Too Cold to Walk the Dog? Why Indoor Walks Are the Winter Trend Vets Should Know About
January is Walk Your Dog Month, but for much of the country, it is also the season of frozen sidewalks, brutal wind chills, and sunsets that arrive before most people leave work. For pet parents, that combination can turn a once dependable daily walk into a logistical and safety challenge. For veterinary professionals, it raises an important question: how do we help clients maintain canine physical and mental health when winter weather makes outdoor activity risky?
This month, PetSmart offered a timely and surprisingly practical answer. Instead of braving icy streets, the retailer is encouraging pet parents to bring their dogs indoors and walk the aisles of PetSmart stores on the coldest days. The message, shared January 7, reframes Walk Your Dog Month as a commitment to movement rather than a requirement to be outdoors. For dogs, the indoor option still checks many enrichment boxes. Wide aisles allow for steady movement, new scents provide mental stimulation, and the controlled environment removes risks associated with ice, extreme cold, and limited visibility. For pet parents, it lowers the barrier to consistency, which is often the first thing lost during winter.
From a veterinary perspective, this approach aligns well with broader cold weather safety guidance. According to PetSmart’s veterinary team, winter conditions can be more hazardous for dogs than many owners assume. Fur alone does not guarantee warmth. Dogs can develop frostbite or hypothermia when temperatures drop below freezing, especially if they are wet or exposed to strong wind. On those days, shortening walks or replacing them with indoor activity is often the safest option. Certain dogs are particularly vulnerable. Smaller breeds, seniors, and dogs with short or thin coats lose heat quickly and may benefit from cold weather gear when they do go outside. Gradual introduction to coats and sweaters helps reduce stress and resistance, making outdoor trips more manageable when conditions allow.
Paw health is another winter concern that veterinarians frequently see. Ice buildup between paw pads, chemical de-icers, and dry air can all contribute to irritation, cracking, and discomfort. Protective booties or paw balms can help, along with advising clients to use pet-safe ice melts at home and to rinse paws after walks. Winter also brings visibility challenges. With fewer daylight hours, reflective collars, harnesses, and light-up accessories can reduce the risk of accidents during early morning or evening outings. These small additions can make a meaningful difference in safety.
Even warming up after outdoor exposure carries risk. Dogs naturally seek heat, but fireplaces and space heaters can cause burns if pets get too close. Recommending a warm bed or blanket offers a safer alternative that still meets a dog’s need for comfort. The indoor walk concept may feel unconventional, but it reflects a broader shift in how pet parents approach care. Convenience, safety, and enrichment increasingly matter as much as tradition. For veterinary teams, this is an opportunity to meet clients where they are and reinforce that maintaining routine does not always mean sticking to the same environment.
As winter continues, indoor walks, structured play, and creative enrichment can help dogs stay healthy without unnecessary exposure to harsh conditions. Walk Your Dog Month does not have to mean frostbitten fingers or icy paws. Sometimes, it just means swapping the sidewalk for a store aisle and keeping pets moving in a way that works for everyone.
