Taking your dog for regular walks offers numerous mental and physical benefits for your canine companion, but only if the temperature is not too cold for dog walking. With sudden drops in temperature, rain, and barrages of snow currently the norm, an expert has issued warnings to dog owners who take their dogs out on walks this winter season.
How cold is too cold for dog walks?
According to animal wellbeing specialist Catrin George, dog owners should avoid taking their pets out for walks when temperatures drop below -5℃. The expert shared that such low temperatures put dogs at risk of hypothermia, cracked paws and paw pads, a cracked nose, and frostbite.
George told The Mirror U.K. that while the freezing temperatures can have a damaging effect on any dog, “smaller dogs, puppies, elderly, and skinny dogs are most susceptible to the chill, with anything below 0℃ proving potentially dangerous. “
She also advised dog owners who want to walk their pets during this wintry weather to consider doing so between 11 a.m. and 3. p.m., when the temperatures are a bit warmer. Moreover, she urged dog owners to keep their dog walking sessions shorter than usual.
Still, dog owners should observe their pets’ behavior when taking walks during this colder weather, just to avoid serious health consequences.
“Even when we think that the weather is bearable, the same may not be true for your pet,” George explained. “When out and about in the winter months, it’s vital to keep an eye on your dog’s comfort. Important signs that your dog may be too cold include hovering, whining, reluctance to move, holding paws up, seeking warmth, or acting disoriented,” she added.
Last but not least, the expert advised those planning on going for walks with their dogs to wear clothes that will make them look visible in public. This, she explained, will help keep you and your dog safe from accidents caused by poor visibility.
Further, she shared: “The key is to make sure you’re both wearing brightly-colored or reflective clothing where possible. Carrying a torch or sticking to well-lit pavements can make sure you’re visible to others while ensuring you can see the path ahead of you. “
