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Dog first aid · Cold weather

Winter walks and cold

Grit, ice, short coats, and knowing when a walk is not worth it.

3 min read Reviewed September 2026 Written by Thom, TCB Dog Walking
Ring your vet first

A dog that is shivering hard, and unusually lethargic, needs warming up promptly.

Most dogs cope well with cold weather if they keep moving, but a few things are worth keeping in mind before a winter walk.

Grit and paws

Road salt and grit can irritate paw pads, and can be mildly toxic if licked off in any quantity. Drying or rinsing paws after walks on gritted roads helps, and paw wax is worth considering for a dog prone to irritation.

Knowing when to turn back

Thin-coated, small, older, or unwell dogs can lose heat faster in cold weather. Shivering, tucking the tail, or clearly wanting to head home are all signs to turn back rather than push on to finish the usual route.

Signs to watch for

Shivering that does not ease with movement
Repeatedly lifting paws or limping on grit or ice
Reluctance to keep walking, wanting to turn for home
Pale or grey gums
Keep in mind

Plan the length of a winter walk around the return leg, not just the outward one. A cold, wet, tired dog can be more at risk on the way home than on the outbound route.