Keeping Dogs Safe in UK Winters: Essential Tips for Owners
Winter walks can be magical, with bright sun, crisp air, frosty fields, and maybe even a dusting of snow.
But its important to remember that winter walks can create hazards for dogs.
Preparation for your outside adventures, is key, and will help keep your dog safe.
In Winter, dogs can get cold. Cold weather can lead to hypothermia, especially in vulnerable individuals such as puppies, elderly dogs, and breeds with short hair, such as boxers and staffies.
It’s a good idea to check the temperature before you venture out on a walk. Consider wind chill and other weather conditions, like rain, as well, as these can make a difference.
You can use this table to help you decide what precautions you need to take.
Above 0°C: Generally safe for most dogs, though short-haired breeds may need a coat.
0°C to -5°C: Safe for many dogs, but limit time outdoors. Watch for shivering, lifting paws, or reluctance to walk.
Below -5°C: Risk of frostbite and hypothermia increases. Small, elderly, young, or short-coated dogs should only go out briefly and wearing a coat.
Extreme cold (below -10°C): Dangerous for most dogs. Walks should be very short, and protective gear (coats, paw boots) is strongly advised.
Some dogs are more vulnerable than others to cold weather.
Breed - Huskies and other double-coated breeds have evolved to thrive in cold climates, whereas greyhounds and whippets are highly sensitive to cold weather because of their lean build, low body fat and short coat, they often need to wear a coat or jumper during the winter, and especially if the temperature drops below 5°C.
Coat Type - Short coated breeds are much more vulnerable to the cold compared with long haired or double coated breeds.
Low Body Fat - Dogs with low body fat, lack insulation, and lose body heat quickly; they often need extra protection when temperatures drop.
Size & Age - Puppies, elderly dogs, and small breeds lose heat faster, so for these individuals, make your walk shorter.
General Health - Dogs with arthritis or other conditions may feel the cold more acutely. Cold weather may cause more pain, and make it more difficult for them to move.
Activity Level - A dog running in a field generates more body heat than one strolling along.
Cold weather doesn’t eliminate the need for water, it remains important to provide fresh water indoors and out on walks, and to monitor for signs of dehydration.
Practical Tips for UK Winter Walks with Dogs
Check your dog’s paws after every walk, look for cracking and signs of irritation; ice, grit, and salt can irritate or crack paw pads.
You can protect your dog’s paws by applying paw balm, or by having them wear boots when out on walks.
Wearing a jumper or coat will help your dog stay warm on a walk. There are many different kinds of coats, choose one that is suitable for your dog and the conditions.
Shorten walks during periods of severe cold and keep an eye on your dog, to see how they are coping. If they’re shivering, lifting paws, or trying to go home, they may be too cold. This will be a good time to end your walk and head inside for a warm up.
Beware of Ice and Frozen Water
When it’s very cold, bodies of water may freeze. The ice is often very thin and may crack.
Even if the water isn’t frozen, its still dangerous, even if your dog is a strong swimmer. Plunging into cold water can causes changes within the dog’s body that make it more difficult for them to swim. Cold water quickly reduces muscle strength and coordination, making swimming much harder.Even strong swimmers will tire within minutes, and soon will be unable to keep themselves afloat. Panic and shock can make it harder for a dog to find a way out of the water, especially if the bank is steep or slippery.
Every year accidents happen when people try to rescue their dogs putting them both at risk.
Bodies of water are best avoided during winter and especially if they are frozen. Dogs should be on a lead near water in winter. If your dog loves water, and is also very strong, don’t go anywhere near - you don’t want to be pulled over or in. Instead choose routes away from rivers or reservoirs. Make sure your dog has a good recall; keep them close on walks to avoid them running onto water, or keep them on a lead. If your dog gets wet, dry them quickly and provide warmth indoors.
If a dog falls in very cold or icy water, call emergency services, don’t go onto the ice or into the water yourself.
Salt and Grit on Roads and Pavements
Salt and grit used on roads and pavements can cause irritation and soreness of the pads, and if eaten, can cause illness such as stomach upset or poisoning.
The best way to prevent this is to wipe your dog’s paws after every walk and apply paw balm. You can also get your dog to wear booties when they go out on a walk.
Paw balm has many uses, it is a protective, moisturising ointment, especially made for dogs’ paw pads. It helps prevent dryness, cracking, irritation, and damage from cold weather, grit, and salt.
Antifreeze and De-icing Chemicals
Antifreeze is extremely dangerous to dogs, even a small amount can be fatal. It contains ethylene glycol, a chemical with a sweet taste that attracts pets but causes severe, often irreversible kidney damage if ingested.
Why Antifreeze Is So Dangerous to Dogs
It tastes sweet, dogs may lick it from puddles, garages, or off their paws after walking through a spill.
It’s highly toxic, just a teaspoon can be enough to kill a medium‑sized dog.
Symptoms can appear within an hour, and damage progresses quickly.
there are many common sources, such as, car radiator fluid, screen wash, brake fluid, de‑icing products, and garden water features.
