Winter sunshine encourages activity, but frost, snow, icy pavements, and salt make daily dog walks look different than in summer. Many people wonder whether their dog should be as active in winter as in warmer months and whether winter activities are safe for them.
The good news is, dog activity in winter is advisable, provided it's adapted to weather conditions and your pet's needs. It's not about sports challenges, but about a healthy dose of exercise, fresh air, and quality time together.
Winter Activity with Your Dog - Naturally and Simply
You don't have to give up activities in winter, but it's worth approaching them sensibly. Winter walks will often be enough. Changing the route, going to a park or forest, and walking in the snow engages muscles, improves coordination, and allows your dog to expend energy safely.
For those who are more active with their dog, a leash with a waist belt will be helpful, as it allows for a natural rhythm of movement with both hands free.
> click to check out the leash with a waist belt
How to prepare your dog for winter activity (no sports, just for a walk)
In winter, dogs often have more energy because the cold stimulates them, but their bodies work a little differently than in summer. Muscles tense up faster, paws can get cold, and slippery surfaces lead more easily to slips. That's why in winter, it's better to make a walk "smart" rather than long.
1) Give your dog a short warm-up at the beginning
You don't need to do exercises like in a training session. Just make the first 5–10 minutes of the walk calm: walking, sniffing, no sprints or ball play immediately after leaving home. This way, the dog will warm up and risk less muscle strain if they suddenly move faster.
2) Watch out for slipping and sudden braking
In winter, most injuries don't happen due to frost, but due to slippery ground. The dog runs, turns, brakes, and suddenly a paw slips. If you see ice or packed snow, it's better to switch to a calm walk or play a sniffing game instead of fast fetching.
3) Check paws after a walk (this makes a huge difference)
After a winter walk, it's worth checking your dog's paws, even if they don't show pain. Snow tends to clump into hard balls between the toes, and road salt can irritate the skin. Sometimes it's enough to wipe the paws with a towel, and sometimes it's better to rinse them with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly.
If your dog suddenly stops, lifts a paw, or starts licking it, it's a sign that something is bothering them or stinging, not that "they don't want to walk."
4) Shorter, but more often
In winter, the rule works great: shorter, but more varied walks. Instead of one long running session, it's better to do a calm walk + some sniffing + a short play session. The dog will come back happy, and you won't stress about them getting a cold or overexerting themselves.
Ideas for winter activities with your dog (no sports, take it easy)
Playing in the snow - is throwing a ball in winter okay?
Yes, throwing a ball in winter can be safe and fun, but on one condition: you do it wisely, not "at full speed" for 30 minutes.
Snow and frost make the dog cool down faster, and slippery surfaces increase the risk of slipping, muscle strain, or paw injury. Therefore, in winter, it's better to opt for shorter play sessions, more movement, and more frequent breaks.
The best way to safely fetch in winter:
Make 3–5 throws, then walk a bit, and only then return to play. This way, the dog doesn't stand still and get cold, and the muscles work evenly.
It's also worth remembering a few rules:
Don't throw the ball on icy pavements or steep slopes – the dog might slip when braking.
Avoid long throws "for a sprint," especially if your dog tends to turn sharply.
If it's very frosty, it's better to play shorter but more often than to have one long session.
Observe your dog. If they start trembling, slowing down, lifting a paw, or losing interest in playing, it's not "pouting" – it's a signal that it's time to go home or take a break for a calm walk.
A better version of fetch: searching for a ball in the snow (sniffing)
If you want your dog to let off steam but without crazy sprints, then the "search" game works great in winter.
How to do it:
Just throw the ball into the snow so it slightly disappears, and then tell your dog "search." The dog starts sniffing, digging through the snow, and uses its mind, which tires them out much more than running.
Why this is great in winter:
the dog moves, but doesn't overexert its joints
sniffing naturally calms and soothes
it's a great activity for dogs that get easily overexcited by fetching
Practical tip: if the snow is very wet or icy, it's better to use a larger toy than a small ball so the dog doesn't swallow it and it's easier to find.
