Walking Your Dog in Winter: What Changes and What to Do

Walking your dog in winter can mean muddy paths, wet fur, icy conditions and road grit that gets trapped between your dog’s paws. A simple routine makes winter dog walks easier: check the weather and walking route, clean paws when you get home, dry your dog thoroughly and store muddy walking gear ready for next time.

What changes when you walk your dog in winter?

Winter changes more than the weather. Shorter days, colder temperatures and wetter ground can all affect your dog’s comfort and your usual walking routine.

Before heading out:

• Check the conditions: Look for ice, snow, flooding and poor visibility.

• Choose a suitable route: Avoid slippery paths and areas where grit or de-icing products have been heavily used.

• Think about visibility: Reflective accessories and lights can help make you and your dog easier to see.

• Adapt the walk: Your dog may need shorter walks or more frequent breaks in particularly cold or unpleasant conditions.

• Watch your dog: If they seem uncomfortable, cold or reluctant to continue, head home.

Every dog is different. Age, coat type, size and health can all affect how well they cope with cold weather. If you are unsure what is suitable for your dog, ask your vet for advice.

How should you clean muddy paws and remove road grit?

Mud and grit can quickly build up on your dog’s paws during winter. Cleaning them when you get home helps stop dirt spreading around the house and gives you a chance to check for irritation or trapped debris. Road grit is mostly rock salt. It can make paw pads sore, dry or cracked, and if your dog licks it off it can upset their stomach. Dogs Trust advises checking and wiping paws after every winter walk, including between the toes.

Pay particular attention to:

• Between the toes and paw pads.

• Around the nails, where mud can collect.

• The lower legs and belly, which often pick up splashes.

• Any small cuts, cracks or areas of redness.

Use clean, lukewarm water to rinse away mud and visible grit. Be gentle around the paw pads, and avoid scrubbing sore or irritated skin.

A portable dog washing device can make post-walk cleaning more convenient, especially if your dog regularly comes home muddy. The Mud Daddy portable dog washer is designed to help rinse away dirt after outdoor adventures.

Is lukewarm water the best choice for cleaning your dog?

Yes. Lukewarm water is generally a comfortable choice for rinsing muddy paws and coats. Water that is too hot can be uncomfortable and may irritate your dog’s skin, while very cold water may make an already chilly dog uncomfortable.

When cleaning your dog after a winter walk:

1. Check the water temperature before you begin.

2. Start with the dirtiest areas, such as paws and lower legs.

3. Use a gentle flow of water.

4. Avoid directing water into your dog’s eyes, ears or nose.

5. Rinse away any remaining dirt.

If your dog has sensitive skin or an existing skin condition, follow your vet’s advice on suitable cleaning products and routines.

How can you dry your dog after a wet winter walk?

Once your dog is clean, dry them before they settle down indoors or travel in the car. Pay particular attention to their belly, legs, paws and the areas beneath their collar or harness, where moisture can linger.

An absorbent dog drying coat can help draw moisture away from your dog’s fur after washing or a wet walk. Mud Daddy’s Dog Drying Coat has an absorbent inner layer and an outer layer designed to draw moisture away, helping your dog feel warm and dry while reducing wet patches on floors and car seats.

Choose the right size using the product’s sizing chart. If your dog is between sizes, Mud Daddy recommends sizing up.

For best care, wash the coat before first use, as some colour transfer may occur. Machine wash at 30°C, follow the care instructions and wash deep colours separately. The coat is also tumble-dryer safe.

How should you store muddy leads, coats and washing equipment?

A little organisation can make the next walk much easier. Rather than leaving wet equipment in a pile by the door or in the boot, give everything a chance to dry and put it away ready for next time.

A useful post-walk routine includes:

• Rinsing mud from leads, harnesses and walking accessories where needed.

• Allowing wet items to dry fully before storing them.

• Washing muddy towels and drying accessories according to their care labels.

• Emptying and cleaning your dog-washing equipment as directed by its manufacturer.

• During cold weather, store your Mud Daddy portable dog washer indoors in a frost-free place to help prevent freezing and potential damage.

• Keeping clean towels and walking essentials together near your usual exit.

This helps keep muddy equipment separate from clean household items and makes it easier to get out for the next walk.

What should you change about walks in frost, snow and darkness?

Winter conditions can make familiar routes more challenging. Ice can create slippery surfaces, while snow may hide uneven ground or debris. In low light, drivers and cyclists may also find it harder to see you and your dog.

A few sensible precautions can help:

• Stick to familiar, well-lit routes when visibility is poor.

• Use reflective gear or lights where appropriate.

• Take extra care on icy paths and avoid surfaces that look slippery.

• Keep your dog away from puddles on driveways and in car parks, where antifreeze can collect.

• Check your dog’s paws after walks for ice, grit or signs of discomfort.

If conditions are particularly severe, consider a shorter outing or indoor enrichment instead. The right choice depends on your dog and the conditions outside.

What is a simple routine to follow after winter dog walks?

A consistent routine helps make winter dog care manageable, even when you arrive home with a muddy dog and wet walking gear.

Your post-walk checklist:

1. Check your dog’s paws for grit, mud, ice or irritation.

2. Fill your Mud Daddy with lukewarm water before you head out, and you can rinse paws at the car before the mud reaches the boot.

3. Dry your dog thoroughly, especially around the paws and belly.

4. Check that your dog is comfortable before settling down.

5. Clean and dry muddy walking equipment.

6. Put everything away ready for the next outing.

Over time, this routine can help reduce mess around the home and make looking after your dog after wet-weather adventures feel less like a chore.

What are the most common questions about winter dog care?

Should I wash my dog’s paws after every winter walk?

If your dog has walked through mud, grit, snow or areas where de-icing products may have been used, rinsing their paws when you get home is a sensible precaution. Check between the toes and around the paw pads, too.

Is road grit bad for dogs' paws?

Yes. Road grit and de-icing salt can irritate your dog’s paws, causing dryness, cracking and soreness. After winter walks, rinse their paws with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly between the toes to remove grit and salt.

Should I dry my dog after every wet walk?

If your dog’s coat or paws are wet, dry them before they settle down. Pay attention to areas where moisture can collect, such as between the toes, under the belly and around the collar.

How can I keep my car clean after muddy walks?

Keep a towel or suitable drying accessory in the car and clean your dog before they jump in where practical. An absorbent dog drying coat can help reduce the amount of moisture transferred to seats and boot areas.

Do dogs need shorter walks in winter?

Not necessarily. It depends on your dog’s age, breed, coat, health and tolerance of cold weather. Watch for signs of discomfort and adjust the length or timing of walks to suit your dog.

Explore our winter care tips for dogs to keep them clean, warm and comfortable after winter walks.

Make winter clean-ups easier

Muddy paws and wet coats are part of many winter adventures, but the clean-up does not have to take over your evening. With a simple rinse-and-dry routine and the right equipment close to hand, you can help keep your dog comfortable and your home cleaner after every walk.

Explore the Mud Daddy portable dog washer and find the right dog drying coat for your dog.