What do I need for winter?

[Bupster]

Hi everyone,

It'll be my first winter with the doggo, so wondering what others have for cold and wet weather walks - for the dog and yourselves.

For him, is it worth investing in things like drying coats or Equafleeces, and collar lights etc? He's four and a half months old at the moment so probably has quite a bit of growing to do!

For me, does anyone have any recommendations for warm winter boots that don't have laces? I've got wellies but I was thinking more of something shorter to pull on when the little sod wants to go out at short notice and I've carefully put my actual boots on top of the wardrobe so he doesn't eat them.

Our lab needs loads of exercise so out in all weather, but has never worn a coat or anything similar. His natural coat is fine in normal UK weather.

Plenty of layers/gloves etc for you though. Sorting a poo bag with frozen fingers isn’t easy 🤣

Welcome to the season of mud!

I have a couple of pairs of ankle length welly boots, easier to get on and waterproof. They are comfy for walking up to about an hour but for a longer walk I wear walking boots and alternate pairs to allow them to dry off.

For my dog I have a portable dog washer (it’s a battery powered jet wash) which you can fill with hot water and take in car/leave by door - depending on level of mud he either just gets a rinse then towel dried and into a drying coat or a bit of a shampoo.

I don’t put any coats or fleeces on him whilst we’re out walking as he’s a very ‘busy’ dog so would either get too hot or get stuck on something!

We find a drying coat really useful, and our cocker also has a waterproof coat for really wet days, and won't go out without it! A collar light or LED collar is useful if your pup will be off-lead on dark mornings or evenings.

I have some Joules short wellies (Rainwell) but am coveting a pair of Merry People Bobbi boots, although they're quite pricey.

Depending on the type of walks/location, (our dog gets v early beach walks):
H - Head torch
Dog rechargeable LED collar
Me - waterproofed (waxed material) baseball cap, which I wear under a hood in the hope that the peaked cap, stops my specs from being squalled on!
also wind proof gloves (neoprene type material) that has finger tip/palm grip pads.

A full length waterproof coat - ankle length to save your bottoms getting wet/muddy. I bought a lighthouse full length wax type one and it's brilliant. The main thing I look for is a big hood that actually lips over your head and face.

I've gone off wellies even though I've always bought very well ones. Just don't find them comfy. I wear a pair of joules walking boots and they've been brilliant. Third year wearing them and they've been in the washer too.

We have an LED collar we put on him for walks in the dark and we wear LED belts ourselves just so cars can see us. We also have couple of glow in the dark balls!

Plenty of towels, I just use cheap ones in dark colours. And my mum bought us a thing with a pump and a hose which holds warm water for washing the dog down before getting back in the car.

Oh yes and as PP have mentioned head torches and a long warm waterproof coat are useful.

Things I find invaluable:

LED collar to see the dog
Head torch to see the poo I am picking up
Thin but warm gloves (e.g. running gloves) so your hands still work but the chill is gone
Muckboots
Microfleece towels because they are so quick and easy to wash and dry
A drying robe - but to be honest I don't use it as much as I should

A really good carpet cleaner is also very useful.

I love Grubs Midline short wellies, neoprene lined, good grip on slippery mud, and I can happily walk 10+ miles in them. I have long wellies too, but the Grubs are best.

Mine have a selection of Equafleece jumpers, tankies and full suits. Expensive to buy new, especially for a growing dog, so look on Vinted and eBay and you’ll recoup your outlay when you sell them on. Wash at 30, or even just rinse them, never use fabric conditioner, it’ll stop them being showerproof. We have coats by Danish Design and Muddy Paws for when it’s really raining hard or snowing, to wear over the Equafleece.

They have rechargeable light-up bands but I seldom need to walk in the dark.

Noodle bath mats are great indoors or in the car, and I dry the dogs with old teatowels as they’re small.

Most young, fit and healthy dogs do not need a coat and remember they can hinder movement and body language. That said some are happier with them on. I'd leave that and see how you go. I have always had short coated easy to dry clean breeds though.

A good pair of wellies - you get what you pay for. I have Aigles which I like. I can walk miles with no issues.

An LED collar can use useful if you walk in low or poor light. The solid and not the flashing are less distracting for the dog.

Lots of towels.

My advice would be - don't spend a fortune on anything for a puppy. They grow so quickly and are liable to chew things, so it's really not worth the investment.

I don't walk my dog in the dark as our lifestyle just means we don't need to, but I would recommend a light that attaches to the collar (rather than a light up collar) so that as the puppy grows, the light can just be moved onto the new equipment - Illuminobi are a really good, UK brand to look at.

Instead of a puppy drying coat, a cheap, towelling type dressing gown from a charity shop works just as well and isn't going to have you stressing when it inevitably gets ripped or they outgrow it after two months.

A head torch is a good investment for you (so you have your hands free), as well as fingerless gloves, good quality waterproof trousers (and jacket) as well as decent socks and boots. I would have two of everything so that you're not having to put damp stuff on for your second walk

I have these boots

https://www.keenfootwear.co.uk/products/womens-greta-tall-boot-waterproof-black-black-plaid

I can pull mine on but they have a zip down the side too.

We have drying coats for after walks, they don't wear anything out and about generally unless there's going to be lots of sitting around.

Towels. Lots and lots of old towels. A drying coat can be useful but I'd never walk them in a coat - they'd overheat and most dogs don't like them. I have le chameau wellies and a percussion coat and I'm good to go. Love Açai trousers too.

A good door mat to help soak up wet muddy paws coming through the door!

Head torch
LED colour
High viz
Long coat
Old towels

Mine are wimps so have plenty of equifleeces , they have padded coats for really cold weather . Reflective bands for the rare occasions we walk in the dark . The car boot has a lining to capture the mud / wet from walks and wet wipes to clean paws before we go in to house .

Me I have long leather boots and hiking boots for winter , jackets from joules and fat face and am about to buy one of these as I found a dry robe coat too bulky

vivimari.co.uk/products/raincoat-drops-olive-black

I just bought an electric boot dryer from Amazon. Dries and warms boots, gloves and hats.

My dog is elderly with medical problems so I drive him to the field or somewhere soft to walk . I keep my boots in a bag in the boot and have a boot jack so that the inside of the car stays clean , he has a doggy drying robe for the car . I wear Dublin river boots which have lasted well and are more comfortable to walk in than most wellies .

Some great advice here op. Enjoy winter walks with your doggo - with the right kit it’s great!

My dog, long haired, refused to wear any sort of coat when she was younger even in the coldest weather but as she's aged, now 13 years old, she appreciates her rain coat and in really cold weather likes the inner fleece.

I used to wear wellies but have found that good, waterproof walking boots are far more comfortable and warmer.

Obviously, warm gloves, hat and coat is essential but the best thing I bought, which I didn't get until dog was around middle aged, are my fully lined waterproof trousers; keep the mud off, keep you dry obviously, and with the added bonus of keeping my legs really warm, even in the coldest weather. Absolutely essential in my opinion.

Mine have Equafleece but rarely use them, but Ruff and Tumble drying coats have been in constant use this summer. When I take them just for a short loo walk, first thing and last in the dark, I use a yellow lead and flashing lights, plus a head torch for me - that was an absolute gamechanger.