As we slip into our coats and pull on our scarves, it can only mean one thing – winter is here! And while this might be great news if you love cozy evenings in front of the fire, this can pose a range of challenges for us dog lovers. Mainly, how do we go about keeping our furry companions active and engaged despite the cold weather? Well, don’t worry too much. We’re here to share our advice for walking dogs in cold weather as well as offer a few tips and thoughts for dogs in winter!
Regardless of the season, daily exercise is crucial for our canine friends. Not only does it help them to maintain a healthy weight, but it also supports their mental and physical well-being by preventing frustration and boredom from sitting in. What’s more, regular exercise can also help dogs cope with changes that come with the winter period. This could include anything from visitors arriving for the seasonal festivities to the increased time spent indoors by other pets, such as cats.
Still, it’s one thing saying exercise is important and another thing altogether finding a means of exercising our dogs in winter. After all, how do we know when it is too cold to walk our dogs? Let’s explore this subject further.
The idea of taking your dog for a brisk winter walk might sound appealing, but there are a few considerations to think about before bundling up and walking our dogs in the snow. For example, the breed, size, age, and health of our dogs could all play a part in their resistance to chilly weather.
Dog breeds with thick, waterproof coats, such as Huskies, are naturally better suited for colder climates. Smaller dogs, on the other hand, tend to lose heat more quickly and are therefore more susceptible to cold weather if outdoors for a while. Likewise, older dogs might struggle with regulating their body temperature and moving efficiently, while health conditions and injuries could also impact a dog’s ability to cope in the cold.
Nor do the potential issues stop there when answering the question “When is it too cold to walk your dog?”. As you’d expect with a season known for its chilly conditions, weather factors also come into play. Wind chill, sunlight, and snow can all affect how cold the outdoors feels both to dogs and humans. Wind can accelerate heat loss, while sunlight can provide a touch of warmth. Walking dogs in snow or on ice, on the other hand, can make dogs feel a lot colder due to the direct contact between their paws and the ground.
If you do think it’s too cold outside, however, it’s important not to skip your dog’s exercise altogether. Instead, consider one of the many alternative ideas for indoor exercises for dogs!
When walking your dog in the cold weather isn’t suitable, it’s time to get creative. Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor exercises for dogs that can still ensure their physical and mental needs are being met.
While these indoor exercises for dogs all present great opportunities to keep our dogs healthy and happy, it’s important to understand that spending more time indoors can also be a challenge in its own right. With this in mind, creating a comfortable and calming environment indoors becomes even more important in winter. One of the best ways to achieve this is by using ADAPTIL Calm Diffuser. This works by releasing pheromones into the air of your home that mimic those emitted by a mother dog, providing a sense of security and calmness even when outdoor opportunities are limited. Simply plug the ADAPTIL Diffuser in for up to 30 days of calm at home.
Are you interested in learning more about our ADAPTIL products or looking for more tips on caring for dogs in winter? Please get in touch! We love nothing more than hearing your stories and sharing all the advice we can. You can also stay informed with our latest guides, Q&As, and general tips by signing up to our newsletter.