Thriving in Minnesota Winters
Ah, Minnesota winter… That magical time of year when the air hurts your face, your car won’t start, and your dog STILL insists on sniffing every. single. snowbank. I’ve lived through enough of them to know: surviving winter here isn’t about beating the cold - it’s about learning to work with it. When pets are part of your daily routine, there a few things you can to do make the season a lot more manageable (and a lot less frostbite-y).
Gear Up - Yes, for your pets too.
You have your coat, boots, gloves, and hat. Your dog, especially if they weren’t made for winter, need their own setup too. Short-haired breeds will benefit from a good winter coat and if you’ve ever seen a dog do the “one paw up, switch, one paw up” dance, you know boots aren’t just a fashion statement - they’re protection from salt and ice. You can also use paw wax on paws that are less tolerant of putting on boots for protection from the salt but it will do little to nothing for protection from the cold and wet.
Cats and pocket pets? They’re staying in, but draft-free cozy spots matter for them too. Bonus points if sunbeams and heating pads are involved.
In and Out’s aren’t just for California
When it’s subzero, dogs that aren’t built for winter need to be guided against long sniffaris on days when the air feels like shards of glass. Quick potty breaks, brisk walks, and back inside to that - that’s the rhythm.
This is the perfect time of year to break out the puzzle feeders, training games, and indoor fetch. The additional mental stimulation your dog will receive from these options will go a long way to help burn off energy when outdoors isn’t an option.
Salt, Ice, and Paw Patrol
Sidewalk salt is a necessary evil in the winter. It keeps us safe from slips, slides, and broken bones. But it’s rough on paws (imagine walking on your hands over salt-covered sidewalks, not fun). Make sure you’re using pet-safe de-icer on your own walkways, and encourage your neighbors to do the same, where possible.
Most importantly, wipe your dog’s feet after walks to avoid irritation and to keep them from licking chemicals later.
Find space for instincts
It’s the time of year perfect for hibernation. Going into the den and not coming out until spring. Just like us, that’s not realistic for your pets. Minnesota winters can feel endless. Just like you like being cozy, so does your best friend. Create a warm nook for your pet - a blanket fort for the cat, a heated bed for your senior dog, even just a quiet corner away from drafty doors. They’ll thank you with extra snuggles.
Don’t Forget the Fun
Yes, it’s cold. Yes, it’s exhausting. But snow zoomies? They’re worth the frozen fingers. Some dogs LIVE for bounding through drifts, rolling in fresh powder, or leaving pawprints where no one else has walked. Let them have their moment (safely) - it’s joy you can get in on too.
The Bottom Line
Surviving a Minnesota winter is all about balance: safety, warmth, routine, and a little bit of play. If you and your pets can laugh at the frozen nose-hair moments together, you’re doing it right.
And if you need backup for those midday walks when the thermometer dips to “nope”? That’s where I come in.