As temperatures reach below freezing and the UK braces itself for more snowfall over the coming weeks, Dr. Anna Foreman, Everypaw Pet Insurance’s in-house vet, has issued a warning against dogs wearing outdoor boots in the snow/cold weather as they’re ‘prone to causing a dog distress’.
It comes as research carried out by Everypaw shows that online searches for ‘do dogs need snow boots’ have risen by 600% over the last three months. ‘Can I walk my dog in the snow’ has also increased by 400% over the last three months and 400% compared to January 2023.
In light of this, Dr Anna has explained the consequences of putting dogs in boots, and given her thoughts on how to keep dogs safe when walking them in the snow/colder weather.
What do dog owners need to be careful of when walking their dogs in January?
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Wet or snowy weather can lead to a dog becoming wet and consequently cold while out and about if without a waterproof coat. Some dogs have innately waterproof and thick coats and do not require an external jacket, however others have much thinner or no hair. Dogs who have recently been groomed or shaved (for example for a surgery) should also be protected against the rain or snow
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Care should be taken in frosty and cold weather so that a dog does not get cold, as above.
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Extremely cold lakes can quickly plunge a dog into becoming sodden and cold very quickly as above. Waterproof clothing can also quickly weigh a dog down in the water. Care should be taken not to encourage play in such areas unless a dog has an innately waterproof and warm hair coat. Care should be taken not to allow a dog onto a frozen lake – their weight can quickly cause the ice to break and an extremely dangerous situation develop, both for the dog and their owner trying to save them
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Generally, January days are very short, with long lengths of darkness. Even the daytime periods can be dim. This means visibility is poor which is dangerous for dogs if near a road, or if prone to escaping/running off.
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Grit on the pavements can irritate dogs paws, mainly between the pads. In some situations it can lead to dermatitis and (more extremely) chemical burns.
What are your top “hacks” for encouraging dogs to walk in wet weather/cold weather/snow?
Most dogs are happy to go for walks in all weather conditions, however if not then try and ascertain the reason. Some dogs do not like the cold and it may be a simple case of fitting them with a coat. Some do not like getting their feet wet, and so pavement or gravel walking may be more appropriate.
Making walks more interesting with treat training or scent work can also help in the winter, particularly when limited to on the lead or pavement exercise in extreme conditions.
How can pet owners keep their dogs safe on dog walks?
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Make sure a dog is not too cold or too hot while walking. Some dogs have innately warm and waterproof coats, and so excessive layers can cause them to become uncomfortable and overheat
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Use of a high visibility collar, harness, lead, accessory, or coat makes dogs much more visible in the dark weather. This means we are less likely to lose them, and if they should run out into a road then traffic is more likely to avoid a collision with them
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If the weather is particularly poor, for example high winds or extremely poor visibility, lead only walks are recommended to ensure pets do not get lost
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Wash feet when home, particularly when having been out on a pavement walk as grit (even residual) may be present. Make sure feet are dried thoroughly as well, as moist feet, particularly the interdigital spaces, can also lead to skin disease
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Avoid frozen water as above
Should dogs be walked more/less in the winter months than other times of the year?
They should be walked the same amount that they are at other times of the year to prevent weight gain. Dogs are most likely to be overfed in the winter months, with more time spent indoors, events such as Christmas occurring, and less exercise due to poor weather conditions and shorter days.
If it cannot be helped that a dog cannot be walked to the same extent in winter months, then it is recommended to cut their food down by about 10% and monitor their weight. Base further changes to their diet on subsequential weight loss or gain.
What is your opinion on outdoor boots and raincoats for dogs? Are they safe?
As long as owners wash and dry their dog’s paws thoroughly after a walk, there is no real need for outdoor boots. These boots are prone to causing a dog distress (dogs are not used to wearing shoes like we are), are easily lost, and are unnecessary in most cases.
Dogs’ feet have shoes already on them in the form of their pads. These hard, leathery ‘soles’ prevent injury to the softer skin surrounding and delicate structures underneath. They can be cut or penetrated with sharp objects, and so if a dog becomes suddenly lame, their pads should be checked thoroughly as well as the rest of their leg. If a dog is slipping in the wet, ice or snow, their pads are becoming chapped and sore, or the skin of their feet (or the dogs themselves!) are not tolerating being washed, boots can be considered.
Raincoats are appropriate for dogs who do not have an innately waterproof coat. The easiest way to find out is by exposing your dog to the rain (or a shower at home!) and then feeling under their fur to the skin underneath. If their deeper fur and skin is dry and warm, their outer hair coat is keeping them dry. If the deeper fur and skin is wet or cold then this means an external waterproof coat may be more appropriate to keep them dry.
Remember any dog has the potential to get wet and cold if they are completely submerged, if rain is particularly heavy or an animal is exposed to it for an extended length of time. If unsure, check the deeper layers and skin of your dog after a walk. If a dog is seen shivering on a walk, this is a definitive sign they are cold. Remember dogs can also shake if anxious, and so shivering may not always be due to the cold.
What training commands are the most important to keep dogs safe when walking them outside (e.g. sit, stay, come…)
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Commands associated with a dog returning to an owner in a quick but controlled fashion, and then stopping when next to the owner (come and heal for example) are vital when walking them outside. A dog must always learn to listen to this command over any distractions – for example if running off after a squirrel, or if spooked by a car.
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Sit and wait is important for when crossing roads – even on a lead (and particularly if on an extendable lead), dogs can still get injured by cars on roads if they are not under control.
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Drop it or give it are also good commands to teach a dog when out and about for when they pick something up in their mouth they are not supposed to! This will help to prevent ingestion of toxins or objects which may cause vomiting/diarrhoea or obstructions.
What tips would you give for walking dogs in the snow? What are the dangers and how can owners keep dogs safe?
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A dog’s coat will become wet when walking in the snow as their body skin temperature will be warmer than the air, and so any snow landing on them will melt. Make sure this wetness is just on the outside of their coat as mentioned above
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In snow storms, visibility can be very poor, particularly if a dog is light coloured or white. Wearing a high visibility accessory as mentioned above will help with this visibility
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Pavements will often be gritted in the snow and so make sure dogs paws are thoroughly washed and dried after a walk. Dogs with long hair on their feet are prone to developing ice balls which can be painful – keep hair between the toes short if walking in this weather
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Water sources will often be frozen when it is snowing and so make sure dogs are kept away from these due to the danger of falling in. Water sources such as public fountains may also contain anti-freeze to prevent them from freezing – anti-freeze is toxic to dogs and so they should be kept away.
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Young, unwell and older dogs are more prone to ‘feeling the cold’ than adult, healthy dogs. Keep a close eye on these dogs in the snow as they may not cope in the extreme conditions. Arthritis is often worse in the cold snowy weather too, like with humans.
