Why it’s important to maintain your dog’s walking routine in winter

While some pet parents have dogs who love to head outside whatever the forecast, other owners might struggle to get their pooch to the door when it’s cold! In fact, our survey of pet parents revealed that 59% adapt their walk depending on the weather*. 

Despite the drop in temperature, you should try to maintain your dog’s exercise routine as best you can, to help keep them happy and healthy over the winter months. 

So, explore the reasons it’s important to help your canine companion stay active, whatever the weather, and discover where you can find top tips for safe winter walkies…

Is a walking routine really that important?

In short, yes! If you’re seeing their daily walks as just a chance for them to go toilet, you couldn’t be more wrong. Maintaining your dog’s walking routine is essential, even during the winter months, because it benefits both their wellbeing and yours. 

Here’s why you should stick to your dog walking adventures in winter (when weather conditions are safe for you to do so)...

Don’t forget! For handy hints to help you and your dog stay safe while enjoying walkies throughout the winter months, read our top tips for tackling winter weather walks! 

Walking your dog maintains their health

A dog who doesn’t get the chance to exercise is at risk of becoming overweight which, as a result, could cause many problems with their health, joints, and bones. Giving your dog the chance to burn off their energy will also make them a happier canine – and possibly a better-behaved one, too!

Walking your dog helps keep them socialised

Heading out and about with your pooch gives them the chance to interact with other dogs and people they wouldn’t usually encounter at home. 

Socialisation is so important to help teach your canine companion how to behave around animals and humans, especially if your dog is young.

Walking your dog provides mental stimulation

Regularly walking your dog, so they can sniff and explore the world around them, provides the essential stimulation they need to enjoy life to the full. 

If you’re not able to walk your usual route because of the weather, why not venture somewhere new? Your dog will still appreciate the chance to explore their surroundings, even if it’s not what they’re used to.

Walking your dog helps to keep on top of their training

Whatever age your pooch might be, heading outside on a walk with them means you’re actively working on their lead etiquette and recall, without them even knowing it!

Owner health benefits of dog walking

Walking isn’t just beneficial for our dogs! There are several health and social benefits to be enjoyed as a dog owner, since walking your dog can lead to improvements in mental health as well as physical health. 

Even if you can only manage a couple of walks a week due to snow or icy winter weather, here are just a few benefits of walking your dog:

• Lowering blood pressure by helping to lower stress. 
• Reducing loneliness by meeting and chatting to other dog walkers.
• Lessening anxiety levels by getting fresh air and improving your mood.
• Increasing happiness because you know walking them keeps your dog happy.
• Improving your fitness by making time to enjoy daily exercise with your dog.

Regardless of how you feel about the weather outside, if it’s safe to do so, you should stick to your dog’s usual walking routine. Not only is getting out for a walk in the winter good for your dog, but, as you can see, there are plenty of benefits for you, too!

In case you’re wondering if weather conditions are safe enough to walk your dog, visit our article that explores how to know when it’s too cold for dog walks. 

Should snow or icy conditions make dog walking unsafe, check out our article about keeping your pet safe in the snow for fun ways to entertain your dog indoors! 

*Surveyed in 2023.