As temperatures drop, dog owners are urged to take precautions during winter walks to prevent hypothermia and frostbite in their pets
London: With January’s chill hitting the UK, many of us are snuggled up at home, but our dogs still need their daily walks. It’s tough for them when it’s freezing outside.
So, how cold is too cold for your furry friend? Dog owners are getting more anxious about their pets’ well-being, leading to a huge spike in searches for tips on keeping pets warm.
Frederica Caneiro, a dog trainer from Woofz by nove8, warns that long walks in the cold can lead to serious issues like hypothermia or frostbite. She suggests keeping dogs indoors when it’s really cold, especially if it drops below -7°C.
Different breeds handle the cold differently. Small dogs can start feeling the chill at 0°C, while medium breeds should be kept inside if it’s below -10°C. Large breeds are okay down to -10°C, but they need to be careful when it hits -15°C.
When it’s below 0°C, keep walks short and watch for signs your dog is uncomfortable, like shivering. If it’s below -6°C, it’s best to keep them inside unless they’re bundled up in coats.
For snowy walks, limit their time outside to 15-30 minutes, depending on their breed. The cold ground can hurt their paws, especially with salt on sidewalks. Dog boots and paw balm can help protect their feet.