Symptoms of Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs
Wobbliness, weakness, or loss of coordination (within the first hour).
Vomiting and lethargy.
Excessive drinking and urination at first, then reduced urination as kidneys fail.
Difficulty breathing, seizures, or collapse.
Without immediate treatment, poisoning is often fatal.
What To Do if your Dog is exposed to Antifreeze
This is an Emergency. If you suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze, call your vet immediately, don’t wait for symptoms.
Treatment is only effective if started within about 12 hours of ingestion.
If possible, take the antifreeze container to the vet to speed diagnosis.
Preventing Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs
Keep antifreeze and de‑icing products securely stored.
Clean up spills immediately.
Avoid letting dogs drink from puddles near cars.
Choose antifreeze products with a bittering agent (added to deter pets).
Wipe dogs’ paws after winter walks to remove any residue of grit or chemicals.
Frostbite in Dogs
In the UK, frostbite is uncommon, but still possible during freezing weather.
Frostbite is damage to the skin and tissue caused by freezing temperatures.
Dogs that are most at risk are short‑coated, small, elderly, and those exposed to wet and icy conditions.
Frostbite is caused by prolonged exposure to cold, especially when dogs are wet, or standing on ice/snow.
Frostbite happens when blood flow to extremities (ears, tail, paws) is reduced, causing tissue damage. The extremities often have thin tissue, with less fat and fur, and because they are less insulated, they have less protection from cold weather, and are more vulnerable to damage from the cold. These areas may also be in direct contact with cold air, ice, or snow
Signs of Frostbite in Dogs
Changes in the skin, colour changes from pale, grey, or bluish to blackened skin (in severe cases, indicating tissue death). Cold, hard skin that may become painful when warmed. Swelling or blistering.
The dog might be reluctant to walk or might lick their paws.
Frostbite Risk Factors for Dogs in the UK
All dogs that are more susceptible to cold such as short‑coated breeds (Whippets, Greyhounds, Staffies) and small dogs that lose heat faster than larger ones.
Wet conditions combined with low temperatures increase the risk as does prolonged exposure.
Prevention of Frostbite in Dogs
Prevention of frostbite is by limiting a dog’s exposure to low temperatues especially if it’s wet. Walks should be shorter in freezing weather. Use protective clothing such as a coat, particularly if your dog is short‑haired and use paw boots in icy conditions. Avoid frozen water, ice and snow increase the risk of frostbite.
After a walk, dry your dog thoroughly, paying particulr attention to their paws, ears, and tail to remove moisture. Provide blankets and draft‑free sleeping areas indoors.
What To Do If You Suspect Frostbite in your Dog
Bring them out of the cold and into a warm, draft free room. If they are wet, dry them gently with a towel. Warm them up gradually, using blankets, wrap them in a blanket or coat. You can use a hot water bottle, wrapped in a towel or a microwaveable heat pad (not directly on the skin). Avoid rubbing, this can damage tissue further.
Seek veterinary help immediately
Snow Hazards for Dogs
Snow eating is natural and often harmless, but owners should be cautious about their dog eating too much and also eating snow which may have been contaminated with grit, salt, or antifreeze.
Clean snow is fine for a taste, but safer alternatives (like frozen treats) are better for regular use. Eating too much snow can lower body temperature and may cause cold shock.
The best thing to do is supervise your dog when they’re out in the snow and discourage them from eating snow; make sure they have fresh water available before and after walks.
Reduced Daylight when Dog Walking
Dark mornings and evenings increase accident risk.
Make sure both you and your dog are visible when you go out in the dark, wearing hi visibility clothing will really help with this.
You can get LED lights for dogs and reflective collars and strips for leads, all of these will make them more visible to other road users.
If you are able to walk during daylight, this is safer.
Seasonal Toxins that are Dangerous to Dogs
During the winter season, some festive plants and foods can be harmful, for example, holly, mistletoe, ivy, yew, poinsettia, amaryllis, chocolate, mince pies, Christmas cake. over the holiday season, life is busy and it’s easy to get distracted.
The best way to keep your dog safe is to not bring these items into the house, or if you do, make sure you keep them safely out of their way and don’t leave them lying around.
Conclusion
Winter doesn’t have to be risky – with a little preparation, you and your dog can enjoy the season safely.
Keep walks short and sweet, protect those paws, and stay alert for hidden hazards.
Share these tips with fellow dog lovers and make this winter happy and healthy!
Quick Safety Checklist for Winter Walks with your Dog
[ ] Dog coat for short-haired or elderly dogs
[ ] Paw balm or booties for icy walks
[ ] Wipe paws after every walk
[ ] Keep dogs on a lead near bodies of water
[ ] Store antifreeze and chemicals securely
[ ] Reflective gear and LED lights for dark walks
[ ] Fresh water available indoors and outdoors
[ ] Festive plants and treats out of reach
For more winter dog walking tips, follow this link.