Most of us reach a point during winter where we want nothing but to sit on the sofa, cocooned in blankets drinking hot chocolate, right? Sounds heavenly. But guess what happens next in my little story.
My Cavapoo, "Bean" – who is admittedly adorable — trots up to me, begging me to take him for a walk with his big, wide, puppy dog eyes.
Unable to deny him, I unwrap myself from my winter cocoon and go and kit myself out for the walk. Thus, the question of the best dog walking attire comes up.
What should you wear when dog walking in winter?
In the winter, it's important to wear clothes that will keep you warm and dry. Layering is a great way to stay warm, as it allows you to adjust your clothing to the temperature.
You should read my review of the Equafleece dog coat here.
Some good options for walking in the winter include a base layer of "moisture-wicking material" * to keep you dry, a middle layer of insulation, and an outer layer that is wind- and water-resistant. It's also a good idea to wear a hat, gloves, and warm socks to protect your extremities from the cold.
Winter dog walking clothes need to be both durable and practical. Jackets should be waterproof and easy to wash, I don't know about you but I have a knack for getting mud on myslef!
You'll need access to lots of pockets for treats and poo bags as well.
By the way if you have trouble with your dog eating sticks or other things it shouldn't when out for a walk read my article here:. How to stop my dog eating sticks.
Moisture-wicking material*
Moisture-wicking material, is a type of fabric that is designed to draw moisture away from the skin and move it to the surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate more easily. This type of material is commonly used in athletic clothing, as it helps to keep the wearer dry and comfortable during exercise. Moisture-wicking fabric is made from synthetic materials, such as polyester, that are specifically designed to move moisture away from the body.
These fabrics are breathable and help to regulate body temperature, making them a good choice for active wear in a variety of weather conditions.
Layer upon layer
It is a good idea to wear layers so that if you do get too hot, you can easily shed a layer. Bodywarmers, fleeces and coats are all good news when walking your dog.
Later, we’ll find out about the best gloves for dog walking. For now, let’s find out more about winter dog walking outfits.
Winter dog walking outfits
When you walk your dog in winter, you’ll need some outerwear designed to insulate you from the cold. It’s also a good idea to avoid wearing anything that’s too tight, or anything you don’t want to get muddy or wet. The best outfits include:
- A warm dog walking jacket and coat to help you deal with the winter chill. A down jacket is insulated and filled with the feathers of geese or ducks to trap heat. You can always opt for a puffer jacket or ski-coat if you prefer.
- Warm trousers to trap your body heat and keep your legs warm.
- A polar neck jumper, so you can go the layering route and wear a vest underneath for extra warmth.
- Thick woollen socks.
- A hat, scarf, and gloves are a must too. The gloves you choose should be waterproof and comfortable, your hat should be close-fitting and washable.
- Walking boots or wellies. This is particularly important if you’re going to be trekking over muddy, wet fields. You’ll want to make sure you wear boots that give you a stability and support so that you don’t have any mishaps.
- As an accessory, you might want to take a torch with you if you and your dog are venturing out on dark winter evenings. Check out the best dog walking torch if you want to find a good one.
If you’re not sure how often you should walk your pup, check out my post on how much exercise a Cavapoo needs.
Now is the perfect time to find out how to keep your hands warm when dog walking and investigate the best gloves for dog walking.
How to keep your hands warm when walking your dog
It’s no secret that dog walking when it’s cold can be a bit miserable. But if you can keep your hands warm, it can make the whole experience more pleasant. Be sure to equip yourself with a pair of gloves to keep your hands warm and toasty.
Avoid basic, cheap gloves though otherwise you might discover:
- You don’t have enough insulation.
- There is not enough grip.
- The materials of gloves break down due to friction with the leash.
- They make you clumsy with your fingers, so you have to remove them to handle poo bags.
- They make it difficult to handle your smartphone when out walking.
Soon, we’ll discover the best gloves to buy for picking up dog poop. Next though, let’s find out about some of our favourite dog walking gloves to buy.
