Cold Weather Walk Tips for Dog Owners

The transition from autumn to winter in Surrey can be a beautiful time to explore the outdoors with your dog, but the cold weather and icy conditions can be hard on their paws, as well as darker evenings making trails more dangerous.

At Weybridge, we want to help you make sure your dog stays safe and comfortable during those chilly winter walks. Here are some simple ways to plan for fun and safe walks all season.

Have any questions about your dog's paws or coat going into winter? Book an appointment today.

Cold weather dog walking adjustments

With the colder temperatures, darker days, and harsher conditions, it's important to keep an eye on your dog's health to avoid issues like cracked paws, salt irritation, or frostbite.

Weybridge's top tips

1. Moisturise those paws

During winter, your dog's paws can dry out, becoming cracked or sore. Regularly applying a dog-safe paw balm can help keep their paws soft and moisturised, available from most trusted pet shops or online retailers. Applying the balm just before your dog is about to rest or sleep can make all the difference. Weybridge's team advise you to avoid applying paw balm just before exercise or playtime.

2. Choose the right outerwear

If you're taking your dog on longer winter walks in Surrey, or on more remote paths with fresh snow and ice, you might want to consider a few extra layers of protection:

• A warm, weatherproof coat can help protect a dog's skin from harsh conditions, particularly if they are a breed with a short or thin natural coat who are more vulnerable to the cold.
• Pet boots can be the ultimate protection for paws so long as your dog can walk normally in them.
• Reflective collars and leads and strips on coats provide extra visibility, keeping both you and your dog safer as the evenings draw in.

Our team at Weybridge can help guide you on the best options for your dog walking needs.

3. Wipe paws after walks

After every walk, take a moment to wipe your dog's paws clean of any salt, ice, or other debris that may have stuck to them. These elements can cause irritation or soreness. If you're walking in muddy or water-logged areas, washing your dog's paws afterwards is strongly advised to give them the best protection against a rare but potentially fatal disease called Alabama Rot.

4. Keep walks shorter in extreme cold

In very cold weather, our team in Weybridge advise keeping walks shorter. While your dog may enjoy running and playing in the snow, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to frostbite or other issues. Pay attention to your dog's behaviour - if they start limping or acting uncomfortable, it's time to head inside.

5. Stick to well-lit areas

As the evenings draw in, try to time your walks within daylight windows and avoid remote trails if it's getting dark. We also recommend wearing reflective gear and keeping torches on hand if you do need to head out in the dark.

6. Know when to seek veterinary advice

If your dog is limping, licking their paws excessively, or seems reluctant to walk, it might be a sign of irritation or injury. In such cases, book an appointment at Weybridge for advice and treatment.