Snowing + Dog Park = Bad Math (Especially for Senior Dogs)

Researched: Emily Ridyard

Date: January 30th, 2026​

It’s been very cold lately, and my dog Bane has been acting up — not because he’s naughty, but because he doesn’t really register how cold it is when he’s standing outside. He’ll just… stand there. Until he’s freezing and uncomfortable.

That always makes me feel guilty.

Since it’s snowing today, I briefly thought about taking him to the dog park — but I did my homework first.

❄️ Snowing + dog park = bad math

(especially for Bane)

🐕 Bane (12 y/o, joint issues, cold-sensitive)

Dog parks in the snow are rough because:

• Cold + standing around = joint pain spike
• Dogs stop moving → freeze → shiver → stiffness
• Wet snow + paws + salt = discomfort and risk
• Excitement masks pain → crash later at home

He won’t tell you “this hurts” in the moment.

He’ll tell you tonight.

🐾 Houdini & Bowie

(my younger dog and my dad’s younger dog — chaos gremlins)

Even for younger dogs:

• Snow = slippery footing → strains
• Cold wind = facial discomfort
• Dog parks are unpredictable in bad weather
  (amped dogs + less owner control = nope)

🧠 Vet-CSR ruling

(the kind we’d give on the phone):

“On snowy days, we recommend skipping the dog park — especially for senior dogs or those with joint issues. Short, controlled walks are safer.”

That’s the official line. And it’s right.

✅ What to do instead

(so they’re not feral by 6pm)

🟢 Better options today:

• Short leashed walk (5–10 minutes)
• Sniff walk, not exercise walk
• Indoor enrichment:
  
• scatter treats
• puzzle toys
• gentle play
• 
  
• Warm, dry paws immediately after

Skipping the dog park today isn’t being overprotective — it’s being realistic, especially with aging joints and cold weather.

#thevetcsr 🐾❄️

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