Best dog walking gloves
Here are 5 of the best dog walking gloves I’ve come across.
North Face Etip Glove
This is one of the best brands to plump for when on the lookout for reliable wear suitable for all condition.
They aren’t bulky and the fleece lining insides keeps your hands warm. They have good grip and are comfortable, allowing you to hold the dog leas without trouble. You can also use your smartphone easily, thanks to North Face’s UR technology.
SEALSKINZ Waterproof Gloves
These knitted gloves are super comfy and offer great protection against the cold. They are both water and weatherproof, with layers for added warmth.
Your hands won’t get sweaty, thanks to the breathable material. They also give you brilliant grip, so you’ll have no problem handling the lead and treats.
Men’s Winter Leather Gloves
This is a perfect option for men looking for a bit of class. They are leather gloves lined with velvet for fantastic insulation. The anti-slip palm means you’ll have great control of the lead even in rain or snow.
COTOP Outdoor Gloves
These gloves are a smart choice if you want a pair with excellent grip. The palm and all the fingers have a silicone mesh for grip, which makes using your phone simple.
They are also waterproof and easy to remove thanks to a clever zip on the side. You can also use the zip to adjust to different sized hands.
VBIGER Gloves
If you want something to keep you warm during a cold snap, why not buy a pair of waterproof VBIGER gloves, that are super useful in heavy rain?
They are made with top quality cotton to keep your hands warm, even in freezing weather. They have non-slip silicone coated palms to give you good grip. There will be no need to remove them to make calls ether, since you can use the thumb and forefinger to operate a touchscreen.
These gloves are particularly good for people who often walk in extremely cold, wet weather.
We’ve covered the best gloves for dog walking, but which are the best for picking up dog poop? Let’s find out.
Best winter gloves for picking up dog poop
Walkease are gloves designed for dog walkers. Here’s why they’re perfect for picking up poop.
- They have two pockets for poop bags on the back of each glove.
- The fingertips have synthetic grip, so you’ll have no trouble keeping hold of the lead. This feature is what lets you operate a smartphone easily, too.
- The palm is reinforced to make it easier hold the lead, and the grips on the fingers will make opening poo bags simple, so you won’t have to remove them to pick up your dog’s poop.
- They allow for good dexterity and comfort, so you can clip on your dog’s lead without taking them off.
In addition to this, they are waterproof, form fitting, and made of polyester with a polyester fleece lining that’s sure to keep you warm. They come with a clip to help you keep the gloves together.
By the way, you should read my article, if you are currently trying to potty train your new dog.
When is it too cold to walk your dog?
There isn’t a definitive answer to this question. After all, no matter how cold it is, your pup still needs exercise in winter. However, here are a few things to bear in mind.
- Consider the wind chill factor before taking your dog out, as it can make a difference to the feel of outside temperatures.
- If it’s snowing, it can make a dog walk a more uncomfortable, particularly if the snow is wet. Snow and moisture will lower the body temperature of both you and your dog much faster than would happen in cold air alone. If walking in snow, you should curtail the length of your walk to avoid any problems.
- Most smaller dogs like Cavapoos should walk for no longer than 20 minutes if the temperature falls below 32°F because they generally cope less well with low temperatures compared to larger dogs. If it’s below freezing, no dog should be out on a walk.
- Puppies and older dogs are much more sensitive to cold weather because they can’t regulate their body temperature as well as an adult dog in their prime. If it’s below freezing, you should only take them out to do their business in the garden.
If you’re wondering how to kit your pooch out for a walk in the cold weather, read this piece on winter coats for Cavapoos. Bean sure loves his!
Wrapping Up
I hope that the tips shared above will help you find the best dog waking clothes out there, to make winter dog walks more enjoyable for both you and your dog. Why not go and search for a fantastic dog walking coat and gloves now?
Read my post "How often should I let my dog out?"
You’ll now be in no doubt of what you should wear when dog walking this winter.
Have fun walking your pup and having wintertime adventures.
