NYC Winter Dog Care: How Cold Is Too Cold, Safe Dog Walking Tips, and Paw Protection

In New York City, winter means icy sidewalks, slush puddles at every corner,  frigid winds, and your dog giving you that look halfway down the block that says they're ready to go home. Winter walks call for a different strategy than those used throughout the year. 

From temperature limitations to protecting your dog's paws from salt and ice, to understanding when to call the vet, this guide covers the most important topics for keeping your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months in New York City.

The answer is way more complex than the numbers on a thermometer. In fact,  32°F, or below can be considered 'too cold' for most dogs without proper protective gear. However, the temperature is not nearly as important as your dog's breed, size, age, natural coat type, and overall health.

Obviously, dogs with double coats, such as Bernese Mountain Dogs, Malamutes, and Huskies, can tolerate colder temperatures with ease. Dogs with short hair and thin bodies, like Greyhounds, become dangerously cold much quicker. Small dogs and elderly dogs with mobility issues have a harder time in cold weather because their bodies aren't as good at regulating heat.

Small, short-haired, or senior dogs may need coats or limited time outdoors around 32°F. Temperatures in the 32-20°F range puts your dog at a higher risk. Anything below 20°F for a long period of time can be incredibly dangerous. 

Living in NYC where wind tunnels between buildings can make it feel even colder for dogs who are closer to the ground.

Your dog will let you know when they’ve had enough and they're ready to go back inside. Here are some tell tale signs that your dog is freezing:

• Slowing down their walking speed 
• Refusing to walk any further  
• Lifting their paws often
• Shivering or trembling 
• Whining or whimpering 
• Tucking their tail 
• Hunching their body

The moment you see any of these signs, it's time to end the walk. Head home immediately or go into a pet-friendly store close by. Even if they haven’t relieved themselves yet. Once they've had time to warm up inside, then try taking them outside again to relieve themselves. 

When it's freezing in NYC, shorter walks are a necessity. It’s way better to do three, 10 minute walks throughout the day, rather than one bitter cold 30 minute walk. 

New York City sidewalks in the winter can be brutal. Your dog's paws will suffer as they trudge through the slush, icy water, freezing pavement, salt, and ice melting chemicals. Under these conditions, protecting your dog's paws isn’t optional if you want to avoid cracked paw pads, irritation, and ridiculously expensive vet bills.

When your dog's paws come in contact with salt, it will cause irritation and burning, that can lead to excessive licking. Excessive licking can lead to pododermatitis, infection and lameness. If swallowed in large amounts, the salt can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In extreme cases your dog may develop hypernatremia (high blood sodium), which can possibly lead to neurologic changes.

Just like salt, ice melting chemicals can irritate your dog’s skin, which leads to redness, cracked paw pads or even painful chemical burns. When dogs lick their paws after walks, these chemicals can also lead to gastrointestinal issues. Be careful out there, because some of these can be very toxic.

The first thing that you'll want to do after walking in the salt, is clean your dog's paws. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does have to happen after every walk. Its a good idea to keep a towel and or paw wipes (wet wipes) by your door for easy access. You should be prepared to wipe each paw before your dog tracks the salt and dirty slush through your apartment. 

If while your dog was walking through a heavily salted area and their paws appear to be irritated, do a warm water rinse in the sink or bathtub. Afterwards, you should  make sure that their paws have been dried completely. If their paws haven't been thoroughly dried, then moisture between the paw pads can cause a bacterial or yeast infection. Once dried, apply your choice of paw balm to the pads to prevent excessive dryness and cracking.

Taking your dog for a walk in New York City winter requires some strategic planning if you want to avoid the brutal cold while also making sure that your dog gets outside enough times throughout the day to relieve themselves.

Midday walks are ideal during the winter in NYC. The sun will be warming things up slightly, some of the ice has melted a bit, and you’re definitely not dealing with the frigid early morning or late evening temperatures. If you’re walking your dog before sunrise or after the sun has gone down, you’ll be experiencing the coldest part of the day.

Some NYC blocks will be colder than others. Try to walk on the sunniest sides of the street because it will obviously be slightly warmer than shaded sides. Also, the blocks with less wind exposure will be more comfortable. Areas with heavy foot traffic will often have clearer, less icy sidewalks than low traffic areas. Pay close attention to the snow shoveling patterns of your neighborhood.

As a general rule of thumb: elderly dogs, thin dogs, short haired dogs, and small dogs will benefit from wearing a winter coat. While longhaired dogs, and double-coated breeds like Huskies, Malamutes, and Samoyeds, typically don’t need to wear coats to stay warm. If your dog is shivering on walks, a coat isn’t a fashion statement, it’s a necessity. Short-haired breeds, small dogs, senior dogs, and thin dogs will be more comfortable with an extra layer as the temperature drops.

Let's keep it simple. Here's how to keep your dog safe, comfortable, and healthy this winter:

• Keep Indoor Air from Getting Too Dry – turn on your humidifier, apply paw balms
• Winter Coats Are Necessary – small, short-haired, senior, or thin dogs need it most
• Paw Protection Is A Must – use paw wax or make them wear booties
• Wipe or Rinse Paws After Every Walk – you must remove salt and ice melting chemicals
• Check Paws Regularly – catch problems early to avoid expensive visits to the vet
• Limit Time Outside in Brutal Cold – shorter, more frequent walks as temperatures drops

Winter in New York City doesn’t mean that your dog has to stay inside until spring, it just means you’ll have to adjust your routine a little. Do whatever it takes to make sure that walks with your pup aren't miserable. Proper preparation goes a long way when New York City sidewalks are icy, slushy, and salty. 

Make sure that if your pup needs a warm coat, put one on them. However, don't assume that a coat, booties, and paw balm are enough. If the temperature is dangerously cold, the best solution is to limit your time outside while paying close attention to how your dog reacts to the weather.

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