When is it too cold to walk your dog?

[Retro]

This information will most likely be useful for new dog owners, or those with an unfamiliar breed.

My own, personal, version of the advice in this article is more cautious: I recommend not walking them if it goes below freezing and put winter dog boots on their feet if it's cold.

Generally speaking, no dog should be taken out for a walk if the weather drops below -9°C, as they cannot withstand these below-freezing temperatures. A good rule of thumb is that if it's uncomfortably cold for you as the owner, it's likely too cold for your dog.

Beyond that, more specific advice depends on the size of your dog and the density of its natural coat.

"Temperatures around -4°C and below are too cold for short-haired dogs, while long-coated dogs can handle slightly lower temperatures, down to -9°C," says clinical animal behaviourist, Rachel Rodgers, who has teamed up with Canine Cottages.

When is it too cold to walk your dog?

Read expert advice on exactly how cold is too cold to walk your dog in the winter months. Plus, our top tips on how to look after your pooch when the temperature dips.

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[Crims]

If it's 4 degrees or less I'd say it's too cold for dog walking. It's been maybe a 3 year stint since I walked a dog though

 

[Retro]

I'll bet @Tiffany will know exactly when it's too cold, what with all the pooches she's had over the years.

 

[Tiffany]

Oh yes, indeed! My poms have a double coat and do very well in the cold as long as their outside outing is kept short. They honestly, are so funny, they don't like the extreme cold or the extreme heat. They're little spoiled dogs. Cold and rainy weather can be an issue too. When they are outside and it's been raining, I always dry them off and pay attention to their paws. Like, if you were a dog, wouldn't you want your little paws dry so you won't shiver? If it's extremely cold, below 20F and it's snowed, I have to make a path for them to walk. They don't like snow either.

My micro- Chihuahua has super short hair that hardly keeps her warm in the house no matter the season. She's the little blanket-meister. She's always under a blanket and can curl in a blanket perfectly. In the winter, when it drops below 35F we will put a little sweater thing on her to stay warm in the house.