Dog Walk Essentials: A Fall and Winter Checklist

Quick answer: For an everyday walk, bring poop bags, a few treats, your dog's ID tag on the collar and, for anything longer than a quick loop, water and a folding bowl. In fall and winter, add something reflective or a light for dark evenings and a plan for wet or salty paws when you get home.

The everyday walk checklist

• Leash and collar or harness, with an ID tag that has your current phone number.
• Poop bags, and a few spares. A bag holder that clips onto the leash means you never leave without them, and refill rolls keep it stocked.
• Treats in a pocket or pouch, for recall and good manners around other dogs.
• Your phone, charged, especially on dark evenings.

For longer walks, hikes and car trips

• Water and a bowl. Dogs get thirsty in cool weather too, especially active ones. A collapsible travel bowl folds flat and clips onto a leash or bag.
• A small towel in the car for wet or muddy dogs.
• A longer line if you practise recall in open spaces.
• Know the rules. Check whether trails and parks require leashes.

Fall and winter extras

Be seen on dark evenings

Days get short fast in fall. A reflective collar or leash, a clip-on light, or a reflective jacket for you makes you both easier for drivers and cyclists to see. Our reflective rope leash has reflective threads woven into the rope. Walk facing traffic where there's no sidewalk.

Wet, cold and salty paws

Sidewalks across much of the US and Canada are treated with salt and de-icers in winter. Rinse and dry paws when you get home and watch for snowballs between the toes of long-haired dogs. Our guide to cleaning muddy dog paws covers a quick routine; a paw cleaner cup by the door makes it faster.

Keeping warm

Small, short-haired, young and senior dogs feel the cold most. A dog coat can help on very cold days. Shorten walks in extreme cold and watch for lifting paws, shivering or slowing down, which mean it's time to head home.

Hidden hazards

• Antifreeze can drip onto driveways and tastes sweet to dogs. Keep your dog away from puddles near parked cars.
• Frozen ponds and lakes may not hold a dog's weight. Keep your dog on a leash near ice.
• Fallen leaves can hide sticks, rubbish and mushrooms. If your dog eats something it shouldn't, call your vet.

A coming-home routine

1. Stop at the door and check paws for stones, ice or cuts.
2. Rinse or wipe paws, and dry between the toes.
3. Towel off a wet coat, especially the belly and legs.
4. Refill the water bowl.
5. Restock the bag holder so it's ready for next time.

Find more walk and everyday tools in Everyday Favourites.

FAQ

What should I bring on a dog walk?

At minimum: a leash, ID tag, poop bags and a few treats. For longer walks, add water and a folding bowl, and something reflective for dark evenings.

Do dogs need water on short walks?

On a short loop most dogs are fine until they get home. On longer walks, hikes, warm days or car trips, bring water and a bowl.

How do I keep my dog visible on night walks?

Use a reflective collar, leash or vest, or a clip-on light, and wear something reflective yourself. Walk facing traffic where there's no sidewalk.

How cold is too cold to walk a dog?

It depends on the dog. Small, short-haired, young and senior dogs get cold faster. Keep walks short in extreme cold and head home if your dog shivers, slows down or lifts their paws. Ask your vet about your own dog.