Outdoor Winter Safety Tips for Active Dogs

A dog skijoring with owner on winter trail

If your pet is experiencing severe symptoms of hypothermia, this is considered a “RED” – or true emergency – on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you!

Wrap a warm blanket around your pet and turn on the heat in the car while transporting your pet to the vet.
DO NOT use heating pads or hot water bottles on your pets; they can cause burns.
If your pet experiences frostbite, avoid touching or aggressively heating the area. Instead, use lukewarm water to slowly re-warm the affected spot as you transport your pet to the vet.
Please note if your pet is stable, bright and alert, up and walking, your pet’s status will not be considered “RED” and our team will help assess your pet’s symptoms and determine your pet’s status over the phone.

Please see our Fast Track Triage chart at the end of this blog for more symptoms and their corresponding triage color codes.

From playing in the snow to skijoring to hiking, Minnesota winters provide plenty of adventure for you and your dog – if you’re up for it! But before you bundle up and head out into the cold, it’s important to consider your dog’s safety and comfort as well. Here are a few outdoor winter safety tips to keep your active dog healthy and safe in the snow and cold, so you can both enjoy the winter season while staying secure!

A close-up of someone selecting a "weather app" on their phone screen.

1. Check the weather.

Before your winter adventure, check the weather—if it’s too cold for you, it’s likely too cold for your dog. Know your dog’s limits, as cold tolerance varies by breed. Temperatures between 10-35°F can be challenging, especially for dogs with short coats or poor circulation, while breeds like Huskies and Malamutes can often handle subzero conditions. Learn more here.

Always closely monitor your dog for signs of cold intolerance, frostbite, or hypothermia. Shivering, lethargy, or excessive paw licking are red flags that they’re too cold. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to head inside to warm up.

A dog wearing a jacket and booties while walking in the snow.

2. Invest in winter gear for your dog.

Just like you bundle up, your dog might need to as well, depending on the breed! We recommend looking into the following items for your dog:

Dog booties can protect paws from snow, ice, and salt.
- If your dog dislikes booties, bring a towel to clean their paws and apply paw balm afterward.
A dog-specific jacket is a great option for smaller dogs or dogs with thinner coats.
An LED collar or fluorescent leash will help keep your dog visible if hiking or walking after dark.
Dog goggles with UV protection are ideal for daytime snow sports. The goggles help shield your dog’s eyes from snow glare, wind, and debris.

Need help determining when it’s too cold for your dog? Check out our winter dog clothing guide here!

A woman bundled up in winter gear walking a dog on a leash in the snow covered trail in the woods.

3. Keep your dog on a leash.

Safety first! To prevent accidents like slipping on icy paths or running onto thin ice, keep your dog on a leash or securely tethered to you. If your dog does venture onto thin ice, be prepared—find tips here.

Dog kibble scattered on a white background.

4. Pack your dog’s essential supplies.

Pack a collapsible bowl, water, your dog’s food, and treats to keep them fueled and hydrated during high-energy activities like hiking or sled pulling. Cold weather and activity mean your dog will burn extra calories, just like you.

A dog holding a small pet first aid kit in it's mouth while out in the snow.

5. Always bring a first aid kit.

Whether you’re out hiking on a trail or spending time at a park, accidents happen. We recommend bringing along a backpack for your supplies, as well as a pet first aid kit with essentials like bandage wrap, gauze, tweezers, and more. You should also pack an emergency blanket to help keep you and your dog warm in case of an unexpected situation.

A dog wearing a jacket on a snowy path.

We hope these tips help make your winter adventure with your dog a success! Here’s a bonus tip: Before heading out to a new hiking trail or area, take a moment to look up the nearest animal ERs and save their phone numbers and addresses in your phone. In case of an emergency, being prepared and knowing where to go can save you valuable time.

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