Powder those paws! Can dogs walk in the snow?

Updated 19/02/2024

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but our dogs are so delightful! When the winds change and the snow rolls in, the prospect of walking dogs in the snow and along frozen paths can be daunting. If we humans have to be more cautious when the world turns white, what other health and safety tips do our precious pooches need to follow? Can dogs walk in snow? Are walks in winter worth the risk?

Freeze, let’s take some paws for thought. We’ll help you understand if walking dogs in cold weather is safe and, if so, what else you’ll need to consider before hooking up their harness or lead. Can dogs walk in the snow? Paws at the ready, let’s do some digging…

Can dogs walk in the snow?

Technically, yes, when it comes to walks in snow and freezing temperatures, dogs are physically capable of putting their paws out. In fact, some breeds like Huskies and Samoyeds have been bred to be able to spend most of their lives outside in Arctic conditions as working sled dogs.

However. For most breeds, leaving your pooch outside in the snow for too long is dangerous. Whilst some may relish the chance to dive head-first into a newly plowed pile of snow, pups don’t always know what’s best for them (despite what they might tell us). Cold weather will cause a dog’s body temperature to decrease - the longer they’re outside, the risk of them becoming too cold becomes higher.

Older doggos, puppies, and even small dog breeds have a much more difficult time regulating their body temperatures, this means snow and freezing temperatures will have more of an effect on them. You should also take your dog’s fur type into consideration, as dogs with very thin coats will get colder quickly than those who have a thick, fluffy, or double coat. A cold dog can lead to very serious conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite. Know your dog - if they’re a slow mover, suffering from an existing illness, or more affected by different weather conditions, always opt to keep them inside if it’s snowing.

Walking dogs in cold weather

If you do decide you and your pup are comfortable to take a dog walk in the snow, it’s important to be prepared. First off, there is such a thing as it being too cold to walk your dog, so always check the outside temperatures and wind strength, as well as how deep the snow is.

Next, set a time limit of 30 minutes for your walk. This is the safest maximum amount of time to allow most breeds and doggos outside. Half an hour still offers your pup some exercise whilst helping to prevent them from becoming too cold.

Finally, make sure you have the gear. We’ll discuss this in a bit more detail later on, but paw pad protection and dog coats are always worth investing in if you live somewhere prone to adverse weather.

Can dogs walk on ice?

Never allow a dog to run across a frozen lake as it’s impossible to predict how stable the ice is. Avoid routines that include frozen lakes or keep your dog on a leash if you end up walking near one. Even if locals have deemed it to be safe, temperature changes can make the ice more fragile and, therefore, very unsafe. If your pet falls into icy water, there is a real risk of drowning or hypothermia.

When walking a pup on a particularly icy pathway, remember, that if ice is slippy for humans in shoes, it’ll be treacherous for pups with paws. Not only can it freeze pup paws, but it can also hide hidden rocks and stones that could cause injuries. Dog booties should always be worn if you’re crossing any areas of ice. 

If your dog does go out barefoot, then it might be worth washing their paws when you get home. Sidewalks and driveways are often treated with rock salt or grit in the winter months which can get stuck to your pet’s feet. If your dog licks this off, then it could cause tummy troubles or even toxicity.

Winter walking gear

Always pack a dog first aid kit for emergencies on any winter dog walk. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Many pre-bought kits can be lightweight and could be lifesaving if something were to go wrong.

Before leaving the house, try finding the best paw protection for dogs. Dog booties keep your pup’s paws protected from the freezing ground, offer extra grip on slippy surfaces, and help to stop any sneaky sharp stones or rocks from hurting their little feet.

It’s also recommended to look into a waterproof dog jacket or coat, especially for small, thin or elderly dogs. These offer some extra warmth on their walkies, with many being windproof as well as snuggly. Many come with reflector lights, ideal for helping to spot your pup if they decide to explore areas of deep snow.

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!

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