When is it too cold to walk my dog?

Updated 17/02/2024

As temperatures drop and the thought of going outside on a gray, frosty morning becomes less appealing, it’s only natural to wonder “Is it too cold to walk my dog?”. Donning a hat and gloves as you wrap yourself in a big winter coat makes cold walks just about bearable, but do our four-pawed pals need to do the same? Put those worries aside as we uncover the answer to “How cold is too cold for dog walks?” and give you some tips for winter walkies so you no longer have to get cold feet about taking your pooch pal out. 

Is it too cold to walk my dog?

As a general rule of thumb, if you’ve got a medium-large pup that’s in good health, they should be able to handle around a 30-minute walk in anything above 20°F. Petite pals should only be out for 15-20 minutes if temperatures are between 20 and 32°F, and you’ll be pleased to hear that anything below 0°F is a big no, especially for smaller furry friends! That being said, it’s important to take your pooch pal’s age, breed, size, and health into account when considering what temperature is too cold to walk a dog. 

Age

Young pups and older furry friends are more sensitive to extreme temperatures because they have difficulty regulating their body temperatures. Particularly young or old dogs should only be taken out in temperatures below freezing to do their business. 

Breed

Dogs like German Shepherds, St. Bernards, Huskies, and Akitas have thick, water-resistant coats that help keep them warm, whereas small and short-haired breeds such as Dachshunds, Pugs, and Yorkshire Terriers feel the cold more. Tiny breeds like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are particularly sensitive to the cold and may be too uncomfortable to do their business outside even if you do manage to take them for a short walk. 

Health

Cold weather can aggravate conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. Dogs suffering from alopecia (hair loss) will also be less able to tolerate severe drops in temperature, due to their thinned coat.

Dog walking temperature chart

So how cold is too cold for dogs? Let’s take a look…

Signs your dog is too cold 

While the above dog walk temperature chart can be a useful starting point, as a dog owner or sitter, you should be able to tell whether your four-pawed pal is comfortable with the temperature outside. A pup that’s wagging their tail as they run back and forth may be unfazed by the cold but a furry friend who’s shivering and walking stiffly is probably dreaming of being snuggled up by the fire at home.

Watch out for the following signs your dog is too cold:

• Shaking or shivering
• Tucked tail
• Standing in a hunched position
• Walking stiffly
• Lifting their paws off the ground
• Wining or barking

If your pooch pal is exhibiting the above behavior, it’s time to take them home to warm up. However, if your furry friend is showing any of the following more serious symptoms, it’s important to contact the vet immediately as they could be suffering from hypothermia or frostbite. 

• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Slowed breathing
• Tail, paws, and ear tips turn pale or blue

Winter weather to watch out for

Wind

Factor in the temperature of the wind as a cold breeze can make temperatures feel even lower than they actually are.

Snow

Snow can make a dog walk particularly uncomfortable and moisture in the air can cause it to feel even colder. Bear in mind that your furry friend may not want to do their business in the snow (would you?!) so consider choosing a walking route that’s relatively clear of snow and ice (this should also prevent them from getting too wet and cold - unless your fur baby loves exploring off-piste!).

Cold weather tips for walking dogs

• Keep winter walks shorter than usual to avoid getting cold - go on quick, frequent walks to give you and your dog the chance to warm up in between. 
• Walk your dog during the warmest part of the day if you can - usually around midday. 
• Find other ways to mentally and physically stimulate your furry friend if your walks are getting cut short - a game of tug of war can be had anywhere!
• Fit your furry friend with a light-up collar and use a reflective leash so you both stay safe and visible.
• Some small breeds, teacup dogs, or those with short, fine fur like Greyhounds and Whippets may benefit from wearing a jacket, but breeds like Labradors, Huskies, and Alaskan Malamutes were effectively bred for cold conditions so they have their own winter coats. 
• It’s possible to buy little dog booties to protect your pup’s paws from ice-melting chemicals and other elements, but they can take quite a bit of getting used to!

While there’s no definitive answer to the question “How cold is too cold to walk a dog?”, you should now have a clearer understanding of when it’s best to cut those walkies short. That being said, it’s important to remember that your pooch pal still needs their daily exercise, even when it’s cold - you’ll just have to be more inventive. Puzzle toys, games of tug of war, and training can all mentally stimulate your dog inside the warmth of your home, but your furry friend will still need to pop out in the cold for regular potty breaks.

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!