – it’s freezing outside, but the dogs still need their daily exercise. At what point is it too cold to walk the dog?
Even if your dog is 100% trustworthy and has never run off, never attempt to walk him in winter weather without a leash. Ice and snow on the ground can make it difficult for a lost dog to find his way back home and, limited visibility can make it difficult for others to see you.
Yes, your dog’s paws are pretty amazing, but they aren’t immune to the blistering cold and they must be protected from potential dangers like ice, snow, salts, ice-melting chemicals, and sharp objects hidden beneath the snow. If your dog will tolerate them (and it may take some training) the very best winter walking defense is a pair of water-resistant dog booties. But, some dogs simply flat-out refuse to wear their shoes. For those pups that won’t wear booties, always use a paw protectant, like Musher’s Secret to protect those precious paws. And, when you return from your walk, give those paws a good washing to remove any ice or snow that may have built up between toes and to rinse away any salts or toxic chemicals that may have been stepped in.
This handy chart is pretty straightforward: Just find the outdoor temperature, factor in the wind chill and how cold it actually feels, then look consider your dog’s size. Green (1-2) means it’s safe to go outside – have fun!; Yellow (3) means you should take caution as there is a slight potential for dangerous conditions; Orange (4) is likely dangerous and will require extra precautions; And red (5) is potentially life-threatening cold and any prolonged outdoor activity should be avoided.
Breed
Some breeds might as well be snowmen for how well they can not only tolerate, but also enjoy the winter weather. Huskies are one of the best examples, but other breeds like Samoyeds, St. Bernards, and Newfoundlands are all buff dog breeds that can tackle colder weather.
On the other hand, Chihuahuas (hailing as they do from sunny Mexico), Whippets (with their thin fur and lack of fat), and Pugs (with a snub nose, they can have trouble breathing in the cold) are all warm-weather pups.
Factors That Can Influence Cold Weather Walks
There are quite a few factors that can determine whether or not its safe to take your pup for a walk when it’s cold out. Sadly it’s not as simple as giving you a temperature threshold and saying thats the breaking point.
[Dog Walking] How To Know if It’s Too Cold to Walk Your Dog
The coming of winter means the holidays are on the way. For some, it means school and work vacations, or bundling up for skiing or sledding. s of hot chocolate, baked goods and visiting loved ones also come to mind. And taking cold dog walks. What??
No matter the weather, your dog still needs to go outside for a walk to relieve themselves or to get their much needed physical and mental exercise. But wintery conditions can sometimes mean youll need to take some extra precautions to ensure your dog stays safe and enjoys your local winter wonderland. Read on for our top tips to safely walk your dog in the winter!