❄️ 🐾 How cold is too cold to walk your dog?
When winter rolls in…
We all know that moment: you glance outside, see your breath misting in the air, and your dog’s eyes light up at the sight of their lead. You’re torn between a hot cuppa and their eager wagging tail. We get it, we’ve been there too.
Here at Ollie’s Adventure Walks in Hastings, we love braving the crisp air with our pack. There’s something magical about a frosty morning, the crunch of leaves, the sparkle of frost on the grass, and the joy of dogs bounding through it all. But there’s a fine line between “fresh and fun” and “too cold for comfort.”
So how cold is too cold to walk your dog safely?
The expert view: numbers matter (but not as much as knowing your dog)
According to Animal Friends, once the temperature drops below 5°C, some dogs start to feel the chill, especially smaller breeds, pups, or those with fine coats. At 0°C, it’s time to shorten the walk or add some extra layers, and below –4°C, many vets recommend skipping walks altogether.
Meanwhile, a vet quoted in the Express says the “ideal range” for most dogs is between 5°C and 15°C. That’s the sweet spot where they can romp about comfortably without overheating or shivering.
Of course, it’s not just about the number on the thermometer — wind chill, dampness, and your dog’s coat type all play a part. Here in Hastings, a blustery sea breeze can make a mild 4°C morning feel a lot icier on the coastal paths.
Every dog is different
One of the joys of running adventure walks is seeing how differently dogs handle the cold.
🐕 Thick-coated breeds like Labradors, Newfoundlands, Huskies or Retrievers often thrive in chilly weather. They’re built for it.
🐾 Short-coated or small breeds, think Whippets, Chihuahuas, Staffies or Dachshunds, tend to shiver quickly and lose heat fast.
🐶 Older dogs and puppies are more sensitive too, as they can’t regulate body temperature as well.
We always adapt our routes and pace depending on who’s in the pack. On frosty mornings, we might swap a long cliff-top hike for a lively woodland romp where trees offer shelter from the wind , or break walks into shorter, more playful bursts.
Tuning into your dog’s signals
Dogs are brilliant communicators if you know what to look for. During winter walks, we always keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs that a dog is feeling the cold:
Shivering or trembling
Lifting paws off the ground or licking them often
Slowing down or stopping altogether
Curling into a tight ball or seeking your legs for warmth
Whining, pacing, or looking longingly back towards home
If your dog starts showing any of these, it’s time to head back, warm up, and call it a day.
When to walk (and when to wait)
At Ollie’s Adventure Walks, we plan our winter routes with temperature, wind and time of day in mind. A few golden rules:
🌤️ Midday walks are best – It’s usually the warmest part of the day.
🧊 Avoid early mornings after frost or snowfall – Icy pavements and hidden hazards are no fun for paws.
💨 Factor in wind chill – A 3°C day with a stiff sea breeze can feel sub-zero along the coast.
🌧️ Damp cold is worse than dry cold – Once fur gets wet, dogs lose body heat much faster.
If the forecast looks brutal, we sometimes swap outdoor adventures for indoor enrichment games — because stimulation doesn’t stop when the weather does!
Our real-world cold-weather hacks
After years of walking dogs across Sussex winters, we’ve picked up a few tricks to make chilly adventures enjoyable:
Layer up smartly. Dogs with thin coats benefit from a fleece-lined jacket — ideally waterproof, especially near the sea where drizzle is inevitable.
Keep moving. Standing still too long (even to chat!) lets the cold sink in. We keep walks active and interactive.
Short bursts, big fun. Ten minutes of playful fetch or forest exploration beats half an hour of shivering.
Always dry off after. We carry towels for a quick rub-down before hopping back in the van. A warm homecoming keeps muscles supple and spirits high.
The goal? Dogs come back tired, happy, and comfortably warm — not damp, shaking or stiff.
The dangers of “pushing through”
Sometimes owners worry their dogs “need” a walk, no matter what. But as Country Living points out, overexposure to the cold can lead to hypothermia or frostbite, particularly in vulnerable breeds.
If you suspect your dog’s body temperature has dropped — they’re lethargic, disoriented, or their gums look pale — wrap them in a blanket and contact your vet immediately.
Cold doesn’t mean cancelled fun
The beauty of winter walking lies in adaptation, not avoidance. When we plan walks for our pack, we choose the route, pace and length based on conditions — and every day feels like a fresh adventure.
Some of our best walks happen on those crisp, blue-sky days when the air is sharp, the dogs are buzzing, and there’s barely another soul in sight. It’s peaceful, invigorating, and pure doggy joy.
So next time you’re weighing up the lead and the kettle, check the weather, trust your instincts — and remember: the goal isn’t how long you walk, but how happy your dog is at the end of it.
When it’s too cold to walk, we’ll make sure your dog still gets the exercise and care they need — safely and happily. 📅 Book your winter walk or day care space today.
Call Ollie on 07979 491808 / Louise on 07882 655416 to discuss your requirements., or email us on hello@olliesadventurewalks.com