Don't Hibernate: How to Safely Hike With Your Dog This Winter
Photo credit @longhaultrekkers
The winter months are actually a great time to take advantage of empty trails and enjoy some snowy activities with your dog. Provided you continue to follow social distancing guidelines and pick less crowded trails, you don’t have to give up the outdoors this winter. Getting outside during the cold months helps immensely from those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder and the fresh air just feels good after spending so much time indoors.
Dog owners should be aware of the differences in playing outdoors during the winter versus in warmer weather. Read about how to safely hike with your dog this winter below and check out some favorite cold weather gear for dogs.
HYDRATION
Trudging through snow can be pretty challenging! This is why winter hikes generally take longer than they do during other times of the year. While the pace is slow going, moving forward requires more effort. What this means is that both you and your dog will need to consider hydration on winter excursions. Bring plenty of water for both you and your dog. An insulated water bottle will prevent the water from freezing.
Remember that waterways may likely be frozen, so if your dog is accustomed to drinking out of streams or lakes on hikes, that might not be an option. Don’t forget to bring a bowl for your pup! Collapsible bowls are great because they can attach to your backpack or fold up into a pocket for easy access. The Ruffwear Quencher fits into just about any pocket and is easy to carry anywhere.
Photo credit @longhaultrekkers
PAW ABRASIONS
You know how dry and chapped your hands and lips get during the winter? The same thing can happen to your dog’s paws. Snow and ice can be rough and cause abrasions and cracking. Check your dog’s paws regularly while out on hikes and look for any cuts or scrapes. This doesn’t happen to all dogs. Those who hike regularly will likely have calluses that prevent cuts, but be sure to check to make sure.
Additionally, snow has a tendency to ball up in between the webbing on dog toes, which can cause a lot of pain. If you notice your dog limping while you’re out in the snow, check for these pesky ice balls and remove them.
Applying a paw wax like Musher’s Secret before and during hikes is a great way to prevent cracked paws and snowballs from building up.
EYE PROTECTION
Eye protection for dogs is not something that you may have ever thought about before, but like humans, dogs require eye protection.
Specific breeds especially, like Border Collies, Huskies and other breeds with light-colored eyes are prone to eye diseases like pannus and cataracts. Those who live in and spend frequent time outdoors in high altitude should also consider eye protection for their dogs.
Winter is not the only time of year that dog owners should consider eye protection, however, the sun reflecting off the snow can cause a lot of strain on the eyes. Think about when you go skiing and how blinded you are when you take off your goggles.
RexSpecs makes high quality dog goggles that are designed for active dogs. They protect the eyes from diseases caused by UV exposure, as well as debris from sticks and rocks that could get into their eyes.
Photo credit @longhaultrekkers
Photo credit @longhaultrekkers
DOG JACKETS
Aside from keeping your dog warm, dog jackets double as a way of keeping dogs dry and clean, which makes for cleaner cars and houses after a winter adventure!
While not all dogs require jackets in cold weather, there are some breeds who should always have jackets, specifically dogs with short hair. Even dogs with thicker fur can get cold, so it’s important to monitor your dog and see if they are shivering at any point while you are outside.
Know and understand the signs of hypothermia. Puppies and senior dogs are especially susceptible to extreme temperatures. Look out for the following symptoms:
- Shivering
- Pale, white gums
- Lethargy
- Frostbite, especially on the paws
- Fur and skin are cold to the touch, especially on the ears
- Low heart rate
If you believe that your dog is suffering from hypothermia, get them back to the car as fast as you can. Remove any wet gear and warm them up slowly by using blankets and the car heater. Doing so too quickly can jolt their system and cause other problems.
Voyagers K9 Apparel makes breed-specific rain and winter jackets for dogs, as well as custom coats for mixed breeds. Having a jacket that fits your dog perfectly will ensure optimal warmth.
For longer days or for those who live in especially chilly locations, Hurtta North America has a selection of wonderful winter jackets for dogs of all sizes.
PLANNING
Winter days are much shorter than those long, full days of summer, so plan accordingly. Don't leave for a 10-mile snowshoe at 2PM, you won’t be back before dark and could risk hypothermia.
Plan your hike around the daylight hours and be sure to check when sunrise and sunset occur for the day you intend to get outside. Always bring a headlamp and extra layers in case you do get caught after dark. You may also want to consider a light up collar, like the one from Nite Ize so you can see your dog in the dark. It’s helpful, even if they are walking on leash!
Additionally, make sure to bring along an offline or physical map of the trail. Snow makes even trails you know by heart look completely different. Falling snow can cover the tracks you created on the way out. It’s very easy to get lost in a field of white where everything looks the same. And of course, don’t forget extra snacks for you and high calorie treats for your dog. Ruff Bars are always a favorite!
Photo credit @longhaultrekkers
TRAIL HAZARDS
Snow-covered trails sure are pretty, but remember that the snow and ice can create a number of trail hazards. Avalanches are among the most concerning. If you do not have experience or avalanche training, stick to trails that have no to little risk and don’t allow your dog to run around off the trail. Check with a local avalanche center before planning a hike.
Ice, of course, is a concern, while dogs are pretty adept at navigating different terrain, ice can catch anyone by surprise and they could slip and fall, causing injury. Lastly, snow creates tree wells and false bridges over water. Dogs running freely off the trails can fall into tree wells and become stuck. Similarly, they can fall into rivers and become hypothermic quite quickly.
Dog booties like the Grip Trex Dog Boots from Ruffwear can help protect dog paws from the elements and also give them additional grip on slippery surfaces. Winter is a great time to get outside and try some new sports with your dog. It’s a great way to stay in shape during the winter, and dogs just absolutely love to run around in the snow.
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Jen Sotolongo, Long Haul Trekkers | @longhaultrekkers
Jen is the author of the Essential Guide for Hiking with Dogs & blogs at Long Haul Trekkers, a leading resource for adventure dogs and their humans. She is also a freelance writer, photographer, and dog mom, of course. She loves trail running, hiking, and camping in the mountains. She is born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and lives in Bend, OR with her rescued cattle dog mix, Sitka.