Winter Dog Care: Snow Day Safety Tips for Your Co-Pilot

Around here, snow days mean one thing: Ella daydreaming about treats and seriously questioning where she's supposed to go potty now that the snow is taller than she is. She's a warm-weather girl through and through. If your co-pilot feels the same, here's how to keep them safe, comfy, and entertained until the sun comes back.

Cold Weather Hits Dogs Differently

Small breeds, short-coated dogs, puppies, and seniors lose body heat faster and can get uncomfortable — even in weather that feels manageable to us. The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that cold tolerance varies a lot by dog, so watch your individual pup for shivering or reluctance to go out.

Your Snow Day Dog-Care Checklist

Limit Time Outside

During heavy snow or bitter cold, keep potty breaks short and sweet. Frostbite and hypothermia are real risks in extreme conditions, especially for little dogs.

Protect Those Paws

Snow, ice, and especially road salt and de-icers can irritate paw pads. Wipe your dog's paws after every walk, and consider paw balm or booties. Ingested salt can also upset their stomach, so cleaning up is a health move, not just a tidiness one.

Layer Up

Small pups and short coats often benefit from a well-fitted jacket or sweater. If your dog is dancing to get back inside, that's your cue.

Beat Boredom With Indoor Enrichment

Cooped-up energy needs an outlet. Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, sniff games, and short training sessions turn a snowed-in day into a fun one. High-value freeze-dried treats like our beef liver are perfect for stuffing puzzle toys or rewarding indoor training. We have more ideas in our training articles.

Don't Forget the Other Co-Pilot: Your Car

Winter is hard on your ride too. A quick cold-weather checklist: tuck it in the garage when you can, keep an eye on your battery (cold weather drains them), brush off snow before it ices over, and keep an emergency kit in the trunk. Your four-wheeled baby deserves winter care as much as your four-legged one.

Helpful Tips for a Happy Winter Pup

• Keep your dog hydrated — dry winter air still dehydrates.
• Never leave a dog in a cold parked car; interiors get frigid fast.
• Maintain a routine — walks (bundled up) and play keep spirits high.
• Watch for salt on sidewalks and rinse paws after neighborhood walks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How cold is too cold for my dog?

It depends on breed, size, coat, and age. Many dogs are fine in the 30s–40s°F for short periods, but small or short-coated dogs may need protection sooner. Below ~20°F, limit time outside for most dogs.

Are booties really necessary?

Not for every dog, but they help protect against ice, salt, and frozen ground — especially for sensitive paws.

What indoor activities burn energy?

Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, hide-and-seek with treats, tug, and short training sessions all work great.

Is road salt dangerous to dogs?

It can irritate paws and upset stomachs if licked. Wipe paws after walks and store de-icers out of reach.

Cozy Season, Handled

Winter doesn't have to mean a bored, chilly pup. With a little prep — warm layers, protected paws, and a stash of enrichment treats — snow days become cozy days. Stock up on indoor-enrichment favorites from the dog collection or grab a Sample Pack to keep the good times rolling until car season returns.

Sources: AVMA – Cold Weather Pet Safety; ASPCA – Cold Weather Safety