4 Pet Products You Need for Winter Walks

As the UK waves goodbye to the summer and autumn and winter roll on in, it kind of puts a somewhat different perspective on dog walks. No longer are your pre-7 am walks nice, quiet, sun-filled romps through the woods. They’re rain-soaked trudges through the local park and inward groans and signs as you realise you have muddy paw prints all over your back seat again.  

The thing is, your dog needs their walks even when it’s cold, dark, wet, and the wind is so biting you don’t think you’ll ever feel your fingertips again. And pet owners know this time of the year is the point when you need to pack away those cooling vests and get the winter walking essentials out, ready to tackle all kinds of weather, because yes, you’ll probably experience them all in one day!

So what exactly does your dog’s winter walking kit need to include?

A Good Harness

A good harness is ideal for most dogs. However, for flat-faced breeds where using a collar isn’t advisable, pullers who get so excited they can’t contain themselves, or those who have a track record of escaping and need to be double clipped at collar and harness, a solid and robust harness is vital come winter. To get your dog ready for the winter, you can find a range of harnesses for all breeds and activities at retailers such as Bunty Pet Products.

A Warm Coat or Jumper

Dogs can and do feel the cold, too. While it can be hard to tell if your dog feels the cold, a good rule of thumb is that dogs with short coats like chihuahuas, greyhounds, and whippets are more likely to get colder more easily than, say, your husky, who will be revelling in the drop in temperatures. Breeds with double coats are less likely to feel the cold. That being said, there is a range of dog coats and jackets on the market to help you give your dog the protection they need, if they need it. Your 4lb chihuahuas, who are shivering because one toe peeked out of the blanket, will definitely need a warm jumper; your Alaskan Malamute, who is currently buried under that random snowfall in December and is refusing to come indoors, probably not so much.

Protection Balms

The last thing you want is for your pup’s paws to become sore or damaged, especially if you’re walking on gritted surfaces. But it’s not just paws that can become dry or cracked in the winter; little noses can, too. This is where protection or soothing balms are a godsend.

Ideally, you want to use a pet-safe balm—a coconut one is often preferred by pet parents to put on their dogs’ noses and paws to keep them soft and supple. You can choose to use it before or after your walk or both to offer protection and support. 

Reflective or Flashing Lights

No one wants to lose their dogs in the dark, and if you have an off-leash lover or a tiny pup who is hard to see in daylight, never mind the dark, you need a flashing light or a light-up collar.

These illuminate in the dark and alert people to the presence of your dog in dimly lit areas, and also, as an added bonus, help you to find a rogue dog who has followed a scent somewhere they shouldn’t have – beagle owners, will get this! If you’re worried about dark walks, invest in a light for your dog’s collar or harness, or get a collar or harness with lights or reflective strips built in.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.