19th December 2025
How to walk and exercise dogs in winter
The days are shorter, the nights are longer, and we’d all rather stay indoors but our dogs still need regular exercise regardless of what weather awaits beyond the front door. Walking dogs in winter, whether in snow, frost or early darkness, can sometimes feel challenging or even unsafe for both owners and their canine companions.
The team of experts here at Animal Friends have shared advice and top tips for walking and exercising your dog in winter to keep you and your pooch safe and happy.
In this article:
- Should you walk your dog in the winter?
- Is it okay to walk a dog at night?
- Staying safe on dark walks
- Can you walk dogs in the snow?
- Other practical safety tips for winter walking
- Can dogs stay outside in the winter?
- How can I get my dog to exercise enough in winter?
- Is it ever too cold?
- Final tips for safer, happier winter dog walks
Should you walk your dog in the winter?
It can be tempting to shorten or skip walks during bitterly cold months, but maintaining your dog’s walking routine (when safe to do so) is important for their health and wellbeing.
According to a 2023 Animal Friends’ survey, 59% of pet parents adapt their walk depending on the weather, but even a short winter walk can make a meaningful difference.
Here are some of the benefits for your dog:
- Healthy weight & body condition: Dogs naturally burn fewer calories when spending more time indoors. Even a short daily walk helps prevent unhealthy weight gain, supports heart health, and reduces strain on joints.
- Joint mobility & flexibility: Gentle, consistent movement keeps joints warm and lubricated. For older dogs or those prone to stiffness, shorter, more frequent walks in colder weather can be more comfortable.
- Mental stimulation: Dogs experience the world through scent. Even winter scents give them enrichment that reduces boredom, anxiety and boosts overall cognitive health.
- Training & good walking behaviour: Winter walks are valuable opportunities to practise lead etiquette, recall and general focus.
- Socialisation: Seeing people, other dogs and everyday sights helps build confidence - especially for puppies or nervous dogs.
Regular winter dog walking also has a number of benefits for owners too:
- Reduced stress & improved mood: Even a short burst of fresh air can help lower stress levels, ease anxiety and lift your mood - a welcome boost during the darker winter months.
- Lower blood pressure: Regular walking is linked to healthier blood pressure, and building dog walks into your routine provides an easy, low-impact way to stay active.
- Reduced loneliness: Winter walkies often lead to quick chats with other dog owners, helping you feel more connected and easing feelings of isolation.
- Increased motivation & routine: Knowing your dog depends on you for daily exercise can help you stay motivated and maintain a healthy routine - even when cold weather makes staying indoors tempting.
- Improved physical fitness: Consistent walking supports cardiovascular health, boosts stamina and improves overall fitness - benefits that both you and your dog get to enjoy.
Is it okay to walk a dog at night?
Yes, walking your dog at night is usually fine, but it does come with extra considerations. The best time to walk your dog in the evening is ideally around dusk, where there’s still some natural light and visibility. Of course, many owners have busy schedules, so walking your dog fully in the dark may be the only practical option.
These nighttime walkies can increase the risk of accidents or injuries simply because visibility is reduced. It’s harder for you to see potential hazards, and harder for others to see you and your dog. Making sure you and your dog can be seen helps prevent collisions, keeps wildlife at a safe distance and makes your evening walk far safer.
Staying safe on dark walks
When walking your dog in the dark, there are naturally more safety considerations. Here are some key tips for keeping you and your dog safe on walks at night.
Make yourself visible
Staying visible can help keep you safe on evening walks, so wear brightly-coloured or reflective clothing where possible. Carrying a torch or sticking to well-lit pavements can make sure you’re visible to others while ensuring you can see the path ahead of you. Using a headtorch or clip-on LED can also help you stay hands-free.
Reflective harnesses or coats and LED collars can increase your dog’s visibility for cars, bikes, other walkers and wildlife when walking in the dark, letting people and animals keep their distance if needed. For more inspiration, see our list of helpful products that help your dog stay safe in the dark.
Don't walk alone
Head out with a friend or join a local walking group if you can. Walking with others is much safer than going out alone and is often a deterrent for any potential criminals. It’s also a great way to make new friends! If you have to walk alone, you could share your location with someone you trust, letting them know exactly where you are so they can keep an eye on your movements and call if anything looks suspicious.
Keep your dog on a lead
Regardless of a dog’s eyesight, the dark could change your dog’s behaviour as objects they’re so used to seeing during the day look so different when the sun is set!
Keeping your dog on a lead will give you more control if your pooch becomes frightened and reacts to something they come across while out and about.
Avoid distractions
When walking your dog in the dark, it’s important to avoid distractions such as your phone. We can easily get lost to our screens, especially if we’ve not been able to catch up on social media all day, but being aware of your surroundings is really important when out in the dark so you can be alert.
