Happy New Year, dog lovers! January is here, and with it — our annual opportunity to recommit to walking our dogs. Whether your pup is a young bundle of energy or a seasoned four-legged friend, this month offers a perfect chance to refresh routines, strengthen your bond, and support their long-term well-being.

Let’s explore how a simple daily walk — adapted for winter weather and tailored to your dog’s life stage — can make a big difference.

Why Daily Dog Walks Are Worth It — Even in Winter

Physical health and mobility

• Regular walking helps manage weight, supports healthy joints and muscles, and maintains mobility — which is especially important as dogs age or if they have existing joint issues.
• Walking can help maintain healthy digestion and elimination routines.

Mental stimulation and emotional enrichment

• Winter walks allow your dog to experience different scents, sounds, and surroundings — a valuable outlet for their natural curiosity and energy.
• Walking together builds socialization and confidence, whether gently exploring familiar neighbourhood paths or discovering new routes.
• Daily walks also strengthen the bond between you and your pet, contributing to emotional well-being for both.

Winter Dog Walking — What to Keep in Mind

Because winter in British Columbia (and across Canada) often means cold, slippery sidewalks, de-icing salts, early dusk, and unpredictable weather, walking routines need a bit of extra care. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) emphasizes that pets are just as vulnerable as humans to frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-weather risks — and recommends limiting outdoor time, especially in extreme cold, while still ensuring pets get appropriate activity.

Here are some winter-walk considerations:

• Dress your dog for the weather if needed — a dry coat or sweater for short-haired or small dogs, and consider protective booties or paw balm if sidewalks are icy or treated with salt or de-icer. Wipe or wash paws after walking to remove salts or chemicals.
• Keep walks shorter and maybe more frequent instead of long treks, to avoid overexposure to cold — especially on very cold, windy, or icy days. If it’s too cold for you comfortably, it’s probably too cold for your dog.
• Be extra vigilant about hidden winter hazards — slippery ice, de-icer chemicals, antifreeze or toxic substances, or frozen water sources. These can injure paws, pose poisoning risks, or cause slips and falls.
• If your dog seems reluctant, lifts paws, slows down, shivers, or tries to turn back — these may be signs they’re too cold or uncomfortable. It’s okay to cut the walk short or switch to indoor activity that day.

By keeping walks safe, brief, and mindful, you can still enjoy the many benefits of daily movement — even through winter.

Walking + Rehabilitation — A Strong Team for Long-Term Health

Regular walking can work hand-in-hand with the rehabilitation and animal-wellness services available at Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital. For dogs of all ages — whether recovering from surgery or injury, managing arthritis, or simply wanting to stay strong and active — rehab offers a valuable way to complement daily walking.

Veterinary physical rehabilitation (sometimes called pet physiotherapy) uses many of the same principles as human physiotherapy: therapeutic exercises, targeted movement and strengthening, massage or manual therapy, hydrotherapy, laser therapy, and other modalities. These treatments help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, increase muscle strength and flexibility, and support overall mobility and comfort.

At Boundary Bay, our rehabilitation services are suited not only for pets recovering from injury or surgery, but also for older pets needing gentle joint support, overweight pets requiring low-impact exercise, and active pets who benefit from conditioning and muscle maintenance.

Rehab can be particularly helpful when walking alone becomes insufficient — for instance, when a dog struggles with stiffness, arthritis, or mobility loss. In those cases, combining rehab with tailored walks helps manage pain, slows progression of degenerative conditions, and improves their quality of life.

Looking Ahead — Healthy, Happy, Walking & Moving for You and Your Pup

As we welcome 2026, let’s reframe “walks” as more than just routine outings. Think of them as part of a year-round commitment to your dog’s physical and mental wellness (and yours as well). Combine daily (or frequent) walking with seasonal awareness and, when appropriate, the specialized support of rehab services like those at Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital.

This integrated approach — walking plus rehab when needed — sets the stage for long-term mobility, comfort, and vitality, no matter your dog’s age or health status.

Here’s to a year of strong paws, kind walks, and lasting wellness for your beloved pups.

 

 

 

FAQs

1. What is Walk Your Dog Month?

Walk Your Dog Month is observed every January and encourages dog owners to recommit to regular walking routines after the busy holiday season. It’s a reminder that daily walking supports physical health, mental well-being, and the bond between you and your dog — even during winter.

2. Why is walking my dog important in winter?

Winter walks help maintain mobility, support joint health, manage weight, and provide valuable mental stimulation. Even short cold-weather outings offer sensory enrichment through new scents and environments. Regular movement can also help older dogs or dogs with mild arthritis stay comfortable and active.

3. How cold is too cold to walk my dog?

According to veterinary guidance, dogs are vulnerable to frostbite, hypothermia, and cold-related discomfort. Very young dogs, seniors, small breeds, and short-haired dogs tend to be more sensitive. If temperatures are extremely cold, windy, or icy — or if your dog shows signs of distress — keep the walk brief or choose indoor activity instead.

4. How should I protect my dog during winter walks?

• A warm, dry coat or sweater for dogs with thin coats or low cold tolerance
• Booties or paw balm to protect against ice, snow, and de-icing salts
• Wiping your dog’s paws after walks to remove chemicals or debris
• Using a leash near icy areas or roads
• Walking during daylight or using reflective gear to improve visibility

5. What are signs my dog is too cold on a walk?

Common signs include shivering, reluctance to continue, lifting paws repeatedly, slowing down, seeking to turn back, or looking distressed. These signs indicate it’s time to head home and warm up.

6. Are short winter walks still beneficial?

Yes. Even brief but regular walks help maintain mobility, joint health, normal digestion, and emotional well-being. On difficult weather days, several short walks may be safest and most comfortable.

7. What if my dog can’t walk very far because of age, arthritis, or a medical condition?

Many dogs with mobility issues can still benefit from gentle, controlled walks tailored to their comfort level. Combining shorter walks with veterinary rehabilitation — such as therapeutic exercises or hydrotherapy — can greatly improve mobility and comfort.

8. How does rehabilitation help dogs who have difficulty walking?

Veterinary rehabilitation supports dogs by improving joint range of motion, building strength, reducing pain and inflammation, enhancing balance and mobility, and supporting recovery from surgery or injury.

9. What rehabilitation services does Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital offer?

• Therapeutic exercises and individualized conditioning plans
• Manual therapy and stretching
• Hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill exercise)
• Laser therapy
• Strengthening and mobility programs
• Weight-management and low-impact exercise plans
• Post-surgical recovery support

10. When should I consider rehab for my dog?

Rehab may help dogs with arthritis, post-surgical recovery, muscle weakness, mobility loss, excess weight, pain during walks, or declining stamina. If walking alone no longer seems sufficient, rehab can support long-term comfort and mobility.

11. Can walking and rehab work together?

Yes — walking supports daily mobility and mental enrichment, while rehab adds targeted strengthening, conditioning, and pain management. Together, they help pets stay active and comfortable year-round.

12. How often should I walk my dog in winter?

Most dogs benefit from one to two daily walks, adjusted for age, health, weather, and breed. In cold months, shorter but more frequent outings are often safest and most comfortable.