People are being told to think “carefully before setting out” on the roads as bitterly cold conditions sweep across the country causing widespread disruption. Temperatures as low as -13.6C were recorded in Altnaharra in Sutherland in the Highland region of northern Scotland overnight.

With temperatures falling, it’s important to keep your dog warm during the wintry weather and when you take them out for their daily walk. So how do you know when it’s too cold to walk your dog and how can you keep them warm? Here’s everything you need to know.

When is it too cold to walk your dog?

With the UK in the grips of a cold snap many dog walkers are wondering when is it too cold to take their pets out for a walk. It can be a difficult decision when temperatures are low. Common sense must be taken into account when deciding whether or not to take your dog out for a walk in the cold and for how long you can expose them to the elements, while considering the benefits of exercise.

Academics from Tufts University, in Massachusetts, America, say any temperature between -1C and 4C could be “potentially unsafe” for small and medium sized dogs. Whilst for large dogs this is between -6C and 1C. They also advised that potentially dangerous temperatures are -4C for small dogs and between -4C to -9C for medium dogs, with them advising pet owners to not let their animals be exposed to such low temperatures for a prolonged period of time.

When is it too cold for a dog to sleep outside?

According to the SPCA dogs should not be kept in temperatures below 10C, it’s vital that during cold weather if you keep your dog outside of your home that they are kept warm and not exposed to the elements. They also “advise monitoring the temperature daily”.

How can you keep your dog warm?

Dame Jackie Baillie with staff at SSPCA’s Milton Rescue Centre in Dumbarton.

It’s important to keep your dog warm during unseasonably cold weather. Depending on the breed, some might have thick furry coats, so hold off on having these cut and let their fur grow out during the winter months.

If you have a short-haired dog you can help they stay warm by buying them a coat to wear in colder weather, this would need to be introduced gradually so your dog can get used to the coat and feel comfortable in it. If you plan to walk your dog at night it’s a good idea to invest in a reflective coat, along with a flashing collar or light attachment that will help both you and your dog stay visible on dark wintry nights.

Blue Cross recommend getting winter boots for your dog if they lift their feet, whine or stop walking because their paws are too cold. Booties can protect your dogs paws, but they will take some getting used to. Introduce your dog to them gradually in the house or on short walks. The advise to look for winter boots that have a good sole and velcro straps, if you dog does not like wearing them it’s important you don’t force them.

What advice is there for walking your dog in low temperatures?

There are lots of things you can do to keep your dog warm this winter. The Dogs Trust have put together eight top tips for keeping our four-legged-friends safe and warm when the temperatures start to drop. They are:

• If it’s snowing, keep your dog on a lead
• Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and an ID tag and is microchipped
• Wipe your dog’s legs, feet and stomach after walkies
• Never leave your dog in the car
• Don’t let your dog walk on frozen ponds
• Keep antifreeze away from your pet
• Make sure that both you and your dog are dressed appropriately for the weather
• Regularly check your dog’s leads, collars and harnesses