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Get your pup ready for the freezing cold: These are some crucial winter safety tips for dogs according to experts

Dog owners should take care that their furry friends don’t suffer during months of winter even if their dogs love to be out in the cold and snow.

Greg Heilman

Update: Feb 1st, 2025 23:22 EST

When Old Man Winter comes visiting the temperatures can plunge frightfully low which can put not just you at risk but your dog too. Dog owners should take care that their furry friends don’t suffer during winter months even if their pouch loves to be out in the cold and snow.

New York Times best-selling author and longtime vet Karen Fine shared with Good Housekeeping some tips for how to keep dogs safe when the weather outside is frightful.

Signs the cold is getting to your dog

You may think because your dog has a lot of fur or is big that they will handle the cold better, but don’t be fooled. Just like humans, when the cold starts to get to them they’ll shiver or be stubborn about venturing further out into the elements. To help them tolerate the cold better, start of any walk with a more energetic pace to warm them up before letting them slow down to explore the smells.

Fine says to check their ears, paws and tail for changes in color which may be a sign of frostbite setting in. If you have a pouch that loves the outdoors, you may have to force them to get inside even if they don’t want to do so.

You can always remove layers

While your dog may not need extra protection from the cold, Fine says it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can always remove that pair of booties or jacket if it looks like your dog is getting too hot. Keep in mind that puppies and senior dogs may need more protection from the cold as they can have less body fat.

Keep your dog groomed

Fine says that you should treat you dog’s paws with a balm like Vaseline or Aquaphor to keep them from drying out, especially if they are rough or cracked and before heading out for a walk. Also keep nails trimmed short to avoid them becoming brittle and breaking.

Likewise, trim long fur on their legs and around their paws. This will prevent it getting under their paw pads which can reduce their traction on slippery surfaces as well as ice balls forming on their legs which can be irritating.

Be vigilant when walking in the winter wonderland

Just like for yourself, be careful when crossing slippery surfaces which could lead to a painful fall. Avoid large piles of road salt, which can cause dryness, but small amounts shouldn’t be a problem. And beware of snowdrifts or piles of snow blocking drivers’ visibility of your furry friend especially when they are near the road.

Keep your dog active and stimulated

Even if you have a dog that doesn’t like to go outdoors when it’s cold, it’s important to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active throughout the winter months. This will not only keep them happy but also prevent them from gaining unwanted weight.

Fine recommends playing fetch or hide-and-seek in your house to get them shaking a leg. You can also bring objects in from outside for them to smell to stimulate their curiosity and minds or give them puzzle toys to play with.