"Variable pace" walk - the best winter activity for most dogs
It sounds trivial, but it really works.
Instead of walking at a steady pace all the time:
speed up for 30 seconds
slow down for a minute
take a short sniffing break
then speed up again
This gives the dog exercise, but without jerking and without the risk of injury like with aggressive fetching on slippery surfaces.
Tug-of-war – only in the "calm" version
Tug-of-war is great because the dog gets engaged, but in winter, it's worth doing it gently.
Safety rules:
don't pull hard up and sideways
don't do it on ice
shorter but more often is better
end the game with a calm walk so the dog isn't too wound up
This is a good option if your dog has little room to run, and you want to "get them moving" a bit.
Obstacle course in the snow (recreationally, no sports)
It's not about agility. It's about simple fun on a walk.
You can use:
snowy hills to go up and down
a fallen tree to walk around or jump over
slalom between trees
walking on varying surfaces - first packed snow, then soft powder
benches or low walls (without slipping)
stopping and searching for a treat in the snow
Such a "mini course" develops balance and confidence, but doesn't require sprints.
How to prepare your dog for winter activities?
Paw protection - winter essential
Frost, salt, and moisture irritate paw pads. It's worth using a protective balm or petroleum jelly, and after a walk, rinse paws with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly.
Dog boots can be useful in very low temperatures and for long treks on trails. However, before you go on such a trip with your dog wearing boots, the dog should be familiar with them and accept them. Sometimes this is a long process, so it's worth thinking about it in advance.
Does a dog need clothes in winter?
That depends on the dog and the type of activity. Short-haired dogs without an undercoat, mini dogs, and older dogs often require additional thermal protection. During activity, it's important to observe the dog to prevent overheating.
Safe travel with your dog in winter - comfort and protection
In winter, road conditions are less predictable; slippery surfaces, longer braking distances, and sudden maneuvers make dog safety in the car even more crucial. An unrestrained dog can be exposed to injuries and also pose a threat to the driver and passengers.
BeBobi products ensuring safety
Thule car crate
For dogs that need full protection during travel, the Thule car crate with crash test approval is excellent:
protects the dog from shocks and sudden braking,
provides a stable space for rest during travel,
ideal for longer trips and winter training.
> Click to check out Thule crates
EroSoft car seat
For smaller dogs who need a comfortable and stable place in the car:
soft, comfortable, and safe,
ideal for anxious dogs,
provides comfort and a sense of security while driving.
> Click to check out the EroSoft car seat:
Kuko+ full back seat car mat
Creates a comfortable space on the back seat and protects upholstery:
removable, washable mattress that can be washed separately,
option to add a rigid floor for greater stability,
useful in winter when the dog returns wet and covered in snow.
> Click to check out the Kuko+ mat
Recovery at home - rest matters
After winter walks and play, your dog needs warmth and a stable place to rest so that muscles and joints can recover. Lack of recovery can lead to muscle stiffness and a slower return to full fitness.
Lilo orthopedic bed
orthopedic mattress supports joints and muscles,
evenly distributes body weight,
high-resilience bottom foam insulates from the cold floor,
promotes peaceful, deep rest.
> Click to check out the Lilo bed
Good to know
Planning longer trips or winter expeditions with your dog? Check out our previous post:
> "How to prepare for a winter trip with your dog"
Finally, it's worth remembering one thing: winter activities with your dog don't have to be intense or sporty to be valuable. Calm movement, sniffing, and simple games in the snow are entirely sufficient to ensure your dog's health and well-being.If you want to make a walk more interesting, change routes every few days - even a short stroll in a new place can tire a dog out more than a long walk on the same path, because there are new scents and stimuli. A great idea is also to return to a park you haven't been to in a while - for a dog, it's like a small trip, because everything smells different. And to make winter truly comfortable, remember sensible preparation, safety during travel, paw protection, warmth upon returning home, and time for recovery. With BeBobi, winter with your dog can be calm, safe, and truly enjoyable.