Why Your Dog Walking Routine Should Change With the Seasons

Most dog owners naturally adjust their own routines as the seasons change, swapping coats for T-shirts or choosing shady routes over sunny ones, but many forget that canines don't experience weather the same way humans do.

Coat type, body size and even nose shape can dramatically change how safe or comfortable a walk is for a dog at different times of year.

Understanding Seasonal Risks for Different Breeds

Kennel Club-accredited dog trainer Joe Nutkins spoke about the seasonal risks and which pups need the most support.

"It's not just how long to walk," Nutkins said. "It's when, where and how depending on season and breed category."

Spring: A Shock to the System

Spring may feel mild to humans, but for many dogs, it's a shock to the system.

"Dogs who can struggle in spring tend to not like the sudden changes in temperature," Nutkins said, pointing to double-coated breeds such as German shepherds, Belgian Malamutes and Pomeranians.

Mud is another seasonal hazard. Dogs with long feathering on their legs or paws often find muddy walks "hard work and undesirable," Nutkins said. That includes Lhasa Apsos, Cavalier King Charles spaniels and old English sheepdogs.

Breeds with dense, easily tangled coats, such as Labradoodles, cockerpoos and poodles, can also trap moisture close to the skin, increasing the risk of irritation or infection.

Nutkins recommends swapping muddy fields for paved paths or even indoor activities on the worst days.

Summer: The Highest Risk Season

Summer is the season with the highest risk, and the most owners underestimate it.

"Dogs with double coats and thicker coats are more at risk over the summer," Nutkins said. Breeds such as Bernese mountain dogs, huskies and St Bernards may need walks moved to early morning or late evening, or replaced with low-energy, shaded activities at home.

Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds face even greater danger. "Hot weather isn't good for any dog," she said, "but Brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs, Shih Tzus and even some boxers are at a higher risk of overheating due to the face structure affecting the airways."

These dogs often do better with short, gentle enrichment sessions indoors.

Paw safety is another major concern. Nutkins warned that pavements, decking and concrete "can burn paws," especially for canines with lighter pads like Bichon Frisés and Pekingese, as well as puppies with tender feet.

Small dogs also heat up faster because they are closer to the ground. Miniature dachshunds, Papillons and Lancashire heelers can feel heat radiating from surfaces, even when the air feels cooler.

And sunburn isn't just a human problem. Lighter-skinned dogs such as Jack Russell terriers, Parson Russell terriers and Coton de Tulear may need extra protection on exposed areas like the nose.

Fall: Hidden Hazards on the Ground

Fall brings cooler air and a lot of things dogs shouldn't eat.

"Be careful if your dog likes to eat things off the floor," Nutkins said. Acorns, mushrooms and mold all appear in abundance, and "our clever foraging dogs like beagles, basset hounds and Labradors may be more at risk."

Damp, shaded woodland areas can also pose problems. Nutkins suggests switching to open fields or pathways away from trees to avoid slippery ground and moldy debris.

As temperatures drop, some dogs begin to struggle with the cold. Breeds with very thin or no fur, such as Italian greyhounds, Chinese cresteds and short-haired Chihuahuas, may need shorter evening walks or indoor alternatives.

Winter: Extra Care for Vulnerable Dogs

Winter is especially tough on older dogs. "Cold and damp can cause increased joint and muscle discomfort," Nutkins said. Ice can also force canines to walk differently to stay upright, worsening mobility issues.

Clothing can make a big difference. "Adding coats, jumpers, even dog boots can help dogs who feel the cold of any age," Nutkins said, noting that greyhounds, whippets and Yorkshire terriers often benefit from extra layers.

Low-to-the-ground breeds, including Norwich terriers, Norfolk terriers, long-haired Chihuahuas and Dandie Dinmont terriers, may end up with soaked bellies on winter walks. Choosing drier routes can keep them more comfortable and reduce the risk of skin irritation.