Stick to a familiar route
Your surroundings can look very different in the dark, so choosing a route you know well helps you avoid hidden hazards, keep track of your dog more easily, and get home quickly if conditions worsen. Cold weather and snow can also dull familiar scents, which may affect recall and make unfamiliar areas more confusing for some dogs.
Buy glow in the dark fetch toys
If your dog loves to play fetch but you don’t want to lose any balls to the darkness, why not buy toys that glow in the dark or light up so that the fun doesn’t have to end?
Can you walk dogs in the snow?
Yes, you can walk your dog in the snow, but only when conditions are safe. Snow can disguise hazards, reduce scent trails, and make it easier for dogs to become disorientated, so keeping them on a lead is recommended.
It’s best to avoid taking your dog off the lead to prevent any chance of losing them in deep or falling snow. You should also try to stop your dog eating snow where possible, as it can upset your dog’s stomach or expose them to hidden toxins like antifreeze or road salt.
Learn more in our guide to keeping your pets safe in snowy conditions.
Other practical safety tips for winter walking
Winter weather can create extra challenges for you and your dog, from hidden hazards to rapidly changing conditions. Alongside staying visible and keeping walks shorter when needed, it’s worth taking a few additional precautions to help ensure every winter dog walk stays safe, comfortable and enjoyable:
Stay away from frozen water
Don’t let your dog near any frozen bodies of water as they could risk drowning if the ice breaks! Keeping them on a lead will also ensure that you can lead your pooch from any dangerous areas.
Make sure their microchip is up to date
It’s so important that your dog’s microchip details are up to date with your address and contact details just in case they stray or get lost.
Check their fur and paws
The grit from the roads, the dampness from rain or snow and any spills they might come across while walking can irritate their skin, so you should always wipe their legs, feet and stomach once you’re back home.
Have a towel ready
Keep a towel ready at home to dry your dog after wet or snowy walks, helping them warm up quickly and preventing skin irritation.
Use suitable winter gear
Short-haired, elderly or small dogs may benefit from a fitted dog coat to help them stay warm and dry when temperatures drop. Booties can also provide extra grip on icy pavements for dogs who struggle with traction.
Watch for signs they’re too cold
Shivering, lifting their paws, slowing down or trying to turn back are signs your dog may be uncomfortable and needs to head home. Shivering, whining, and refusing to walk are more obvious signs of discomfort.
Can dogs stay outside in the winter?
Some dogs enjoy spending time outdoors, but shorter-haired or elderly dogs can be more susceptible to the cold. When temperatures fall below freezing, dogs should only go outside for toilet breaks and should not be left outdoors for prolonged periods. Wind chill can make temperatures feel far colder than they appear.
If in doubt, bring them in and don’t leave them out in the cold, even if they seem to be okay with it.
How can I get my dog to exercise enough in winter
Just like us humans, dogs can often get bored during the winter months, especially if they don’t get outside or exercise as often as they used to, which may lead to destructive behaviours. When it’s too cold out, indoor activities can help to keep them entertained while maintaining their fitness.
Exercises to replace reduced walking time
Here are some ways to keep your dog entertained indoors, helping you replace the exercise they might be losing thanks to the weather.
Teach them new tricks
The colder months provide a great opportunity for you to teach your dog new tricks or refresh on the ones they might already know.
Why not… set yourself a challenge of teaching your pooch a certain number of tricks before spring arrives?
Play fetch
Whilst throwing a ball in the house might not be the best idea… you could play fetch with your dog’s favourite toy. As long as it’s not going to bounce into furniture!
Hide and seek
Playing hide and seek with your dog can be great fun! You can either hide small dog treats around your home and encourage your pooch to seek them out or… hide yourself.
Is it ever too cold?
Dogs can be walked in the cold, but your dog’s size and thickness of their coat are things you should consider before you leave the house. Small, short-haired, and elderly dogs are most vulnerable to colder weather. When temperatures fall below zero, you should be extra cautious, regardless of their size or breed.
We’ve put together a detailed guide to safe temperatures for dog walks so you can check whether it’s walking weather or not.
Final tips for safer, happier winter dog walks
With a little preparation, winter walks with your dog can still be enjoyable. Choosing familiar, well-lit routes, keeping an eye on changing weather, and carrying essentials like a charged phone and fresh water can help your adventures run smoothly.
Most importantly, watch your dog’s behaviour. If they seem cold or uncomfortable, it’s always best to head home and warm up. Every dog handles winter differently, so finding a routine that works for your pooch is key.
Do you have any top tips on keeping your dog safe on winter walks? Help other owners by letting us know on our Facebook page.
Related resources
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