Winter doesn’t mean your doggy adventures have to stop – far from it! Frosty mornings, twinkling lights on evening strolls, and the excitement of bounding through fresh snow with your four-legged pals can make this season extra special for you. With a little preparation and the right gear, winter walks can be as joyful (and wag-filled) as summer hikes.
We’ve teamed up with performance dog gear company Ruffwear to help you make the most of winter walks. From reflective jackets to paw-protecting boots, their gear keeps dogs safe, comfortable, and ready for every winter adventure.
Looking for somewhere to stay this winter? Why not treat yourself to a winter adventure at one of our self-catering dog-friendly holiday properties? Click the button below to browse the possibilities.
Brighten up your adventures
Front Range Harness. Image credit: @ruffwear and @ruffwear_europe
Fewer hours of daylight mean more time walking in the dark, but this just makes the sparkle of winter all the more magical. Keep your pup visible and safe with hi-viz jackets and harnesses. For extra peace of mind, attach the Ruffwear Beacon Safety Light – it’s waterproof, rechargeable, and keeps your dog clearly seen from every angle, so you can both roam with confidence.
Lumenglow Hi-Viz Jacket: @ruffwear and @ruffwear_europe
The Lumenglow Hi-Vis Jacket keeps your dog highly visible with built-in reflective panelling, while also protecting against chilly winds. Perfect for frosty morning or evening walks.
The Front Range Harness and Web Master Harness in Blaze Orange are both bright, padded, and designed for comfort. With multiple lead attachment points, they’re versatile for every type of winter adventure.
Wrap up and roam
Vert Insulated Jacket: @ruffwear and @ruffwear_europe
Some dogs dash happily through icy puddles, while others give you that ‘nope!’ look at the first sign of frost. There are different types of dog jackets to keep pups snug, warm, and protected from wet and cold weather – from lightweight fleeces for crisp walks to fully insulated, waterproof coats for snow-filled adventures. A good jacket means your dog stays comfortable whatever the weather throws at you, leaving you both free to enjoy the journey.
The Climate Changer Vest provides cosy fleece warmth for crisp winter walks. It’s lightweight, breathable, and ideal for dogs who love to keep moving in the chill.
For damp or drizzly days, the Sun Shower Coverall keeps your pup dry and comfortable, so puddles and wet weather don’t slow down the fun. When it’s truly freezing or you’re venturing into deeper snow, the Vert Jacket offers insulated warmth for chilly conditions, keeping your dog cosy and ready for any winter adventure.
Paws for thought
Summit Trex Dog Boots: @ruffwear and @ruffwear_europe
Salt, grit, ice, and snow can make winter walks tougher on sensitive paws. A quick wipe down after walks keeps pads in top shape, while dog boots are a game-changer for winter adventures. Not only do they protect against chilly, slippery surfaces, but they also add extra grip for dogs who love to zoom through icy patches or snowy trails.
The Summit Trex Boots protect paws in icy, wet, or lightly snowy conditions, perfect for everyday winter walks where grip and comfort matter. For deeper snow adventures, the Polar Trex Boots provide extra insulation and rugged protection, keeping your dog’s paws warm, dry, and safe while exploring snowy trails.
Enjoy every moment
Above all else, winter walks are about slowing down and savouring the season with your best friend. Stop to watch your breath cloud in the crisp air, throw a stick or snowball, and treasure the joy your dog finds in every frosty sniff and playful bound. With a wagging tail and the right gear, you’ll both be ready to make the most of winter.
Stay at one of our dog-friendly holiday cottages
Dogs deserve a holiday too, even in the winter! So why not get your hound wrapped up in Ruffwear’s wonderful outdoor gear and prepare for adventure at one of our self-catering holiday cottages? We have dog-friendly accommodation all over the country suitable for winter breaks. Click the button below to browse our collection.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.