How to Walk Your Dog in the Rain or Snow
Before you walk your dog in the rain or snow, dress it in a jacket or raincoat to keep it warm and dry. If there's ice on the ground, put dog boots or paw wax on your furry friend's paws so they don't get cold or damaged. You might also want to put a reflective collar on your dog so it's more visible outside, especially if it's raining or snowing a lot. Don't forget to set a clean towel next to the front door so you can dry your dog off when you get back from your walk!
Put a vest on your dog. Some dogs are equipped for cold weather, such as Alaskan huskies. Other dogs, particularly small dogs, have more trouble in cold and snow. A dog coat can help keep your dog warm in bad conditions. You can also add reflective tape to the vest for visibility. Look for dog coats online or in your local pet store. Consider a rain jacket in wet weather. Not all dogs will wear a rain jacket, but it can help keep them dry when you're out in bad weather. Most pet stores sell rain jackets for dogs, and you can also find them online. Protect your dog's paws. Ice and snow can be hard on your dog's paws, especially if you're walking in areas where there might be salt on the ground. To protect your dog's paws, consider using dog boots or paw wax. Dog boots are exactly what they sound like, shoes for your dogs. For most dogs, wearing shoes will take some getting used to, so practice inside first by putting your dog's boots on at slowly increasing intervals. Try applying a bit of paw wax nightly. One way to make it easier is to wait until your dog dozes off next to you. Keep treats nearby, and put one in front of your dog's nose, then gently massage the wax into each paw. When your dog wakes up, it will be distracted by the treat, plus you can offer more as needed. You should build up a good layer to help protect your dog's feet, but you may need to work up to doing all your dog's paws. Be sure that any paw wax is designed specifically to protect your dog's paws from snow, ice, and ice-melting chemicals. Choose a reflective collar. When it's raining or snowing, your dog will be less visible to traffic. A reflective collar, found at pet stores or online, can help. You can also simply add reflective tape to your dog's collar. Either way, making your dog more visible will keep it safer. You can add a flashing light instead. A “Puplight” also works well and combines a flashlight and a collar. Use a reflective leash. Like your dog's collar, the leash should also be reflective, making it more visible in bad conditions. You can buy leashes that are already reflective or add reflective tape to make them more visible. Ensure your dog has tags. In low visibility, such as when it's raining or snowing, you won't be able to see your dog as well. If it escapes the leash, you'll want to be sure your dog has information on it that will allow it to be returned to you. Reflective tags add another layer of visibility. Pick a route with less traffic. If at all possible, stick to areas where there's less traffic. Cars can give dogs some anxiety. Plus, if there are puddles, you and the dog will get splashed, which can cause chaos, particularly if your dog isn't a fan of water. Therefore, it's best to pick a less-traveled route if possible. Shovel snow. Some pets have a hard time getting through big mounds of snow, so try to shovel a pathway if you think your dog will have issues. In addition, they may slip and slide if it's icy underneath (and so will you), so it's best to make a clear pathway where you can melt the ice. Melt ice. Just like you, your dog can slip on the ice. It's best to melt any ice on pathways and stairways around your house. However, you shouldn't use salt, as that can irritate your pet's paws. Instead, stick to pet-safe ice melts, which you can find in some big-box stores, pet stores, and online. Pick up waste. It can be easy to think that your dog's waste will just disappear with the snow or rain. Often, though, it doesn't, leaving waste around when the snow melts, which is unsanitary and encourages cross-contamination among dogs (who like to sniff what's around). Just like any other time of year, pick up after your dog by carrying plastic bags with you. Rinse off your dog outside in rainy weather. If your dog jumped around in mud puddles, try rinsing your dog off outside with a hose if it's not too cold. If it is cold, try wiping your dog off with warm, wet towels just inside the door to get the worst of the mud off. Have towels ready. Whether it's snowy or rainy, your dog is likely to get wet on the walk. Make sure you have towels ready by the door so you can dry off your dog the instant you get home. It will keep the mess out of your home and make sure your dog is dry and warm. Have a hairdryer on hand. It's a good idea to also have your dog's hairdryer by the door when you come in. That way, you can dry your dog off with towels, then finish the job with the hairdryer, making sure your dog is thoroughly dry. Be ready with a wet rag in winter. If your dog won't wear boots, it's a good idea to wipe off its paws when it gets home. In winter, you'll find there may be extra chemicals on the roads and sidewalk, and your dog could lick them off its paws. It's best to give your dog's paws a quick wipe down with a warm, wet rag when you get home. Check for frostbite. When out in extreme temperatures, your dog is at risk for frostbite (just like you). Frostbitten skin will be pale and cold (even after being inside awhile), though it may also swell and turn red. Check your dog's nose, tail, ears, and footpads in particular. If you suspect frostbite, contact your veterinarian immediately and take the dog in for care. 
Put a vest on your dog. Consider a rain jacket in wet weather. Protect your dog's paws. Choose a reflective collar. Use a reflective leash. Ensure your dog has tags. Pick a route with less traffic. Shovel snow. Melt ice. Pick up waste. Rinse off your dog outside in rainy weather. Have towels ready. Have a hairdryer on hand. Be ready with a wet rag in winter. Check for frostbite. 