Winter Walkies. Some dogs love them, some dogs hate them, either way they need to be on the agenda. In this blog, we share our top tips to ensure winter walks are safe and comfortable for both you and your pooch. For other ideas on keeping your dog happy and healthy this winter, read our tips for winter pet care here.

Be visible

There are lots of reflective leads, hi-vis collars and flashing tags on the market for your pooch, but it’s important to ensure you can be seen too. Carrying a torch, or wearing reflective wristbands is a good way to ensure you are visible. Be seen, be safe.

Paw protection

It’s not unusual for dogs to suffer with cracked paws due to the cold weather. Be sure to properly clean and dry your dog’s paws after wet or cold walks. Using coconut oil on your dog’s pads in the morning and evening can help soothe and protect them too. You can also buy dog boots to protect their pads, but they may not be favoured by the fashion-conscious pooch.

Wrap up

Breeds with thin coats, such as Grey Hounds and Chihuhuas may need a little extra help in the form of a padded coat to keep warm during walks. A waterproof coat could be useful for your long or curly coated breeds too. Not only will it help to keep them warm, but also prevent curly fur getting wet through, and keeps the mud splatter to a minimum.

Winter bedding

Depending on where your dog's bed is, it may take a tad longer to warm up. If your dog's bed is on tiled flooring, it can get quite cold during the winter months. Pop a carpet off cut under their bed and put an extra blanket inside to help them stay cosy and warm during the night.

Avoid antifreeze

Antifreeze is super toxic to dogs, and its sweet smell and taste makes it all the more appealing to them. Make sure you keep any bottles or sprays out of reach and mop up any spills.

Bin bags

If you head out in the car to a walking destination, keep a roll of large bin bags in the boot. This will save you having to sacrifice a coat and scarf to cover the seats to protect them from soggy muddy paws. Bin bags slip over the seat perfectly and prevent you having to wash towels daily.

Warm towel

Leave a towel over the radiator by the front door. When you get back from frosty morning walks, you can wrap up your fur baby straight away and prevent soggy paw prints throughout the house.

Asda Pet Insurance

Our pet insurance policies offer multi-pet discounts, access to a 24 hour Vet Advice Line and the option to pay monthly by direct debit with no interest charges. Check out our Pet Insurance page for more details and to get a quote.